Radiant heat
An electrically generated heat source for individual rooms and areas, cove heating employs radiant heat to warm the room and objects in the room. Coined “cove heating” because it is installed where the cove used to be in older room designs, individual heating units are mounted on the wall 2 1/2 to 4″ below the ceiling, allowing homeowners unrestricted use of floor space.
Cove heating efficiency
Electric heating units are the most efficient heating systems available today, and cove units take full advantage of electricity’s efficiency.
Cove heating units are mounted near the ceiling so that the radiant panels direct heat downward across the room, without being blocked by furniture and other objects. Radiant heat warms people directly, creating comfort conditions similar to that of the sun. Cove heating can be regulated by a wall-mounted thermostat and each room can be controlled independently, letting you maintain multiple temperature settings throughout your home or office.
Because radiant heat warms inanimate objects in its path, walls, floors and even furniture absorb heat and provide a “heat reserve” which helps keep the room warm. In addition, a small amount of heat generated by the cove heater element is not radiated, but actually warms the surrounding air and wall and ceiling surfaces, initiating a convection-type flow of heated air which further adds to the warmth of the room.
Cove heating design
An electric element in the cove heating unit warms an aluminum panel coated with a special vitreous enamel. This panel, in turn, radiates heat outward into the room — much like solar energy is radiated by the sun — providing exceptional levels of comfort.
Directed heat energy
Actually, heat energy does not rise — heated airrises. Heat energy can be directed, just like heat energy radiated by the sun’s rays. When you stand in the sun, you feel warmer. The same principle applies with cove heating. Even with the thermostat lowered, radiant heat keeps you feeling warm.
Insulation is still important
Like any type of heating system, cove heaters work best when the home or building is properly insulated. Insulation is designed to keep heat in the desired area of your home or office. No matter how heat is generated, if it is lost due to poor insulation, additional heat must be generated to maintain the desired temperature.
Flexibility in design
There are several sizes and wattages of cove heaters available which can be used in homes, apartments, offices, schools, medical facilities and more. Almost any enclosed area, properly designed and insulated, can benefit from a cove heating installation.
No special ventilation, chimney or air distribution system (ductwork) is required, so installation is easier and less expensive. Plus, additions and remodeling projects are simplified since cove heating is so versatile and easily adaptable.
Safety in placement
Cove units, of course, must be installed properly, just like any other heating unit or appliance. Cove heating units are installed on the wall near the ceiling, safely away from children or furnishings. Cove heaters are flameless. There are no fumes or soot generated, and no hazardous fuels are brought into your home or building.
If you have questions, contact Cornhusker Public Power District at 800-955-2773.
