The operative temperature drops about 5 degrees F over the first six feet. People who expect even temperatures through the house might consider this a disadvantage. Occupants of the test house liked the idea. It allowed each person to find a comfortable spot in the same room, even though they had markedly different temperature preferences. Operative temperature is highest directly below the radiant panel, but declines gradually with distance.
Air temperature remains constant .
One discomfort complaint occurred when two people were sitting at the dining table directly beneath the panel when it cycled off. A review of the data showed that even though the air temperature did not change, the operative temperature dropped four degrees over about 20 minutes. Occupants not located directly beneath the panels reported no discomfort. The potential for discomfort can be reduced with careful panel placement. In this test, the panels were installed in an existing house.