Hydronic comfort systems offer several advantages over forced air. Circulating water requires less energy than blowing air through ducts. Ducted systems are notoriously leaky, which reduces system efficiency and indoor air quality. Forced air systems can harbor dust and organisms that reduce indoor air quality and might affect occupant health. Blowers, cabinets and ducts consume considerable space inside a building.
Hydronic systems are quiet, easy to zone, and often allow unrestricted furniture placement.
They are well suited to high-efficiency heat pumps. These advantages support the idea that thermal comfort could be provided by a hydronic system, while indoor air quality and moisture control could be provided by a much smaller fresh air ventilation system. Types of Hydronic Cooling Residential and commercial buildings can incorporate hydronic cooling in several ways. Cool water is circulated through tubes to each room or zone. Convectors Baseboard convectors are the most common distribution method for hydronic heating.