We start every job with the goal of achieving around 70% ceiling coverage with the radiant panels. This is the amount we initially quote for a project. As the job progresses, we will re-evaluate the coverage using room by room load calculations to ensure that every room has enough cooling and heating capacity.
We typically shoot for about 70% ceiling coverage because it takes roughly 70% coverage to meet cooling loads, while heating loads are usually met at around 30-40%.
Although some clients may want to stop at 30-40% ceiling coverage for a heating-only system, using more panels increases the radiant surface area, allowing the hydronic system to use slightly colder water to heat the environment (~120°F to ~100°F), improving the energy efficiency of the hydronic system.
So, more panels = more output = more efficient!