How can a ceiling mounted heating system be efficient? Doesn't heat rise?
This is a common conceptual misunderstanding. In reality it is the hot air that rises, not the heat. Remember this is a radiant system; here heat moves by radiation not though air convention. In fact, this replicates the heat radiating from the sun's energy. For example, even at low air temperatures in a mountainous area it is possible to feel comfortable because sunrays warm the skin.
Moreover, since the Planterm® system works at low operative temperatures, the typical air movements due to the convection phenomenon are very limited.
What is being heated are the surfaces and the people in the environment, without wasting energy by heating air that constantly flows outside of the building, thus generating heat losses.

How much time does the system require to bring the room to the ideal temperature?
The time required to reach the ideal temperature depends on the starting temperature of the room but Planterm® takes only a few minutes to be in steady state conditions.

How much does such a system cost?
While the cost varies depending on the heating and cooling loads required by a certain space, our product is competitive with quality radiant floor systems.
However, there is the added economic benefit of the ceiling gypsum board that already comes with our product. Also, compared to a traditional forced air system, mechanical ducts may not be needed except in some cases for ventilation.
In the end, the final cost also depends on the chosen energy source, whether it is provided through a heat pump, solar panels or a traditional boiler.

Does the system qualify toward LEED points?
Yes, it is a green solution with its low energy use and air quality since there are no dust or allergens being circulated in the environment (such as happens with the forced air systems). Also, there's no operating noise.
Just like nature, Planterm® uses liquids to transport heat because water conducts heat 1000 times better than air.
Heating and cooling with Planterm® cuts energy consumption; this conserves resources and reduces CO2 emissions.
Radiant systems are adaptable to various energy-efficient heat sources, including geothermal, solar and waste, as well as free sources of energy such as biomass.

What are the advantages of radiant ceiling?
There are several advantages compared to a floor system. The most notable are:

1. Better energy efficiency due to the fact that the radiation from the ceiling quickly reaches every body in the room as opposed to floor systems that encounter impeding masses such as thick flooring materials and furniture. Those only absorb and waste the radiation and don't allow for an even distribution of heat in the room. A more even distribution of heat is what allows the Planterm® system to operate at relatively low temperatures without energy waste.
   
2. There are no issues due to the comfort of the lower limbs because they are not directly in contact with the heating surface.
   
3. Cooling is done in a much more efficient way since there are no issues of condensation, which also leads to a slippery surface. The ceiling cooling capacity is three times that of a floor cooling system.
   
4. Finally, in the case of retrofits, it is usually much more economical to add the Planterm® panels to an existing ceiling or ceiling framing rather than disrupting an existing floor and without altering the floor height.

What are the structural and functional issues with the ceiling heating and cooling system?
The screwing pattern and typology closely resembles the mandated codes for drywalls. Planterm® provides installation instructions and suggestions for the most common ceiling-roof framing situations.
It can be applied directly to the underside of rafter-joists as well as being dropped on a regular soffit framing.