Radiant panels are heat distributors which use radiation as the predominant method of heat exchange. They are usually mounted on walls or attached to ceilings. 

Radiation involves the transfer of heat across the intervening space between a hot body and an object at lower temperature, without the space itself being heated. Radiant energy will heat all surfaces which are in the direct line of sight from the panel, such as walls, floor, furniture and of course, the room occupants. 

A small proportion of heat is passed to the air adjacent to panel surfaces, thus producing convection currents. 

The amount of heat delivered by a radiator is largely determined by panel area and surface temperature. For domestic applications, radiator surface maximum temperatures are usually around 47-48°C. Where safety considerations apply, such as at NHS facilities, surface temperatures for wall-mounted radiators are limited to 43°C. Surface temperatures of ceiling radiant panels are higher. 

Radiant panels are usually controlled by room thermostat. They can provide heat at different times to multiple zones, as described under SAV’s 2-Zone compliance kit.