The major difference between cooled ceilings and air conditioning is the heat transport mechanism. Air conditioning uses convection only using air distribution through ductwork, but radiant cooling uses a combination of radiation and convection. The amount of radiant heat transfer can be as high as fifty five percent, while convection accounts for the remainder.

Cooling nonresidential buildings in the U.S. contributes significantly to electrical power and peak power demand. Part of the electrical energy used to cool buildings is drawn by fans transporting cool air through the ducts. Traditionally, HVAC systems are designed as all-air systems. Hydronic radiant systems are air-and-water systems that separate the task of ventilation and thermal space conditioning by using the primary air distribution to fulfill the ventilation requirements, and the secondary water distribution system to thermally condition the space. These systems reduce the amount of air transported through buildings significantly, because the ventilation is provided by outside air systems without affecting the recirculating air.

Radiation provides most of the cooling, using water as the transport medium. Thanks to the physical properties of water, hydronic radiant cooling systems can remove a given amount of thermal energy using less than 5% of the fan energy that would otherwise be necessary. The separation of cooling and ventilation task not only improves comfort conditions, it also improves indoor air quality as well as the control and zoning of the system.

Another benefit is that the ventilation systems (DOAS System) and their duct work need only about 20% of the space requirements of conventional HVAC systems, reducing cost for hydronic cooling. Togather with efficient ventilation systems and humidity control, the hydronic radiant cooling system provides advantages over conventional HVAC systems that are worth considering during the building design.

Capillary mats used for cooling in public buildings. These includes: hospitals, office buildings, libraries, museums and nursing homes. Same Capillary mats can be used both for heating and cooling. Proper piping configuration is required to achieve this.