Although not specifically intended as heat emitters, the copper tubing connecting the components of many hydronic systems certainly does release heat to its surroundings, compromising the system's ability to deliver heat precisely where and when it's needed.

Today, many residential and light commercial hydronic systems serve multiple and diverse loads, such as space heating, domestic water heating, pool heating and snowmelting.

The ability to function as both a heating and cooling system is the biggest attraction of heat pump systems, especially in mid- to lower latitudes.