Radiant Heating and Cooling Systems
with Capillary Tube Mats
KARO offers water-based radiant heating and cooling solutions for residential, commercial and public buildings. Capillary tube mats integrated into ceilings, walls and floors provide comfortable indoor temperatures through large thermally activated surfaces.
The hydronic systems operate with low heating water temperatures and comparatively high cooling water temperatures, making them suitable for modern heat pump systems and low-temperature energy concepts.
Hydronic capillary systems for climate control in all types of buildings.
The Idea: Learning from Nature - Thermal Comfort for Buildings
Learning from nature means learning to optimize: Over millions of years, nature has developed a highly effective system for transporting heat and fluids - the capillary network. Is it possible to apply this evolutionary technique to buildings? Of course it is!
Thermal Life
The heart of the KARO principle is a closed hydronic system of thin tubes. Just as blood vessels are located directly under the human skin, the capillary tube mats are located just below the surface of the walls, floors and ceilings. Cold or hot water flows through the network, bringing comfortable temperatures to the rooms. Welcome to our approach to heating and cooling, inspired by nature.
Just as blood circulation gives life to people, capillary tube technology gives thermal life and comfort to buildings.
Origins of the Capillary Tube Technology
Birth of the KARO Idea
In the 1980s, German engineer Donald Herbst was looking for an efficient, energy-saving way to control the temperature in homes. He was impressed by the fascinating capillary network of plants and animals. Following nature's example, he designed a mat of thin, fast-reacting tubes that replicates the capillary network.
The name "KARO" is an acronym of the German word "Kapillarrohr" - meaning capillary tube.
It stands for innovative, hydronic radiant heating and cooling systems. Our partners around the world are qualified, experienced specialists in HVAC and indoor comfort based on the KARO idea.
With KARO, you can be sure to always get the best solution for your climate needs.
Radiant Heating
We are familiar with the principle of radiant heat from the natural world. For centuries, people have enjoyed the comforting heat of the sun and an open fire. Just like nature, capillary tubes use liquids to transport heat because water conducts heat 23 times better than air. That is why surface heating can operate at low temperatures. Compared to air-conditioning systems, it saves energy and contributes to a significantly lesser extent to emissions of greenhouse gases.
Capillary Tube Mats Give Off Heat Evenly
Any floor, wall or ceiling can be transformed into an invisible radiant heating system. The walls distribute heat evenly throughout the room, storing it to maintain a constant temperature without causing air turbulence or dry air. Thanks to their low height, the heating systems disappear inside the walls, providing more living space.
Our KARO partners will design a tailored and cost-effective system solution for your specific project. Check them out!
Radiant Cooling
Waterways regulate our climate reliably and effectively. Capillary tube mats use similar principles to control room temperature and air quality. Radiant cooling can operate with small temperature differences between the capillary tube system and the room temperature because it takes advantage of large thermally activated surfaces. Combined with natural air mass exchange, the temperature is evenly distributed throughout the room without disturbing air turbulence.
A Cool Head Thanks to KARO Systems
Too much heat quickly has a negative effect on people's comfort and ability to concentrate. A chilled ceiling or wall provides a comfortable coolness without freezing. The network of capillary tubes directly below the surface evenly removes excess heat radiation without creating unpleasant cold or draughts. Offices with KARO hydronic systems remain refreshingly quiet.
Our partners can also integrate the innovative radiant cooling technology into existing buildings.
Thermal Comfort with Radiant Heating-Cooling
Our radiant heating and cooling solutions ensure maximum indoor comfort by providing quiet and pleasant temperature control. As a closed, water-carrying system that radiates heat over large areas, it does not raise dust and therefore helps to reduce germs and pathogens in the air. Capillary tube systems not only keep rooms at a comfortable temperature, but also provide a healthy room climate. More and more hospitals around the world are equipping their rooms with hydronic radiant heating and cooling systems.
Silent, Pleasant, Healthy
The KARO principle offers great flexibility. Radiant heating and radiant cooling work with the same system. This saves space and avoids double installation costs. Our systems are suitable for any type of building, whether new or renovated. They can be flexibly adapted to different surface structures and leave many creative possibilities for architecture and interior design.
KARO is like a classic English butler: You don't see it, you don't hear it, but it's always there when you need it. Make KARO your indoor climate butler!
Interested in our Solutions? Check our List of KARO Partners
Would you like to find out how KARO capillary tube systems can pleasantly control the temperature in your building too? Then contact a KARO partner in your region. They will be glad to consult you.
Want to become a KARO partner?
There are no KARO partners in your region? You are interested in becoming a KARO partner? Please send your project and/or company details directy to BEKA. We will get back soon.