Messana Hydronic Technologies was founded with a vision: to create heating and cooling solutions that deliver unparalleled comfort and efficiency. While radiant heating is already well-established in Europe as the most comfortable way to condition a space, Messana set out to innovate further by integrating hydronic radiant cooling.
Interview with Saul De Los Santos, Marketing Coordinator at Messana Hydronic Technologies.
A brief description of the company and its activities.
Saul De Los Santos: In 1998, the first radiant ceiling drywall panel was developed for the European market, marking a significant milestone in their journey. Since then, Messana’s co-founders have brought this advanced technology to the United States, becoming industry leaders in high-performance hydronic systems for high-end residential applications.
Today, Messana continues to refine its offerings, providing a comprehensive comfort package that can be customized to meet the unique needs of any project.
A Messana system may feature:
- Hydronic Controls (Messana Controls)
- Room Comfort Sensors (mSense)
- Radiant Heating and Cooling via Ceilings, and/or Floors (Ray Magic®)
- Hydronic Fan Coil Integration
- ERV/HRV Integration
- Humidifier/Dehumidifier/Air Treatment Unit Integration
- Domestic Hot Water (DHW) Integration
- Energy Source Management
What are the main areas of activity of the company?
S.D.L.S: While Messana occasionally provides custom solutions for commercial projects, the company’s primary focus is on high-performance residential applications. These projects emphasize maximizing comfort while leveraging cutting-edge, energy-efficient building technologies.
Messana Controls is designed to manage a wide range of complex hydronic systems, but most clients utilize Messana Controls alongside mSense room comfort sensors to enable safe, efficient, and effective radiant cooling output.
What’s the news about new products/services?
S.D.L.S: Messana has recently expanded its product offerings with two significant additions to the Messana Controls lineup. Previously, the WHITE SERIES mBox served as a customizable and scalable solution for managing hydronic systems, paired with mZone modules to adapt to the needs of larger or more complex projects. Now, the new BLACK SERIES controls simplify this approach by offering compact, all-in-one solutions for small to medium-sized systems: the mBox 5 (managing up to 5 zones) and the mBox 10 (managing up to 10 zones).
In addition, Messana has introduced a low-mass radiant floor system to its Ray Magic® lineup, specifically engineered for radiant floor cooling applications. The new Ray Magic® TF 00 panel system is self-adhesive and pre-formed with knobs to simplify the installation of overpour radiant flooring with regular or lightweight concrete. With a 2-inch tubing spacing multiplier, the TF panels are optimized to deliver maximum heating and cooling performance, seamlessly integrating with modern heat pump technology.
What are the ranges of products/services?
S.D.L.S: – Messana Controls
- mBox + mZone modules (>10 zones)
- mBox 5 (5 zones)
- mBox 10 (10 zones)
- mSense room comfort sensors
- mDisplay
- Messana Web Portal/Mobile App
– Ray Magic®
- Ray Magic® NK Radiant Ceiling Panels
- Ray Magic® TF 00 Radiant Floor Panels
- Ray Magic® Commercial Radiant Ceiling Panels
– Air Units
- Air Treatment Units
- Hydronic Fan Coil Units
– Hydronic Accessories
- Modular Manifold
- Thermal Actuators
- Pre-insulated PEX
What is the state of the market where you are currently active?
S.D.L.S: The hydronics industry in the United States is steadily evolving, fueled by the growing demand for energy-efficient and sustainable HVAC solutions. While hydronic systems have long been the standard in Europe for both heating and cooling in residential and commercial applications, the U.S. market is still in its growth phase. However, it is quickly catching up, thanks to factors such as the rising adoption of heat pump technology and increasing awareness of hydronic efficiency and comfort.
At Messana, we are excited about the future of the hydronics industry in the United States. With advancements in technology and a growing focus on sustainable building solutions, we see tremendous potential to redefine comfort and efficiency in US HVAC systems. As leaders in high-performance hydronic solutions, we look forward to playing a key role in shaping the next chapter of this dynamic and evolving industry.
What can you tell us about market trends?
S.D.L.S: As heat pump technology continues to gain traction and energy efficiency standards become more stringent, the U.S. hydronics market is poised for significant growth. European manufacturers, along with innovative U.S. companies, are actively educating the market and showcasing the benefits of hydronic systems for modern building applications.
What are the most innovative products/services marketed?
S.D.L.S: The most innovative products Messana markets are our Ray Magic® radiant panels and Messana Controls, which together enable safe and effective radiant cooling—a groundbreaking advancement in hydronic HVAC systems.
Radiant cooling offers exceptional comfort and efficiency but comes with the challenge of managing condensation. Messana addresses this with Messana Controls, which work in tandem with our mSense room comfort sensors. These sensors continuously monitor the environment’s dew point temperature, allowing the system to adjust the supply water temperature to the panels in real time, ensuring efficient cooling while avoiding condensation.
Our Ray Magic® radiant panels further enhance this innovation. Designed for use in radiant ceiling, floor, or wall installations, these versatile panels seamlessly integrate with Messana Controls to deliver unmatched comfort and energy efficiency. This combination of advanced control technology and adaptable panel design positions Messana at the forefront of modern hydronic HVAC solutions.
What estimations do you have for the rest of 2024?
S.D.L.S: 2024 has been a year of growth for Messana, and we’re excited about what’s to come. With new, innovative projects on the horizon for 2025, we’re looking forward to continuing to lead the way in the hydronics industry with our cutting-edge HVAC solutions.
The future looks bright for the hydronics market, and we’re thrilled to be at the forefront of this evolution, empowering builders, designers, and homeowners with advanced solutions that redefine comfort and efficiency.