Radiant Floor Heating: An Overview
Can anyone really turn down the sensation of walking barefoot on a heated floor? Whether you are simply embarking on a renovation or taking on the task of building a new house, why not consider installing radiant heating (commonly known as underfloor heating).Radiant floor heating is an energy-efficient way to keep your home warm throughout the cold winter months. Here is some information that you might not know about this wonderful invention, and all of the benefits that come along with its installation.
What Exactly is Radiant Floor Heating?
Radiant floor heating is an under-the-floor heating system that conducts heat throughout the entire floor surface rather than through the air, which is what conventional forced-air heating systems do.
Did You Know?
Radiant floor heating was actually invented by the Romans, who had their slaves fanning wood-burning fires under elevated marble floors.
How Does Radiant Floor Heating Work?
There are two primary types of radiant-floor heating systems, the first, being electric, which is made up of heat via electric wires and the second being, hydronic, which consists of heat being created and spread out via hot water tubes. Both of these options are then buried underneath the floor to create radiant floor heating.
Here is a Brief Look at How the Two Compare
Electric radiant floor heating systems are often seen as being easier and more affordable to install, however, they end up being more expensive to operate on a day-to-day basis. Thus making them ideal for heating small areas. Whereas, hydronic systems are much more affordable to operate, meaning that they work well for large floor areas and even entire houses. This form of radiant heating flooring, however, does come with higher initial costs because they are more complicated and intricate to install as they require heated water from a boiler or a water heater.
What are the Benefits of Radiant Flooring Heating?
Not only does radiant floor heating keep your toes warm, but it also ensures that the rest of your body will be kept at a safe and comfortable temperature. Unlike conventional heating systems, when you use radiant flooring heating, waves of infrared radiation rise from the floor warm up the building mass. This ensures that heat is not lost to surrounding surfaces. In a conventional forced-air heating system, heated air (along with any dust and allergens in the area) rise to the ceiling and then lower again as the temperature lowers. This can make it challenging to keep your toes warm, even if everything above your shoulders is boiling.
Are There Any Drawbacks to Radiant Flooring Heating?
The biggest drawback to a radiant-floor heating system is that it is difficult to install after a floor is already in place. However, if you go into the project knowing that you will end up with new floors too, it can make the cost and time more acceptable. That said, there are new products, such as electric radiant pads, that can be installed between the joists that are located underneath your floor, while they do require access from below via a basement or crawl space they do provide an additional option and cause a little less hassle.