Many people consider radiant floor heating (in floor) to be the most comfortable and efficiency way to heat a home. Imagine not having to tip-toe across the tile floor in your bare feet, but rather having your feet warmed by the heat emanating from the floor. The two main types of radiant flooring systems used for residential homes is hydronic (water-based) or electric, both with their advantages and drawbacks.
The primary difference between traditional or conventional home heating methods lies in how the heat is distributed. A conventional heating system uses forced air systems pushing the heated air through a network of ducts within the walls. Since warm air rises it tends to build up at the ceiling (ceiling fans can help push it downward), wheres radiant heated floor systems heat a home from the floor up.
Electric radiant heat flooring systems are comprised of a series of electric cables sandwiched between a subfloor and the main floor. These are usually less costly to install than their hydronic counterparts. The hydronic system is actually the type first developed. It consists of a series of pipes containing hot water that circulates under the floor.
Let’s discuss some of the pros and cons of Radiant Floor Heating:
* Pros:
* Potential savings on heating bills.
* More even distribution of heat.
* Humidifiers not needed.
* Quiet operation.
* Thermostat can be set lower.
* Compatible with all flooring materials.
* Great for people with allergies.
* Practically maintenance free.
* Cons:
* More expensive to install.
* Repairs, if needed, can be difficult and costly.
* Carpeting acts as an insulator and may impede the heating process.
* Hydronic systems required a licensed contractor to install and typically cannot be retrofitted without extreme difficulty.
The cost of a radiant floor system installed by Carlson Bros Mechanical Contracting is dependent upon factors such as new construction versus retrofitting, square footage of the home, whole house or just a few rooms, the type of installation, floor coverings used, location of the home (pertaining to ease of access), and labor costs.
Overall the long-term benefits outweigh any drawbacks as the initial costs to install are recouped in a few years time. Newer products have made the retrofitting process easier for many homeowners. Properly designed and installed radiant flooring is the most efficient source of heating available today. You can also connect with them on Facebook.
