It can be hard to get out of your nice, warm bed on a cold morning, especially when an ice-cold floor greets you. Fortunately, there is a solution: radiant floor heating. It’s a heating system installed under your floor, conducting warmth through your home from the ground up.
How Radiant Floor Heating Works
There are two main types of in-floor heating used in residential buildings.
Hydronic
In a hydronic system, hot water is pumped from a boiler through flexible PEX pipes under the floor. A hydronic heating system can be used to heat an entire house. Hydronic systems cost more to install than electric in-floor heating, but their operating costs are lower.
Electric
An electric heat system contains electrical cables that are installed above the home’s subfloor. Electric radiant heat is less expensive to install than hydronic systems; however, it’s more costly to operate. It is most often used in smaller rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Benefits of In-Floor Heating
Radiant floor heating generally costs more to install than a traditional heating system does. However, the benefits and the energy savings that in-floor heating provides make it a worthwhile investment. Here are some of the reasons to consider adding in-floor heating to your home.
Increased Comfort
In-floor heating takes the chill out of cold floors, so you can comfortably walk barefoot in any room of your house. Plus, radiant floors distribute even, consistent heat through your living space. You won’t need to worry about cold drafts or uneven temperatures.
Cost-Effective
Heat rises. With a traditional heating system, warm air rises to the room’s ceiling, then begins to dissipate. That’s why it can be so challenging to keep your feet warm even if the rest of the room is comfortable. Because radiant heating delivers warmth from the ground up, there’s no heat loss, and the room stays warm for an extended period. This means that your furnace will need to turn on less often. You’ll save energy and save money on your heating bills.
Reduce Allergies
Did you know that traditional forced-air heating systems can contribute to allergy symptoms? As dust, pollen, and debris build up in your air ducts, they can circulate throughout your home. In-floor heating does not use fans or blowers, so it does not release any allergens into the air. You’ll enjoy cleaner, healthier air quality.
It’s easy to see why so many homeowners select in-floor heating. The benefits to your home make it a solid choice.
