With energy cost savings of anywhere from 10-30% for residential use and potentially 60% in commercial usage, radiant floor heating offers a more efficient solution to heating needs.
The radiant floor allows for more flexibility over your thermostat. It can increase the quality of life in the home to a large degree as well.
What Is Radiant Floor Heating?
A coiled system installed under the floor. It works by conduction of heat rather than forced-air and fans. Radiant heating is used in any setting, home, or commercial. (parentishealth.com)
The Two Main Types of Radiant Heating
While the two styles of radiant heating use different methods of getting there, the result is the same. A huge difference between the two is the process and timing of the installation, depending on what system you are installing.
Electric
An electric system is made up of thin mats, most often laid under tile and laminate.
An electric system is the easier choice when it comes to retrofitting an already existing building. The process is much less involved and invasive than installing a Hydronic system, which comes, primarily, with brand new construction.
While this is the easier of the two to outfit a room, it is still best that you get in touch with a professional. The experts at Heavenly Heat Inc. offer a one-stop-shop for any of your electric floor heating needs.
From a fresh install to maintenance and repair, Heavenly Heat can deal with any concern.
Hydronic
As the name suggests, hydronic systems heat via the pumping of water. Plastic tubing snakes through the floors of the building and water runs through these tubes when active.
The major downfall of a hydronic system is the cost of install, compared to the electric systems. Fitting an already finished building with a hydronic system is not cost-effective.
Though, they are better at full home heating because of how they integrate into the structure.
The Benefits of Installing Radiant Floor Heating
The wallet isn’t the only place that is getting some relief when using radiant heating. Since your home is where most time is spent, it should operate at the highest levels of comfort available.
Allergies and Comfort
The nature of radiant heating systems lends to a much higher level of air quality. With these systems, you are not forcing air from room to room.
Because there is less disturbed air, there are fewer chances for dust, allergens, and other mites to travel from room to room and into the air.
Dry air is a constant problem homeowners have to deal with, in winter months especially! The use of a furnace only makes that problem worse. They suck up the moisture and lower humidity in the home. This leaves you with drier air which in turn can lead to dry skin, sinus problems, and many other health concerns.
Low Levels of Maintenance
Because there are no ducts and far fewer moving parts, there is less need for regular maintenance.
Radiant systems have a flexible set up and can run off any type of energy source, gas, oil, solar, or otherwise. You can tailor your set up to fit what is not only cost-effective but available.
Consistency
With rising heat from the floor, there will be no cold spots depending on where you are in the room. Heat is traveling upward from the floor rather than outward. This heats an entire room rather than heating “zones.”
Warm Home Happy Home
The investment, without a doubt, pays for itself over time. With heightened comfort levels to lower energy bills, there is no reason to pass up radiant floor heating during your refresh or a new build alike.
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