Radiant floor heating systems are a great way to take the chill out of winter and keep your feet warm all year round. If you want radiant heat, there is no better time to get it than now! With radiant floor heating systems, you can enjoy cozy warmth without the downsides that come with traditional methods like gas or electric space heaters. This article will help you understand what radiant floor heating is, how it works and why so many people love radiant floors.

Understanding Your Radiant Floor System

Radiant floor heating systems are a great way to warm up a room without using up too much energy. They work by running water through hot (or cold) radiant tubes hidden beneath your hardwood floors, carpeting, tile, Linoleum, or concrete floors.

This radiant heat warms the air in the room, which can save you money on your heating bills and make life more comfortable for you and those living with you. Radiant floor heating systems have many benefits but also some drawbacks that we'll discuss a little later.

In this article, we will explore three main radiant floor heating systems; electric, water-based, and air floor heating. Among these three types, electric and hot water heating systems are the most common.

Hot Water Radiant Floor Heating Systems

Warm-water floor heating is often used to keep large swaths of floors warm. A real benefit of hot water radiant floor heating systems is that they warm an area very evenly and efficiently. This type of surface heating typically runs at the building phase, and is usually embedded in an area's structure. It can be added later, but if you include radiant heating in your custom home build from the beginning, you won't be sorry!

Electric Radiant Floor Heating Systems

Electric radiant floor heating systems use electric elements to heat your floor. They can be laid down under virtually any floor making it extremely convenient. They are easy for builders to install and are great for those who want control over their heating costs with the ability to turn the system on and off as needed.

Radiant Floor Heating Systems Pros And Cons  

Pros of Radiant Heating Systems:

Quiet

Radiant heating systems are silent. Many people enjoy this aspect of this style of heating.

Efficient

You’ll feel more comfortable in a room with radiant floor heating, and while it might not eat up as much energy as traditional systems, your heating bills can still be lower because of it. It works under a variety of flooring types, so you don’t have to settle for a carpet when installing hardwood floors or vice versa

Virtually Maintenance Free

Consistent Heat

Radiant heating systems are a good choice for homeowners who want to keep the temperature of their living space more consistent. This is because heat doesn't escape from cold areas or the ground.

Easier On Allergies

Because radiant heating is a ductless system, it doesn't blow dust and allergens around your home like a forced air system does, making it easier on those that suffer from allergies.

Cons of radiant floor heating systems

The con of radiant floor heating systems is cost. Electric floor-heating systems typically cost between $10 and $20 per square foot, but if your area's electricity rates are high the cost of operating these systems will increase. This issue is often mitigated because the radiant floor systems can be controlled with a thermostat to save energy. Yet, you'll want to look into the long term operating cost to make sure it makes sense for your area.

You can see an Operating Cost Calculator here.

Does radiant floor heating increase or lower energy costs?

The answer is pretty simple. You will see an increase in your electricity bill, but it will most likely be offset by significant savings from reductions in your overall heating bill.  

Hydro-test systems (or hydronic heating) are more expensive upfront than electric systems, as they require a boiler and gas lines. However, if the house has multiple rooms with radiators, the cost per square foot will be much lower because each room shares this expense.

Conclusion

Radiant floor heating systems are a great way to stay comfortable while keeping your energy bills low. The radiant heat can be a lot lower than other types of heating, so it works well under a variety of flooring types without detracting from the beauty of your home. They are low maintenance and radiant floors get high marks from those that have them.

Talk to Bianchi-Tillett Developers today to see how you can include a radiant floor heating system into your custom home design today!

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