Anyone who has ever experienced in-floor radiant heat already knows this is a home improvement-remodeling project that will leave you feeling warm and happy.
Just imagine being able to step onto the bathroom or kitchen tile in your bare feet first thing on a cold winter morning…without big furry slippers. That, in a nutshell, is the joy of in-floor radiant heat.
There are, of course, many other advantages. In-floor radiant heat provides a more even heat distribution throughout the home. It radiates heat for a longer period of time than most other systems, making it more energy efficient. It is quiet. There are no more hot air vents and baseboard heaters to try to work your furniture around. And did we mention how great it feels on your feet?
There are three types of in-floor radiant heat systems: hot water radiant floors, radiant air floors and electric radiant floors. Hot water, also known as hydronic, systems and electric radiant systems are the two types that are most popular with homeowners undertaking a home improvement remodeling project.
A hydronic system works by pumping heated water from a boiler through tubing laid underneath the floor (either embedded in a concrete slab or underneath the subfloor between the joists. A system of zoning valves and thermostats controls the temperature in each room.
A hydronic system works best when installed throughout the home. An electric radiant system, on the other hand, can easily be installed in a single room and controlled by a dedicated thermostat, allowing it to supplement the main heating system. Putting electric radiant heat in the bathroom, for example, can cost as little as $500 to install and very little to operate.
Thin heating cables under the floor is the basis of an electric radiant heating system. The thin cables don’t raise the level of the floor too much and are easy and quick to install — making them a great choice for homeowners who are either remodeling a room or looking for a home improvement project to feel good about.
Although a handy do-it-yourself homeowner can install either an in-floor radiant heating system there are key parts of the actual installation that are best left to the professionals. An electric system involves hooking up an electrical circuit. A hydronic system involves boilers and circulation pumps. Both, generally speaking, not skills most homeowners are comfortable with.
Most homeowners opt for ceramic tile over the in-floor radiant heating system, although other hard surfaces also work well. Carpet can diminish the heating effect somewhat but can also be used.
There are many new products in this market that make this heating option both easy and affordable, such as the EasyFloor system from the Florheat Company. This system comes in a modular format that is a cinch to assemble and can be put together to fit any floor plan. It can be purchased as a whole kit or as individual components.
Check out: www.florheat.com/easyfloor.htm for more information.
