In-Floor Heating Gives Perfect Home Comfort

One of the most soothing types of home heating solutions is the radiant heating or in-floor heating, as it is sometimes called. It is called in-floor heating because that is where the heat is circulated from and gives off a radiant heat that provides perfect home comfort. This type of system supplies the warmth directly to the tiled floor in order to warm the people in the room. The heat radiation is sometimes referred to as infrared heating and is similar to the heat that is provided by an element on a stove that you can feel across the room. 

There are many advantages of in-floor heating, and there are different types, as well. Each room can be adjusted to a preferred level, whereas other systems heat the entire house with one thermostat. Furnaces run continually and can drive up electricity, but the in-floor heating is separately controlled so it can be regulated better. There are three types of in-floor heating solutions available, and each has its own advantages. 

Electric In-Floor Heating

This type of radiant heating uses electric cables placed into the flooring and isn’t as cost effective as the hydronic method. The electricity costs run higher in some states and that would be a deciding factor. Most often, the electric company will charge too much to run, unless the cables are built into a very thick concrete floor that will act as a thermal mass for retaining heat. If you charge the heating elements throughout off peak hours though, it could actually save money on electricity. If the concrete thermal mass is thick enough, it can hold the heat for about ten hours. Add-on rooms would be a nice place to install the electric in-floor heating instead of having to extend the current heating system to heat the extra room. 

Hydronic In-Floor Heating

The most popular of the radiant in-floor heating system is also the most cost-effective of them all. The hydronic system uses liquid for warming the rooms as it pumps heated water through tubing from a boiler. The tubing is laid out in a pattern below the floor that runs the length and width of the room. Each tubing loop is filled with hot water that is regenerated by adjusting the room temperature control. Zoning valves, thermostats, and pumps make up this heating system. The installation needs to be done by professionals, and the cost varies by company and location. 

Air-Heated In-Floor Heating

Air-heated radiant floors are not as cost effective as the others are when used for residential purposes. The reason is that air pumping through the floors cannot hold heat unless coupled with solar heating and cooling systems. With the solar heat systems, there is still a need to run a furnace at night for heating the home, driving up the cost to run. This kind of in-floor heating system can be advantageous in certain areas, but are seldom installed in residential applications. Speak to your local HVAC expert about the options that would be best for you and your family. The in-floor heating of your choice will provide a cozy atmosphere and a perfect home comfort.