A popular way to heat homes and shops, radiant floor heating works by channeling heat into the floor and relying on infrared radiation to send it upwards, throughout the room. This is more efficient compared to forced air, which loses heat en route from leaky ducts. A room always feels warmer if the floor feels warm.
Two different types of radiant floor heating are common nowadays: hydronic (water) and electric. It depends on the circumstances and money available on which one makes the most sense for you.
Hydronic radiant floor heating is generally the most effective and cost efficient method. A boiler or water heater gets the fluid to temperature, and it is then pumped through a network of PEX pipe under the floor, only to return to the boiler or heater. Quite often, the piping is embedded in a concrete pad as the building is first constructed.
Electric radiant floor heating can be much simpler and faster to install than the hydronic version, although it may also cost more to operate. Cables or a mat are placed under the flooring, and electricity is hooked up to it to create heat. This system doesn't have a boiler, pumps and valves, or piping to install, so it is more suited to smaller and tighter spaces than hydronic setups.
To decide if radiant heating is right for you, estimate costs of a traditional forced air system and monthly operating costs. Then, research online or at the local hardware to find out how much a radiant heating system will cost you and approximate monthly costs. In the case of new installations, in floor heating will probably come out on top.
For a do it yourself installation, the homeowner will need to have some plumbing and/ or electrical know-how. A hydronic system will have tubing and valves, pumps and a boiler to install, as well as electrical connections. For either type, you may need to hire an electrician for final hookups. It will also be necessary to remove, replace or install flooring materials. A basic set of carpentry tools and some general renovations or construction experience would be very helpful to you.
All in all, in floor radiant heating is more cost effective and efficient than forced air heating. It also provides a gentler and more pervasive heat in the home, making it seem warmer and cosier.
Two different types of radiant floor heating are common nowadays: hydronic (water) and electric. It depends on the circumstances and money available on which one makes the most sense for you.
Hydronic radiant floor heating is generally the most effective and cost efficient method. A boiler or water heater gets the fluid to temperature, and it is then pumped through a network of PEX pipe under the floor, only to return to the boiler or heater. Quite often, the piping is embedded in a concrete pad as the building is first constructed.
Electric radiant floor heating can be much simpler and faster to install than the hydronic version, although it may also cost more to operate. Cables or a mat are placed under the flooring, and electricity is hooked up to it to create heat. This system doesn't have a boiler, pumps and valves, or piping to install, so it is more suited to smaller and tighter spaces than hydronic setups.
To decide if radiant heating is right for you, estimate costs of a traditional forced air system and monthly operating costs. Then, research online or at the local hardware to find out how much a radiant heating system will cost you and approximate monthly costs. In the case of new installations, in floor heating will probably come out on top.
For a do it yourself installation, the homeowner will need to have some plumbing and/ or electrical know-how. A hydronic system will have tubing and valves, pumps and a boiler to install, as well as electrical connections. For either type, you may need to hire an electrician for final hookups. It will also be necessary to remove, replace or install flooring materials. A basic set of carpentry tools and some general renovations or construction experience would be very helpful to you.
All in all, in floor radiant heating is more cost effective and efficient than forced air heating. It also provides a gentler and more pervasive heat in the home, making it seem warmer and cosier.
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