Radiant heated floors are floors in which heat is transferred directly to the surface of the floor through radiant heat transfer from a hot surface underneath it in most cases by electric heating coils or water-heated tubing.
Radiant heating is a more efficient system compared to baseboard heating and forced air heating because it eliminates chances of duct loses. Duct loses lead to wasted energy and money, inconsistent heating and cooling, and stuffiness in some areas of the rooms.
Radiant heated floors are therefore a good option for people with allergies because they don’t distribute allergens like forced air systems.
Types of Radiant heating floor systems:
There are three main types of radiant-heated floor systems:
Electric Radiant Floor Heating:
This system works by installing electric heating cables or mats installed directly under the flooring. The cables or mats are connected to a thermostat, which controls the temperature of the floor. This system is best suited for small areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
Hydronic Radiant Floor Heating:
They use a series of tubes installed beneath the flooring that circulate heated water or a water-antifreeze mixture. The heated water is supplied by a boiler, which is controlled by a thermostat. Hydronic radiant floor heating systems are more complex to install, but they are more efficient and can be used to heat larger areas.
Air-Heated Radiant Floor Heating:
This system uses a series of ducts installed beneath the flooring to circulate heated air. The heated air is supplied by a furnace, which is controlled by a thermostat. Air-heated radiant floor heating systems are less common and less efficient than electric or hydronic systems, but they can be more affordable to install.
Benefits of radiant heating Floor Systems
Radiant heated floors enable uniform heating throughout the entire room
Radiant floor heating systems use a network of tubes or electric wires embedded in the floor which ensures that the heat is distributed evenly across the room. Forced air systems on the other hand use vents which are only located in a specific corner of the room.
This means that the area which is next to the vent will be warmer than the areas further across. Therefore, radiant heated floors eliminate cold spots and provide a more consistent temperature throughout the room for an even ambient temperature around a person’s body.
They are efficient
Radiant floor heating is very energy efficient, as it transfers heat directly to the floor and then radiates it throughout the room. This eliminates the need for air ducts, which can be inefficient and expensive to install and maintain.
Radiant floor heating systems are typically very efficient, with some systems reaching efficiency levels as high as 95% because there is no duct loss.
They can also help decrease the cost of energy bills because they require less energy. For example, in a day for a typical bathroom, it will cost a dollar or even less to run the system.
Other benefits of radiant heated floors include:
- Durability: Radiant heated floors are durable and can last for many years with minimal maintenance.
- Versatility: Radiant heated floors can be installed in any room of the house, including bathrooms and kitchens.
- Safety: Radiant heated floors are safe to use, as they don’t produce any open flames or hot surfaces.
- Radiant heated floors are also tranquil. Unlike traditional heating systems that can be noisy, with fans and blowers running constantly, radiant heating systems operate silently. This creates a more peaceful and comfortable environment, with no background noise to contend with.
Drawbacks of radiant heated floors
Radiant heated floors are a popular choice for many homeowners looking to upgrade their home’s heating system. While they offer several advantages, there are also some drawbacks to consider.
The initial Cost of installation is high
First and foremost, radiant heated floors can be expensive to install. The process of installing the tubing or electric heating elements beneath the flooring can be time-consuming and require specialized knowledge, which adds to the overall cost of the system. Additionally, if there are any issues with the heating system, repairs can be costly and difficult to perform.
Radiant heated floors take longer to heat up the entire room
Another drawback of radiant heating is that it can take longer to warm up a room than other heating systems, such as forced air or baseboard heating. This is because the heat is radiating up from the floor rather than being blown directly into the room. As a result, it may take longer to achieve a comfortable temperature in the space.
May not be good for certain floor finishes
In addition, radiant floor heating may not be suitable for all types of flooring. While it is compatible with most types of flooring, such as tile, stone, and hardwood, it may not be appropriate for some types of flooring, such as carpet or vinyl. This is because the thick layer of flooring material can act as an insulator, which can prevent the heat from radiating upward into the living space.
High cost of maintenance
Maintenance and repair costs can also be a significant drawback of radiant heated floors. Over time, the pipes or heating coils may develop leaks, which can be costly to repair. Additionally, if the flooring surface needs to be replaced, the heating elements will need to be removed and reinstalled, which can be both time-consuming and expensive.
Summary of the pros and cons of Radiant heated floors
| Pros of Radiant heating floor systems | Cons of Radiant heating floor systems |
| Energy efficiency: Radiant heating floor systems are more energy-efficient than traditional heating systems. This means you can save money on your energy bills while still keeping your home warm. | Higher installation cost The cost of installing a radiant heating system can be higher than that of traditional heating systems. This is especially true for hot water radiant heating systems, which require a boiler and a network of pipes. |
| Comfort: Radiant heating provides more even and comfortable heat throughout the room, without any drafts or cold spots. | Longer installation time: Installation of radiant heating systems can take longer than traditional heating systems. Depending on the size of the room and the complexity of the installation, it could take several days or even weeks to complete. |
| Space-saving: Radiant heating systems don’t take up any extra space in your home, as they are installed beneath the flooring. | Maintenance cost: While radiant heating systems generally require less maintenance than traditional heating systems, repairs can be expensive if something goes wrong. |
| Design flexibility: It can be installed under almost any type of flooring, giving you more design options for your home. | Flooring limitations: Not all types of flooring are compatible with radiant heating systems. Certain types of flooring, such as thick carpets, can reduce the effectiveness of the heating system. |
| Noiseless/Quiet: Radiant heating is virtually silent, which means you can enjoy a warm home without any distracting noise. | Slow response time: Radiant heating systems can take longer to warm up than traditional heating systems, which means that they may not be the best choice for homes that need quick heating. |
