In our last article, we talked about the maintenance of in-floor heat, and maybe that was the first time you had thought about radiant floor heat and the possibilities it offers your home. Let’s review the different

Types of Radiant Floor Heat

There are two types of radiant floor heating systems: Electronic & Hydronic System

Electric Radiant Heat

Electric Radiant Heat uses electric heating wires or heat mats to heat the floor. Installation is quick and energy efficient.  Cost effectiveness to run the system depends on the cost of electricity for your area.  Electric radiant heat can be retrofitted into an existing home providing you can access your floor joists. Regular maintenance isn’t required, but it should be done.

Electric Radiant Heat uses zigzagging loops of resistance wire, which is generally retrofitted to a single room.  When trying to decide which room to add electric radiant heat to, the bathroom, kitchen, laundry room are usually at the top of the list. The floors in these rooms are generally tile, hardwood, laminate or vinyl and this is where radiant heat feels the best on the feet.

Hydronic Radiant Floor Heat

Hydronic systems use heating pipes under the floor that are heated by a boiler system which carries hot water. Long-term this system is less expensive than using electricity to heat the floor; however installation of the floor is a bit more expensive.  The hydronic system works better in new builds when you are going to be heating the whole home, than in existing building.   This type of radiant heat does need require regular maintenance.

When setting up the radiant floor heat, you want to think in terms of heating zones. This makes it easier to control the amount of heat going to different rooms.

Whether you use electric or hydronic radiant floor heat both are more energy efficient that forced air heat and you won’t have cold floors or air pockets of cold air around your house.

When you are ready to review the different types of radiant floor heat for your home, contact JOB Heating and Air Conditioning.