Everything You Need to Know about This Popular Heating and Cooling Option
Radiant floor heating is a great investment that can be customized to fit your heating and cooling needs, keeping you cozy all year round. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about heated floors:
How Does the System Work?
A radiant floor heating system circulates warm water through flexible tubing called PEX, which is placed either underneath or in your flooring. This produces a sensation more similar to warming up in the sun, where people and objects touching the floor will be warmer, instead of raising the air temperature like a traditional furnace system does.
Can The Floor Become Too Hot?
No. A properly-designed system will be able to heat the floor so you are comfortable. It is perfectly safe to walk, sit, or lay on a floor while it is radiating heat. If a room requires more heat, it’s even possible to add a radiant system to the walls and ceiling.
Will I Need a Separate System for Heating and Cooling?
Radiant floor systems can be used to raise or lower the temperature in your home. It all depends on which rooms you want heated floors in, the heating and cooling requirements for your home, and your personal preferences. This is a system that can be customized to fit your lifestyle and needs. It’s also common to have heated flooring, a furnace, and air conditioning working together to maintain a comfortable home.
How Long Will the System Last?
A high-quality radiant heating system can last for over 35 years with proper maintenance, compared to a furnace, which lasts for about 20 years. Proper care and maintenance of a forced-air or radiant system will always increase the life span of the product, allowing homeowners to get the most use from their investment.
Will It Limit the Flooring Materials I Can Install?
No, this system is designed to work with any type of flooring in a home. Carpet, wood, slate, tile, stone, laminate, and even concrete are all available to you with radiant floor heating. However, certain materials may work more efficiently, so consult your HVAC installer to discuss your options.
How Much Does It Cost?
Instillation costs can vary depending on the size and layout of a home. Radiant systems can be a larger upfront investment than their forced-air counterparts, but they will use less energy to heat your home and provide more even coverage heating. Homeowners also tend to find that they don’t need to set their thermostat as high with a heated floor as with the alternatives. This means that although the upfront cost might be higher, a heated floor will save you money on monthly utility bills, paying for itself over time.
Radiant floor heating is a great option to satisfy your heating and cooling needs in your home. If you have any other questions, please contact an HVAC specialist in your area.