Below, we get into some of the specifics about the amount of electricity heated floors use. The good news is, not only is radiant heat comparable, but the efficiency of the system will likely save you money in the long run. St.One of the most common concerns about radiant heat flooring is the amount of energy the system will consume and its comparison to other services. For best performance, use these materials only for electric radiant heat on a timer.Ĭarpeting tends to work like a pot holder does for a hot pan, insulating you from the heat, so is not recommended flooring. Engineered wood performs slightly better, but shares some of the temperature limitations of vinyl and laminate flooring. Real wood floors tend to eventually dry out from radiant heat, causing shrinkage, cracks and gaps. Follow the example of the ancient Romans and use stone, concrete or ceramic tile flooring. Radiant floors need materials that naturally conduct heat while withstanding direct contact with high temperatures. It adds to your comfort in specific situations rather than act as a primary heat source, so it integrates very well with existing forced-air systems. They work best in small areas as on-demand heat controlled by a timer, making them ideal for bathrooms, mudrooms or sunrooms. These systems are more affordable and easier to install, which makes them ideal for remodeling projects, but cost more to operate on a daily basis, increasing your electric bill. Electric Radiant Floor HeatingĮlectric radiant heat is a series of electric wires buried under the floor and controlled by a thermostat. Systems can be installed on the underside of floors, such as the basement ceiling, but this tends to reduce the conductive effectiveness. This increases the thickness of your flooring. It needs to be installed between existing subfloor with new flooring above it. The water system works best when used across the entire home (similar to a radiator system) or large floor areas, and run constantly during cold weather to maintain an even temperature. Starting from scratch adds considerable start-up cost, but in both situations your energy bills will not dramatically increase, and may decrease over time. Known as a hydronic system, heated water from a boiler is pumped through a network of piping under your floors.įor homes with a boiler system already in place, hydronic heating can be cost effective. The ancient Romans figured out the law of physics around heat and invented the water-based radiant system still in use today. Can increase energy efficiency Hydronic Radiant Floor Heating.Will not dry out your skin or sinuses, does not rob air of moisture.Better air quality, eliminates blowing dust from ductwork.Increases comfort with constant, low heat.Quiet way to heat with no visible ducts, radiators or holes.Let’s take a quick overview of the details of radiant floor heating. With a radiant floor heating system, heat begins at the base and slowly conducts upward, keeping you consistently warm in the process. With a forced-air system, heat is pushed to the ceiling and you wait for it to drop down as it cools. If you feel uneven heating in your home during cold weather, you’re experiencing the physics of air movement.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |