Radiant floor heating system has been a common trend in the United States for both new and retrofit projects. If you’re remodeling your bathroom or simply changing your floors, radiant floor heating is a great option to explore. While some may believe that radiant floor heating is an unnecessary luxury, the truth is that install radiant floor heating in your house, you may be able to eliminate the need for other forced-air heating systems during the chilly winter months.
We’ll cover everything you need to know about heated floors and radiant heat in this comprehensive guide, including how radiant floor heating works, the benefits and drawbacks, and more.
Table of Contents
I. Types Radiant Floor Heating Systems
Electronic and hydronic radiant floor heating systems are the two most common types.
Hydronic Radiant Floor Heating Systems
A hydronic floor heating system is a type of radiant floor heating that uses water to heat the floor.
To heat the floors, hydronic systems use heating pipes beneath the floor that are heated by a boiler system. The system is less expensive to run in the long run than an electric system, but the installation is substantially more expensive. Hydronic systems take longer to install than electric systems and are best used in new construction rather than retrofitting an existing home or business. A hydronic system, unlike an electric system, will need to be maintained on a regular basis.
Hydronic heating may not be sufficient if your home is particularly large, has a lot of windows, or has very high ceilings. Because they reach deeper under the floor and require greater height for the tubing, these systems are most commonly installed during new construction, full house remodels, or basement finishing projects.
Electric Radiant Floor Heating Systems
Electric radiant heating systems are a type of radiant floor heating system that uses electricity.
Electric heating wires are used to heat the floors in an electric radiant floor heating system. It only takes a few minutes to set up and is incredibly energy efficient. Electric radiant heat is also more cost-effective and easier to install (as compared to alternative heating systems), especially when long-term electricity expenses are taken into account. Electric systems also don’t need to be maintained on a regular basis. They’ve been set up and are ready to use.
II. Pros and Cons of Installing Radiant Floor Heating Systems
There are advantages and disadvantages to both electric and hydronic radiant heat. This list will separate them, highlighting any differences between the two types.
The Pros
Cost-Effective and Energy-Savings
Radiant heating systems, unlike gas or boiler-based systems, are energy-efficient and cost-effective. Traditional radiators must be heated to a temperature of 167 degrees Fahrenheit before they can heat a space. To warm the entire space, a radiant heating system only needs to reach roughly 84 degrees Fahrenheit. There will always be some duct loss with duct-based heating systems.
Radiant heating, on the other hand, heats the floors directly, resulting in minimal energy loss. Radiant floors are so energy efficient that they save you 15% on your heating expenditures on average.
Compatibility with Smart Thermostats
Our smart thermostats are compatible with Creston and Control 4 home automation systems, according to Warmup. They’re also Alexa and Google-compatible, making them simple to link into your existing systems. You may configure your radiant floors on a predetermined schedule using a smart thermostat to give stable and regular temperatures in your house or building.
Interior Design Has Fewer Restraints
Radiant floor heating eliminates the need for large radiators on the walls, allowing you to enjoy the whole room. You have more design freedom when you don’t have to worry about designing around radiators.
Free Maintenance
Electric radiant floor heating systems often do not require any ongoing maintenance or servicing. They shouldn’t need to be serviced after they’ve been installed. This makes them a low-maintenance, worry-free heating choice. If the cable is damaged during installation, a specialist can utilize a thermal imaging camera to find the problem and fix it. Hydronic floor heating systems do not provide this benefit.
Good Air Quality
When it comes to air quality, radiant heat is a far better option. High temperatures are produced by radiators, which can reduce oxygen levels. Furthermore, the circulation caused by air rising and dropping causes dust to circulate in circles, which is bad for air quality. Radiant flooring, on the other hand, keeps the air clean and does not contribute to the circulation of dirt or trash.
There is No Noise
The quietness of underfloor heating systems is well recognized. There isn’t a noisy furnace-like there is with forced-air systems. As a result, when they’re on, you won’t be able to hear anything.
Simple Installation
It relies on a number of factors, such as the project budget and installation capabilities, but the good news is that floor heating systems may be installed under practically any type of flooring. They come in rolls with the heating cable already attached to mesh in a serpentine design. As a result, all the installer needs to do is roll them out, cut and turn them as needed to fill the space. For a heated tile floor, this option also provides crack prevention. Hydronic systems, on the other hand, are more difficult to set up. They must be installed by a specialist.
The Cons
Cost
Depending on the project, radiant floor heating can be costly. Electric floor heating systems range in price from $10 to $20 per square foot, depending on the model. The cost of operation, on the other hand, will be higher if the cost of electricity is high in your area. This is usually not an issue because the systems can be managed with a thermostat to save energy, but it is something to consider before beginning your project.
Is radiant floor heating increasing or decreasing your energy bills? The solution is straightforward. Your power bill will go up, but it will almost certainly be offset by large savings from reduced heating costs.
Time to Install Radiant Heated Floors
On top of your floor heating system, you’ll normally need to apply a self-leveling solution, which must be completely dried before the floor covering can be installed. The paint needs to cure for a day or two.
It is Necessary to Replace the Flooring
Floor-heating systems, whether electric or hydronic, require the removal of any existing flooring before the radiant floor heating can be installed. As a result, these tasks are perfect for finishing during a remodel or new house building.
III. What is the Ideal Bathroom Floor covering for Radiant Heat Systems?
Radiant heating systems, on the other hand, can be installed beneath most flooring, albeit some retain heat more successfully than others.
If you’re installing radiant heating in your bathroom, you should choose a waterproof material such as vinyl tiles or laminate flooring. They are inexpensive synthetic bathroom solutions that are also compatible with radiant heat systems.
When heated or cooled, the resulting material does not expand. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are ideal choices for bathrooms because they hold heat fast as the floor warms up.
IV. How much does it Cost to Install Heated Floors in Bathrooms?
It might be a very effective way to heat bathroom flooring. On their feet, most bathrooms are frigid (especially in the morning!) The majority of people want them to be warm. Furthermore, because there are no walls, your budget should be more suitable for a radiant floor. Even if radiant floor heating is not always cost-effective, the cost will rise with time. According to ImproveNet.com, radiant flooring heaters in a 100-square-foot bathroom cost about $660 to install.
V. What is Radiant Floor Heating and How does it Work?
Traditional heating systems warm the air and the people within the rooms. The goal of radiant heat is to warm people and objects. What temperature is ideal for heating floors? Room temperatures can reach 104°F, but most people keep them between 80 and 85 degrees and manage them with a thermostat. Because the heat created by radiant heat can be warm, it feels similar to the warmth of the sun. Even in colder climates, it keeps people warm. Standing in direct sunlight rather than sitting in the shade is a similar principle.
VI. Is Radiant Floor Heating Cost-Effective?
While radiant floor installation can be costly, the heating system may provide the most cost-effective long-term solutions. Underfloor heating takes less upkeep, and you may use radiant flooring without having to worry about pricey repairs. As with forced air, you may tune your thermostat to only heat during specific hours while maintaining a comfortable temperature, lowering your heating costs. Thermal radiants, as opposed to forced air, are more energy efficient. It is more effective in retaining cool air.
VII. Selecting a Professional Remodeling Company
Radiant floor heating is a simple and cost-effective solution to warm your home while keeping your toes toasty. Although radiant heating is more expensive to install than typical radiators, there are a variety of solutions to fit your budget, and it’s worth remembering that underfloor heating saves you money on your energy bills in the long run.
When remodeling your bathroom, radiant floor heating is a terrific option to explore. If the flooring is being lifted and replaced anyway, you will save a lot of money on labor. In the long term, the comfort and cost savings of running the system on your heating costs will benefit you.
To contact Remodeling Pros NW for a detailed quote and consultant here is some information you might need:
Phone: 206 617 6607
Email: info@remodelingprosnw.com
Website: https://remodelingprosnw.com/
Working Hours: Monday- Friday 9:00-18:00