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The second is a more modern solution and uses a series of electric cables installed between the floor and subfloor. While this form of heating may still be found in some historic buildings, it is rarely (if ever) used in modern construction. While the true origin of radiant floor heating is unknown, Primitive Technology proves it was possible with even stone age methods. The original (and largely abandoned in the West) method was used most notably in Turkish baths and consisted of a raised floor to allow hot air underneath, keeping the floor nice and warm. There are three major types of radiant floor heating systems.
Radiant floor heating install#
In the old days, it made sense to install radiant floor heating under every floor because a pump of hot water ran through all the pipes to keep them toasty. Radiant floor heating has to be installed under every floor in the house. In fact, the Romans invented the hypocaust system, which heated their mortar floors with tended fires in the winter.ĩ. People have actually been trying to heat their floors for hundreds of years. Radiant floor heating does allow your heating system to work at maximum efficiency, so it’s likely that you will save some money on energy bills, but there is no exact percentage. There’s no concrete data showing how much you will save by installing a radiant floor heating system. Installing radiant floor heating can save between 10% and 50% in energy usage. So, if there’s water underneath the floor when radiant floor pipes are installed, the floor is prone to cracking and drying out, regardless of the piping.ħ. The primary cause for hardwood flooring damage is moisture. Radiant floor heating can damage hardwood floors.Ĭontrary to popular belief, radiant floor heating in no way damages hardwood floors. In fact, even thick materials like carpeting have high emissivity- the ability to give off thermal energy - which makes them appropriate for radiant floor heating.Ħ. While different types of flooring vary in their insulating capacity, this in no way affects the effectiveness of radiant floor heating. You can install radiant floor heating underneath wood or carpet too, despite common misunderstandings about insulation. It’s best to install radiant floor heating under tile or concrete. Plus, a warm floor is nice first thing in the morning when we’re getting ready for school or work.ĥ. You could install this system in the ceiling or walls if you wanted to, but it’s certainly more efficient to warm up with a walk across the floor. Heat doesn’t rise radiant energy travels in all directions. Radiant floor heating is installed in the floor because heat rises. That’s not what radiant floor heating does.Ĥ.
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Omitting heat - in this case - would be like transferring thermal energy - heat of the same temperature - between two bodies. Emission is the absorption, reflection or transmission of energy in this case, heat. There is a significant difference between these words. When your radiant heat warms your flooring, it doesn’t “omit” heat. It occurs naturally when there’s a lack of the aforementioned elements. It’s also worth noting that overheating can occur without a radiant floor heating system as well. But it’s easy to combat this problem: add more windows, properly insulate your home or add a bigger HVAC system.
Radiant floor heating windows#
If you have a small HVAC system - or if there is a shortage of windows and insulation in your home - there is a chance of overheating your home with a radiant heating system. Radiant floor heating can overheat your home. And no matter what you spend to install radiant floor heating, you’ll recoup some of it in utility bill savings.Ģ. If you live in a harsh winter climate, there’s a good chance that the bulk of your local contractors have this experience. The cost to install a system averages, depending on:Ī builder who has experience working with radiant floor heating installation should be able to install a system easily on the lower end of the cost spectrum. Here are some common misconceptions about radiant floor heating, followed by an explanation of the truth. In fact, a lot have heard enough untruths to deter them from the idea altogether. Most people have heard mixed messages about radiant floor heating - the kind of heating that keeps your floor warm and toasty in the winter months.