Keep Your Toes From Freezing! Benefits of Radiant Floor Heating

We’ve all had that moment… Stepping out of our nice, cozy bed only to place our feet onto an ice-cold floor. The heat is at a normal temperature, the house feels warm and comfortable; but for some reason, the floor remains at an Arctic temperature. The key to warmth and comfort is within hand’s reach. Radiant Floor Heating is the solution you’ve been searching for. Let’s take a look at some of the great benefits of Radiant Floor Heating.

Radiant floor heating systems provide direct heat to the floor via infrared radiation. These systems either use electrical systems or hydronic systems to achieve their goal. Electric radiant floors are heated by electric cables, which are built into the floor in a specially designed pattern. Hydronic radiant floors have tubes filled with water, connected to a hot water heater or boiler where heated water is pumped throughout the piping. Both systems use imperceptible thermal radiation waves from underneath; warming up any substance they run into, which in turn, radiates the captured heat. In most American homes, there are conventional forced-air heating systems. With these systems, there could be an issue with how the air cycles and distributes itself throughout the home. This inconsistency diminishes with radiant flooring. The warm air spreads evenly over the entire floor while the cool air remains towards the ceiling.

Hydronic heating is the most comfortable and most popular option. However, whether you choose to go the electric route or the hydronic route, the installation process for both is quite similar. One type is called, “wet” installation. This process includes embedded tubing or cables in a solid floor. It can either be inserted in a substantial concrete slab or a thin layer of foundation. The “dry” installation runs the cables or tubing through an air space beneath the floor panels. This option has gained massive attention since it is faster to build and less expensive.

This heating system is also a money-saver in the long run. Hydronic floor heating systems are up to 30% more efficient; which means, having one of these systems in place can lower your monthly bill significantly. Another benefit is the fact that radiant heating is practically an invisible heating solution. Aside from the boiler, there are no visible components. Unlike radiators, vents, and baseboards, radiant heating will not take up extra living space, leaving you with more freedom to place furniture wherever you please. Last but not least, radiant heating will add a substantial amount of value to your home. If you’re remodeling your bathroom or kitchen, this is the perfect time to install radiant heat. Years down the road if you ever decide to sell, you’ll be glad you made such an essential addition to your home.

R&R Heating and Air Conditioning has been in the HVAC business for over 30 years. We are the leading provider of residential, commercial, and industrial heating and cooling solutions for the greater Spokane and Coeur d’Alene area. Contact us today and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding radiant floor heating!