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In addition, due to the fact that it
is radiant heat, the objects in the room are actually warmed. Hot air heating
systems, on the contrary just blow hot air around the objects in the room.
Second, due to the fact that the heat
is radiated evenly over the entire floor and slowly rises, it produces a
completely uniform distribution of heat in a room. Hot air, register based
heating systems on the other hand tend to be drafty due to fans circulating the
air throughout the house. And hot water based heating systems provide only
radiant warmth near the edges of the room, where the elements are located.
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Third, due to the fact that the heat is radiated upwards from the floor,
verses blown around, the level of dust and pollen that is blown around the
home is reduced, thus making it a great form of heat for people with
susceptibility to airborne allergies.
Finally, unlike hot air heating systems that effectively pressurize a home
and literally push hot and cold air throughout the home, and in some cases
out of the home, radiant floor heat keeps the warmth in the house saving
energy and producing a more comfortable heat. |
Radiant Floor
Heating Types
There are two types of radiant floor
heating systems. They are electric radiant floor heating systems and
hydronic radiant heating systems.
Electric radiant floor heat is easier
to install however it is expensive to operate, as it works similar to your
electric heating skillet or toaster oven. Electric radiant floor heating
consists of panels, or coils, and foil that are installed onto the floor and are
connected together to form a large resistive load type circuit.
Hydronic radiant floor
heating systems require more work to install however they are more cost
effective to run. A hydronic radiant floor heating system is comprised of a
circuit of tubing, foil, and a special and separate boiler that warms and
circulates the warm water through the tubing. With hydronic based radiant floor
heating systems some care has to be given to the floor to prevent the threat of
causing leaks in the tubing. For example, nails and screws can not be installed
into the flooring at a later time without the risk of puncturing the tubing.
Radiant Floor Heat
System Installation
Typically it is wise to install
radiant floor heat systems during the construction of a new home, as retrofits
are more difficult to do, particularly if there is limited access to the
underside of the flooring. This said radiant floor heating systems can be
installed in homes as a retrofit. The installation costs however will most
likely be higher.
When selecting a radiant floor
heating system you will need to consider whether or not you will have the
tubing/panels submersed in concrete (a.k.a. a wet installation), attached to the
underside of an existing floor, or installed in a wooden framed layer above the
subfloor. If retrofitting a radiant floor heating system into your home you may
have limited choices on what path to take, however the good news is there is
usually a way. The bad news, again, is the installation costs may be higher.
So if you are looking for the most
comfortable type of home heating, and/or are concerned about having warm floors,
radiant floor heating is an excellent option to consider.
Find a Pre-Screened Heating Contractor in Your Area
Radiant Floor Heating Information from Amazon.com
Hydronic Radiant Floor Heating Manifolds from Amazon.com
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