Radiant Infloor Heating
3/12/2008 at 8:09:49 AM
For those of you who have ever experienced the warmth of infloor heating you probably know that the method is far more efficient than forced-air from central heating. Unlike duct heating which directs air out through vents infloor heat radiates from the floor generated by either hot water in pipes or an electric wire grid under the flooring.
The heat generated from the floor not only fills the whole space with warmth, it is more efficient than other heat sources which are turned on and off via a thermostat. The infloor has a thermostat, as well, but if you have tile the ceramic will store and keep releasing heat after the thermostat shuts off. In other words there are fewer cool periods waiting for a furnace to heat up again.
The main misconception concerning infloor heating that it is more expensive to install than a furnace. For installing in a new home, this is debatable. Remember, putting in ductwork is expensive as well. For hydronic infloor, pipes are placed in the floor while the home is being built. The tubing can be strung out on a subfloor or directly on a basement floor - and then covered with a coat of cement. The end of the pipes are then attached to zone valves which control each area of the home. A water heater then provides the heating solution.
Solar hot water systems work well with infloor because they boost the hot water tank's temperature. Some homes use this as the only source for the infloor heating. It's worth a look.
4/11/2008 at 7:46:48 AM
I *really* like our radiant heating! It's been very efficient and with the price of heating oil now, I'm *very* glad of that. It's still been 4 times more expensive than before the oil price surge, but I wouldn't trade my warm floors. :-)
The only problem (at least in my case) is that certain rooms heat a lot better than others. I wish it wouldn't be like that, but it's something that can't be "fixed" as far as I know.
4/11/2008 at 2:17:20 PM
Hi Katharina,
Question 1: Are all the rooms on one zone? That is, is there just one thermostat for all the rooms?
Question: 2: Can you get at the pipes through the basement floor?
If heating is problem a good plumber can divide the house into zones with separate controls.
Thanks,
Kim
4/13/2008 at 4:19:58 PM
This radiant heating system must be one of the best ways to increase comfor while decreasing the heating bill and helping the environment.
My husband and I have been discussing putting a solar unit on the roof. This information will be one more selling point for me!
Thanks!
4/22/2008 at 2:15:16 PM
Hydronic systems are the most popular and cost-effective. Electric heating cables can be embedded in a poured-concrete floor, or in the mastic under tiled floors. Some manufacturers offer the product in a portable mat that can be spread under wall-to-wall carpet - a great option for apartment or condo dwellers.
Ceramic tile is usually the floor covering of choice for radiant heating.
8/8/2014 at 12:42:07 PM
I am designing a new home and I have been thinking about adding radiant infloor heating. It is such a great luxury to have, and my feet often get cold as I walk around the house. The great thing about my own new home construction is that I can add things like this just for me.
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