Radiant Floor Heating System
Radiant floor heating system allows you to regulate low temperatures in your house. Unlike conventional heating methods, radiant heating systems are more efficient and are being embraced as suitable alternatives.
Emomeri Maryanne
Traditional radiators have long been known as convenient ways to provide heat for warming up homes. The downside of these radiators is that they occupy space on the walls, they are noisy, they are costly to maintain, and they produce cold air pockets since heat is not distributed evenly.
They also have a shorter lifespan compared to the floor heating systems. With the more advanced floor heating solutions, people are slowly doing away with such radiators.
Types of Floor Heating Systems
With radiant floor heating, heat equipment is fitted beneath the floor or ceiling (as with the case of radiant ceiling heating that mostly uses aluminum ceiling frames for heating in commercial buildings) to distribute heat and warm the house and no noise is produced by the heating system.
Such heating systems are best installed during the construction phase but they can also be fixed during major house renovations. The floor heating systems are of three main types; hydronic, electric and air radiant heating systems.
- Hydronic Radiant Heating System
Also known as the hot-water radiant, are installed using PEX plastic tubing. The tube is placed in thick plywood panels at the sub-floor level. The system is then connected to the hot water heater and a thermostat which regulates room temperature.
This is the most affordable radiant heating system and it is usually installed during house renovations.
- Electric Radiant Heating System
The electronic system uses a series of electronic cables connected to an electric circuit to produce heat. Conductive plastic mats are also used to achieve the same objective, this provides the DIY option.
This heating system provides heat even after long hours without power supply, because heat is stored on the floor especially with high thermal mass.
- Air Radiant Heating System
This type of system is mainly used in commercial buildings because when the air from beneath is forced up through ducts into space, the air exchanged can’t bear too much heat. In industries, this type is also used for cooling in industries.
Advantages of Radiant Heating Systems
- Can be Installed with Different Floor Coverings
Radiant floor heating will not restrict you from using the type of floor you want for your home. Wood, tile, laminate and all others work well with the system and you can still go ahead and have your carpet on the floor.
- Easy to Install
Installing the systems is somehow an easy task, especially if you know how to do it with a few guides. There are those that are DIY and tutorials are provided. But if you don’t trust your instincts, you can get professional help.
- Efficient
The hydronic and electric heating systems are efficient in that they only require a 30 degrees Celsius or less amount of temperature to heat a room adequately. Unlike the traditional ones which require a high temperature of almost 75 degrees Celsius. This heating system preserves a lot of energy as a result. They also distribute heat uniformly so there are no cold spots that are usually produced with the other radiators.
- Easy Maintaining
The heating system comes with no maintenance costs, once installed, you will only be controlling the temperatures produced. You can reduce the temperatures or switch it off completely to save on energy.
The Downside of Radiant Heating Systems
- High Cost
The total cost of buying and installing the system is often expensive and that’s why most people opt to install the heating system themselves. But considering it as a one-off payment, you will only cater for the electricity bills.
- Time Consuming
During construction or renovation, you have to allocate a good amount of time for the installation. After fixing the system in place, a self-leveling compound is placed on top and it must be allowed to dry for the flooring to begin.
For people living in cold areas, this can be a valuable tool and for those whose seasons keep on changing, you can use the floor heating system when necessary and save on electricity during the hot season.
