Radiant Floor Heating

Radiant heat save thousands Do it yourself

If you're tired of stepping out of the shower onto a freezing cold tile floor, maybe it's time for you to examine radiant floor heat--particularly if you're building a new bathroom or doing major remodeling (most types can be tricky to retrofit). DIY Radiant heat is warm and cozy underfoot--in fact it warms your entire body quietly and invisibly with radiant energy instead of by blowing warmed air into the room the way a more typical forced-air heating system does.

DIY Radiant heat floor systems are either hydronic (hot water) or electric. Hydronic systems utilize a system of tubes that wind beneath the floor, transferring warmth from the hot water that circulates within them. They require a special water heater. Electric radiant systems incorporate special electric-resistance panels, coils, or foil to radiate heat. Because these are essentially like the innards of a large toaster, they can draw sizable electric energy when turned on.

Unless you have great access to the underside of the floor you want to heat, DIY radiant heat is not easy to retrofit under an existing floor. It's easiest to install it in new construction or where you're tearing-up the floor during a big remodeling project.

What's the Right System?

The first big question is: Which type of system is better for your DIY Radiant heat project hydronic or electric? In the case of constructing a new home, a hydronic system will likely be the best choice for use as a sole source of heat for the whole house. If you're building a new home and want to use DIY radiant heat to spot warm the home, hydronic may still be your best bet, but the final decision may depend on the difference in cost. Compare prices for both types and explore the varying products on the market before plunking down any money.

Electric systems may be your best bet for remodeling. For one thing, hydronic floor systems can elevate the floors by a couple of inches, which can be a problem when remodeling. Some thin electric systems only elevate the floor by about 1/8 inch. Also, the concrete slab of hydronic systems can take a few hours to heat up once they've been turned on. Electric systems usually take between 30 minutes and an hour to heat up. In most cases, electric systems are governed by a timer and a thermostat that homeowners preset with on/off cycles.

While the electricity cost of generating 1,000 Btu's may be cheaper with a hydronic system than with an electric system, the way the systems function plays quite a role in energy costs. Hydronic systems are generally left on for a period of months to accommodate the lengthy heat-up time of the systems. Electrical systems are usually timed to switch on and off according to when the homeowners will be at their house. The many off sessions cut down the cost of electricity. So consider your lifestyle and how you will be using the heating system.

Cost of installation depends on the nature of the job. For remodeling projects or single-room installations in new homes, hydronic systems will cost more to install. However, in large jobs such as whole-house applications in new construction, a hydronic system will cost less. Krell can help dtermine which system is best suited for your needs

DIY Radiant Heat Hydronic Installation

As mentioned earlier, the tubing in hydronic systems is usually embedded in a concrete slab or a 1 1/2-inch-thick concrete overlay on top of a wood floor. This is usually referred to as a "wet" installation. The tubing can also be suspended in the space below wooden floors or stapled on top of subfloors, which is commonly called a "dry" installation. But a concrete or "wet" installation provides better soundproofing and fireproofing, as well as adds stability and protection to the tubing for a sturdier floor. Almost all tubing for hydronic systems is guaranteed for 25 years, with a lifetime expectancy of 100 years. If you're absolutely determined to tackle a DIY Radiant heat projects yourself, you can take advantage krell distributing's technical support and design services.

by: christine vanorman

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