subject: Utilizing Radiant In-Floor Heating In Your Home [print this page] Utilizing Radiant In-Floor Heating In Your Home
As a homeowner you have access to a wide array of options for all areas of your home. While home heating systems may not have as many options to choose from as other household products, nevertheless, options do exist. One method of in home heating that is quickly growing in popularity is radiant in-floor heating.
Instead of warming the air within your home and pumping it through the air vents as is traditionally done, radiant heat works by heating from the ground up. When the floor is heated, objects are warmed directly and a more natural radiation of heat is achieved as the warmth is permeated throughout the room or home.
There are three main benefits of radiant heat. Firstly, radiant heat utilizes a lot less energy than traditional methods because the air movement through the duct work is eliminated. Second, noise and dust are reduced since air flow is no longer utilized for heat transmission, reducing airborne allergens. Thirdly, the elimination of the requirement for bulky duct work allows for more creative design and architectural possibilities.
Once you have decided to utilize a radiant in-floor heating system for your home, you will need to choose from one of three basic systems; air-heated, electric, or hydronic. Air heated systems are just as they sound and rely on heated air to maintain a constant temperature. This can be very expensive and impractical in a single family home setting. Electric systems on the other hand deliver heat via electric cables or mats and can be very effective in environments where thick concrete flooring is used. Hydronic systems are the most common, and pump heated water through tubing which is laid underneath the flooring itself.
The method you choose will vary based on your specific requirements, but the benefits will remain the same. As with any heating systems, it is important to consider climate conditions as well as architectural features in order to ensure optimal efficiency.
While in-floor radiant heating may be a newer concept, it has many benefits that are making it an increasingly popular choice for homeowners. With the benefits of efficiency and low maintenance, it is easy to see why this is the case.
