How Energy Efficient Are Heated Floors?
The idea behind radiant floor heating is actually pretty ancient, with evidence pointing to it being used at about 5000BC. It has certainly evolved over the centuries, and today we have some very modern radiant floor heating systems. Can this system which dates back Thousands of years be as efficient as new technologies? Will they save you Money? Can they heat an entire home? Are they Safe? The answer to all of these questions will be answered! So Lets Talk about Heated Floors!
Is radiant heat more expensive than forced air?
The initial installation of a radiant floor heating with water as a heating agent needs to be planned and installed during the construction of the floor. This kind of heating system can be a bit more expensive to install in the first place, but it is proved to be more efficient in the long run.
The radiant floor heating system that uses electrical resistance can be installed in the floor or installed later, under the selected floor coverings. The under-floor option is more expensive and the on-top of the floor radiant heating is a lot less expensive than the other options.
Compared to the other types of heating, let’s say the forced air heating system, the radiant floor heating is more expensive to install, but less expensive and more efficient to run. The radiant floor heating system is especially suited to use renewable energy sources like solar thermal sources or geothermal energy. With a little additional energy input, you can get a very efficient heating system.
Compared to the forced air heating, where you need to heat the air with an appropriate heating element and force it throughout the house, the radiant floor heating is certainly more efficient, and less expensive to operate. Another drawback of the forced air heating system is the constant hum of the air vents and large energy losses due to the inefficiency of the system.
The radiant floor heating system that uses electrical resistance can be installed in the floor or installed later, under the selected floor coverings. The under-floor option is more expensive and the on-top of the floor radiant heating is a lot less expensive than the other options.
Compared to the other types of heating, let’s say the forced air heating system, the radiant floor heating is more expensive to install, but less expensive and more efficient to run. The radiant floor heating system is especially suited to use renewable energy sources like solar thermal sources or geothermal energy. With a little additional energy input, you can get a very efficient heating system.
Compared to the forced air heating, where you need to heat the air with an appropriate heating element and force it throughout the house, the radiant floor heating is certainly more efficient, and less expensive to operate. Another drawback of the forced air heating system is the constant hum of the air vents and large energy losses due to the inefficiency of the system.
Do heated floors save money?
Simple answer – yes!
Long answer – yes, they do! Even though the initial cost to install a radiant floor heating system may seem greater, in the long run, this type of heating saves you a lot of money and headaches.
There is the practicality of the overall system. There are no radiators, no noisy air vents, and only a single heat source that can even be a geothermal source. The heat gets evenly distributed along the system, making this a very effective heating option.
Long answer – yes, they do! Even though the initial cost to install a radiant floor heating system may seem greater, in the long run, this type of heating saves you a lot of money and headaches.
There is the practicality of the overall system. There are no radiators, no noisy air vents, and only a single heat source that can even be a geothermal source. The heat gets evenly distributed along the system, making this a very effective heating option.
Can you heat a whole house with
radiant floor heating?
Yes, you can. If properly planned and installed, radiant floor heating is very effective in heating an entire house. The main thing to note about this is that the radiant floor heating system needs to be installed during the building of the house.
The heated Floor can be somewhat hindered by the furniture and floor coverings, but overall this is a very efficient way one can heat an entire house. Properly installed flooring options, like tile, marble, concrete or granite flooring can actually increase the efficiency of the radiant floor heating system, while carpets can lower its efficiency.
The heated Floor can be somewhat hindered by the furniture and floor coverings, but overall this is a very efficient way one can heat an entire house. Properly installed flooring options, like tile, marble, concrete or granite flooring can actually increase the efficiency of the radiant floor heating system, while carpets can lower its efficiency.
Is radiant heat safe?
The underfloor radiant heating has a good effect on the air quality in the room/home/space being heated. It does not cause the air to dry very quickly and is very efficient when it comes to germs, mold growth and moisture control.
There have been some studies that have shown very positive results of radiant floor heating in healthcare facilities: the heated floors have had positive health effects on patients with severe conditions.
The radiant heat heats a room from the ground up, and that gives a comfortable feel. Many people that already have radiant floor heating installed in their homes claim that they operate it on a lower temperature than any other type of heating they’ve used before, but still have a nice warm home.
Another positive thing about the floor heating system is that it does not use any radiators that can take away valuable floor space. This also leaves enough room for decorating and arranging furniture as you wish, without any bulky radiators cramming up your style.
There have been some studies that have shown very positive results of radiant floor heating in healthcare facilities: the heated floors have had positive health effects on patients with severe conditions.
The radiant heat heats a room from the ground up, and that gives a comfortable feel. Many people that already have radiant floor heating installed in their homes claim that they operate it on a lower temperature than any other type of heating they’ve used before, but still have a nice warm home.
Another positive thing about the floor heating system is that it does not use any radiators that can take away valuable floor space. This also leaves enough room for decorating and arranging furniture as you wish, without any bulky radiators cramming up your style.