5 Reasons to Switch to In-Floor Heating

Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

Radiant in-floor heating systems are becoming a more popular way to heat your home. It’s typically installed during the construction period as a boiler, pump, and gas lines are needed to complete the system. This form of heating uses hot water pumped through plastic tubing. It’s laid out in a serpentine pattern underneath the flooring to heat the house.

In-floor heating is a great way to add a touch of luxury to your space. The chilly winter evenings no longer require slippers and the air around you feels cozy. This addition to your home is a great way to upgrade your most trafficked spaces, allowing all family and friends to enjoy its benefits. Continue reading our blog to explore the pros of radiant in-floor heating.

Uniform Heating

In-floor heating will allow uniform heating throughout your space. When your home is heated with only forced-air systems, locations of the vents determine which parts of the room are warmer and cooler. Underfloor radiant heating warms the entire floor equally, meaning you will be comfortable at lower temperature levels because you won’t have cold spots or drafts.

Non-Allergenic

Radiant in-floor heating systems directly warm the flooring of the home. This heating is great option for families that are prone to allergies. Any time a forced-air systems is turned on, instantly dust particles are disturbed and scatter into the air being breathed in. In-floor heating will warm the space more evenly without agitating allergies.

Energy Efficient

In-floor heating is 25 percent more efficient than forced-air systems, which push warm air through ductwork that’s susceptible to leaks and will ultimately expend more energy to heat the home. Additionally, the space between vents allows warm air to cool before making it to the other side of the room. With inconsistent temperatures, the thermostat sensor will read incorrectly and keep the heat running constantly. By not using air ducts for distribution, radiant in-floor systems eliminate these heat loss issues and retain more of the warm air.

Minimal Maintenance

Unlike forced air heating, there are no maintenance costs with radiant floor heating. Depending on the brand you choose, some companies even guarantee their product for decades. In-floor heating allows you to skip the bills that come with annual furnace checks and air filter replacements and spend that money elsewhere.

Safety

Radiant in-floor heating is one of the safest heating options for your home, especially a home with children. In-floor heating is completely enclosed while other heating options are not. Old fashioned radiators may be a fun piece of history that comes with an older home, but they also come with a glaring warning sign. Radiators can pose as a safety hazard and cause burns as their pipes heat up. Not only can an adult be burned who is aware of the heat coming from the radiator, but it can be a serious hazard to children.   

For all your heating and cooling needs, trust the HVAC experts at WestAIRContact us today to learn more about in-floor heating.

This entry was posted in Energy Savings,Heating and tagged , , ,

Are Radiant Infloor Heating Systems Worth the Cost?

Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

Are Radiant Infloor Heating Systems Worth the Cost?

Have you ever been to a home or building with heated floors? Even on a chilly winter evening, your feet feel warm. The air around you feels comfortable, not drafty. Some homeowners find heated floors a necessity, while others think they’re an expensive and frivolous feature. Let’s consider the pros and cons of radiant infloor heating.

Advantages

Energy Efficiency

Traditional boiler and forced air systems heat the nearest area of space. The radiator can have an internal temperature between 159-167 degrees Fahrenheit just to heat up a room. By the time the warm air makes its way to the other side of the room, the air cools below the programmed temperature. Depending on the location and size of the room, a radiator or forced air can create inconsistent temperatures.

Infloor heating covers the entire floor. Heat rises, so no matter where you walk, the room will reflect the correct temperature. Furthermore, the source typically heats up between 80 – 90 degrees. Best of all, radiant heat can save 15 to 40 percent on energy bills because of its efficient technology.

Minimal Maintenance

Did you know you should have your furnace checked once a year, as well as change your air filter multiple times a year? Service visits costs add up, especially if your heating system needs replacement parts. There are no maintenance costs with radiant infloor heating, and some brands guarantee their product for decades!

Space

Boiler systems and forced air take up space. Boiler radiators reduce physical space in a room and can create challenges with furniture placement. Forced air systems make use of ceiling, wall, and floor space for ducts and vents. With infloor heating, the flooring conceals all equipment, allowing for an open, spacious feel.

Comfort

We all have experienced the shocking feeling of bare feet on a cold floor during the winter. With radiant infloor heating, your feet will feel cozy all winter long, even without socks.

Versatility

Infloor heating works with all floor types: wood, stone, tile, carpet, laminate, and more.

Safety

Radiators can pose safety hazards and cause injuries such as burns and cuts. In addition, forced air reduces oxygen and the thermal circulation kicks up dust, which can aggravate allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions. Radiant heat keeps air fresh and oxygen-rich and dust out of the air.

Disadvantages

Electric heating installation costs $10 to $20 per square foot. Connecting the system to your power supply adds an extra few hundred dollars to the bill. Another disadvantage—the process takes one to two days to dry, because of leveling compound that tops the thermal mat.  Water-based systems cost more than double that of electric heating and require installation during the build phase of a new home. Lastly, radiant infloor heating adds about half an inch to the floor. Experts recommend using insulation boards underneath, increasing height by approximately an inch more.

Many homeowners say that the advantages of infloor heating outweigh the disadvantages, and the cost of installation is ultimately worth it. You don’t need to build a new home to try radiant infloor heating. If it’s time to remodel your bathroom or basement, look into infloor heating for added comfort, improved energy efficiency, and increased resale value.

Contact WestAIR Heating & Cooling to learn more about installing radiant infloor heating.

This entry was posted in Heating,Winter and tagged , ,

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