Why Use Hydronic Radiant Floor Heat?
Hydronic radiant floor heat just seems so logical that you wonder why more people don't use it. After all, we all know that hot air rises, right? Then why do you suppose the heating vents in many bedrooms are in the ceiling—like mine? The ceiling is warm and cozy while I’m freezing to death in bed, a few feet below. I can’t take another winter like that…!
I’ve considered several different options that can be retrofitted to my home: Relocating the ductwork would be invasive, messy and costly, and it might still leave me cold. I thought about a fireplace with gas logs, but the gas line would have to be run from the far end of the house, on the exterior: unattractive and costly! Baseboard heating is an option, but I dislike the dry air it creates, and it’s invasive too.
Hydronic radiant floor heat is underneath the flooring, so it’s completely invisible, with even heat distribution throughout the whole room. No cold spots--bliss! This would be much more attractive than a heater collecting dust and threatening to torch the house if my dog tips it over. Radiant heating systems doesn’t heat the air, like other systems. It heats the room, the objects and people that are in the room—just like a sunbeam’s radiant heat warms you. For that reason, it feels more comfortable, at lower temperatures, and it doesn’t effect humidity. It’s economical, and it’s better for the environment. This is the best option for my needs, and might be the right heating system for you in the future.
There are 2 types of radiant heat: electric and hydronic. Electricity we know, but what is hydronic radiant heat? As the Latin prefix “hydro” implies, it is of course water: In this case, hot water. This system uses a swirling pattern of water tubes in the floor or under the subfloor in the floor joist spaces. Zone valves allow you to customize the temperature from one room to the next. The water can be heated with a boiler system (pricey), or a residential hot water heater (much more affordable). Hot water travels through the tubes, warming the room and returns to the heating source to be re-cycled.
The electrical radiant heating is a thin electrical grid system that rests between the flooring and the subfloor. Installation is exceptionally easy. The supplier will probably take the measurements for you; they’ll manufacture and send you the heating panel. You simply unroll it over the subfloor (some require staples or glue), attach electrical power, thermostat, and replace the flooring.
Which of these floor heating systems is best for your application depends on a number of factors.
First: How large is the space? Is it one chilly bedroom or will this be your whole-house heating system? A hydronic system has higher startup costs so it’s not as practical to install for a small area. However there are cost saving advantages in the whole-house hydronic installation. For a small area or single room, choose electric. And finally, what type of constructionis it? In new construction it’s easy to use either type. When retrofitting, hydronic is often easier than installing new electrical wires. And if you're a DIY person, wanting to tackle the project yourself rather than hiring someone, simplicity matters.
Hydronic radiant floor heat is a logical choice for heating almost any room in your home. Just make sure you've thoroughly researched the subject before beginning.
