Technically, radiant floor heating systems are nothing new. The ancient Romans warmed elevated marble floors with wood-burning fires. Today’s radiant floors are modern spin on this ancient concept. Many residential homes now have heating systems installed right underneath the flooring. These systems conduct heat through hot water or electric tubes, which provide invisible waves of thermal radiation. The result is a surface that is warm to the touch but safe to walk on with bare feet.
What are the Advantages of Radiant Floors?
1) More Energy Efficient
Radiant floor heating systems can warm a home at an overall lower temperature, possibly more efficiently than conventional radiators. For example, a radiator must be heated to around 150 degrees Fahrenheit to heat a room properly, but radiant floor heating typically runs at only 84 degrees Fahrenheit.
This difference in average temperature can provide a homeowner with significant cost savings.
2) Safer for Kids and Adults
Although hot floors might sound like they could be dangerous, they are actually safer than the alternative. If you have kids, the hot surfaces or sharp edges of a radiator can cause injuries.
Radiant heat is also known to provide higher indoor air quality. These heating solutions tend to keep the air fresher and more oxygen-rich.
3) No Maintenance Needed
Once you install a heated floor system, it generally has little to no maintenance. And, if you install a WiFi thermostat, a homeowner will be able to program their floor to heat up and cool down at their convenience.
4) Easy Installation
If done as part of a home renovation, a radiant floor heating system is easy to install. It is simply placed directly underneath the type of flooring being installed in a home.
5) More Freedom to Design and Decorate
Since a radiant floor heating system is located out-of-sight, a homeowner has a fresh chance to update their décor. Without old radiators in the way, a homeowner suddenly has more options available to them for home furnishings.
The Most Common Types of Radiant Floor Heating Systems
Radiant floors typically come in two types: electric and hydronic.
The electric type heats the floors above it with zigzagging loops of resistance wire. It is typically used to retrofit a single room, like a kitchen or bathroom.
The hydronic type provides warmth generated from hot water tubes placed in a pattern underneath the flooring. Hydronic systems are more popular and can be more cost-effective over time. They are frequently used in a home renovation or new construction project, where multiple rooms are involved.
Materials Frequently used with Radiant Flooring
Radiant floor heating systems can be used with most types of floor materials, except heavy carpets. You could install a radiant floor underneath vinyl, linoleum or wood, but ceramic tile is the most common and effective floor covering used with radiant systems.
Radiant flooring is a popular add-on to Long Island home renovation projects. If you are looking for top-of-the-line heating options, you can find them at one of Green Art Plumbing Supply’s three Long Island locations. We have a full stock of commercial supply parts and products at our Freeport, Huntington Station and Southampton pick-up counters.
Visit us today or call (516) 379-0449 to get all the supplies you need for your next job!
I want my radiant floor heating system to be replaced in three or four rooms.
My phone number is 631-584-6134. My address is 16 Farm Road, St. James, NY 11780