Residential Radiant Floor Heating Systems

Experience the Comfort of Radiant Heating

Radiant floor heating systems provide a superior level of comfort by delivering heat directly to the floor, walls, or ceiling of your home. This method relies on radiant heat transfer, which warms people and objects in the room through infrared radiation, similar to the warmth you feel from a hot stovetop element.

Advantages of Radiant Heating

Efficiency: Radiant heating is more efficient than baseboard and forced-air heating systems because it eliminates duct losses. This means more of the heat generated is used to warm your home.

Allergy-Friendly: Unlike forced-air systems, radiant heating does not circulate allergens, making it an excellent choice for those with allergies.

Versatility: Hydronic (liquid-based) systems use minimal electricity and can be powered by various energy sources, including gas or oil-fired boilers, wood-fired boilers, solar water heaters, or a combination of these.

Types of Radiant Floor Heating

Air-Heated Radiant Floors: While not commonly used in residential applications due to their inefficiency, air-heated floors can be combined with solar air heating systems. However, they are generally not cost-effective.

Electric Radiant Floors: These systems consist of electric cables or mats of electrically conductive plastic installed under the floor. They are most cost-effective when paired with a significant thermal mass, such as a concrete floor, and used with time-of-use electricity rates.

Hydronic Radiant Floors: The most popular and cost-effective option for heating-dominated climates. These systems circulate heated water through tubing laid under the floor. They can be controlled with zoning valves, pumps, and thermostats to regulate room temperatures efficiently.

Installation Methods

Wet Installations: Involve embedding the heating cables or tubing in a concrete slab or a thin layer of concrete, gypsum, or other material. This method is ideal for storing heat from solar energy systems but has a slow thermal response time.

Dry Installations: Faster and less expensive, these involve running the heating elements in an air space beneath the floor. This method requires higher operating temperatures but offers quicker installation and response times.

Floor Coverings

The choice of floor covering can impact the efficiency of radiant heating systems:

Ceramic Tile: The most effective covering due to its excellent heat conduction and thermal storage properties.

Vinyl, Linoleum, Carpeting, and Wood: These can be used but may reduce system efficiency. Thin carpets with dense padding and laminated wood flooring are recommended to minimize heat loss.

Radiant Panels

Radiant panels, typically made of aluminum and heated with electricity or hot water, can be installed in walls or ceilings. They offer quick response times and can be individually controlled for each room, making them ideal for supplemental heating or home additions.

Contact Us

Ready to enhance your home’s comfort with radiant floor heating? Contact us today to learn more about our expert installation and maintenance services. Our team is here to ensure you enjoy the benefits of efficient and comfortable radiant heating.