Imagine stepping out of bed in the morning and feeling heat radiating from the floor beneath. Though they may seen luxurious, radiant flooring systems aren't just for the rich and famous; they've actually been around since ancient Roman times. And as decadent as they sound, radiant floor systems can be surprisingly energy efficient, too.
Rather than conditioning air and forcing it through ducts to heat your home, radiant flooring relies on the simple science of infrared radiation; heat is transferred from the floor surface directly to the air above. The floors not only feel warm to the touch, but also keep the room a consistent, comfortable temperature in the winter. Think of it as if you are turning the entire room into a radiator that doesn't burn to the touch.
3 Types of Radiant Floor Systems
If you are considering installing a radiant flooring system, you have several options to choose from. Your choice will depend on budget and the construction of your home:
- Air-Heated Radiant Floors - Often combined with solar heating systems, air-heated radiant floors are probably the least effective option for installation in homes. Air simply doesn't transfer heat as well as water or electricity. In the past, heated rocks were incorporated into these systems, but for obvious reasons, this approach is no longer recommended.
- Electric Radiant Floors - The electric version of radiant floors is almost self-explanatory: electric cables are built into the floor, or in some cases, plastic mats. This type of radiant floor can make for high electric bills, so it is often combined with a thermal mass, such as a concrete floor. This is called a "wet installation," since the cables are laid into the slab before it solidifies.
- Hydronic Radiant Floors - Water is by far the most effective and efficient way to transfer heat through flooring. Hydronic systems feature a pattern of tubing, which is supplied warm water via a pump and boiler combination. The temperature is controlled with either valves or a thermostat.
Flooring Materials
A radiant heat system doesn't limit you to concrete floors. It may be installed beneath ceramic tile, which is the most effective option, or sheet material such as vinyl or linoleum, carpet, and wood.
5 Pros and Cons of Radiant Floor Systems
So, is a radiant floor system right for you? Weigh the pros and cons.
Pros:
- Tactile and comfortable; allows you to walk around barefoot
- More efficient than transferring air through ducts, where energy is lost
- Better for people with allergies than forced-air systems
- Operates quietly
- Allows for flexible layout of the room (eliminates radiators or floor registers)
Cons:
- Typically don't replace forced-air systems, but do reduce reliance upon them
- Installation is expensive, and payback may be slow
- Overheating is possible, especially when a thermal mass is employed in conjunction
- Heat may be lost in the ground
- Most radiant systems only heat, but don't provide cooling or ventilation