Selecting and Installing Radiant Floor Heating, by Pattie Hughes

Installing radiant floor heating can save you 40%, when compared to forced air heating systems. This method uses cables or tubing under a concrete or wood sub floor. The system warms objects, such as carpeting, furniture and people from the ground up.

There are three basic choices for installing radiant floor heating systems in your home: hydronic, electric and wood burning. Learn about the differences in operation, cost and ease of installation, to help you decide is best for your home.

Hydronic Radiant Floor Heating

Hydronic systems are the most commonly used. With these systems, hot water is pumped from a boiler and goes through tubes installed under the sub floor. A series of thermostats and zoning valves are installed to help regulate the temperature throughout the house. These systems can be used for home heating, and to heat sidewalks, rain gutters and driveways.

A hydronic radiant floor heating system is the best choice for heating the whole house. Although the start-up cost is considerably higher than electric, the cost to run the system is less. Installing a hydronic system can cost $5000 or more, depending on the size of the area to be heated. The boiler is a large portion of this cost.

Choose your energy source

You have the option to use gas, oil, electric or solar energy to power the hydronic system. You can even change the fuel source simply by changing the boiler. Hydronic systems are set deeper into the floor than electric, and take several hours to heat up completely. If the system will be run continuously, this may be your best option.

Whichever type you choose, you'll love the comfort of a warm, cozy floor.

A hydronic system circulates hot water through the system continually. A series of valves controls the flow to regulate the temperature. Thermostats are attached to the valves to control the temperature. These systems have more moving parts than any other type, making them more difficult to install and maintain. Hydronic systems generally require professional installation, due to the complexity of the system.

Electric Radiant Floor Heating

Electric radiant floor heating systems are generally better for smaller areas. The initial installation cost is less than with hydronic, but the operating costs are higher. The cost of operating electric radiant floor heating systems is the highest of all types.

Operating cost is relatively expensive

Your home electricity powers the system and adds to your bill. For this reason, they are often used for spot heating certain areas, rather than for heating the whole house. The operating cost for these systems is about ten cents per kilowatt hour, which isn't too bad for spot heating, but can run high for continuous heating throughout the whole house.

Electric systems are installed under the floor and connected to the power source. A thermostat is connected to help regulate the temperature. The installation process is easier than for the other types of radiant heating, which can save in the overall installation cost. In addition, less maintenance is required after the install is complete.

Wood Burning Radiant Floor Heating

Wood burning radiant floor heating systems consist of a wood furnace and water jackets which are enclosed in an insulated enclosure. Water is pumped through the water jackets and is heated by the wood furnace. Once heated, the water travels through pipes that are installed about a foot below the ground. The water is carried into the house and under the floors through installed piping.

The wood burning radiant floor heating systems have a fire box to hold the wood for burning. The size of the firebox varies, and you can get between twelve and ninety six hours at a time, depending on the size of the box. In most cases, this type of system is used in combination with another heat source. They are rarely used as the primary source of heat in a home.

As you can see, there are various issues and advantages for each type of radiant floor heating system. Hopefully you will now have a better idea of which type is best for you. But whichever type you choose, you'll love the comfort of a warm, cozy floor.