One of the most luxurious options for homes in the modern age is radiant heat. Radiant heat means in-floor heating; rather than relying on vents to slowly heat wooden or carpeted floors, radiant heat radiates from underneath the floor itself, providing a new level of comfort for everyone within the home. Never again will you slide barefoot from the bed onto a chilly floor.

Why choose radiant heat?

Heat naturally has a tendency to rise; that’s the reason most attics are almost uncomfortably warm. However, this movement of air tends to happen slowly over time, rather than all at once like it would through a ventilation system. This results in a better distribution of heat. In addition, keeping your feet warm allows your entire body to feel warmer, reducing the total amount of heat you need to make your home feel comfortable. Those living in homes with high ceilings or notably large rooms will appreciate this, as larger spaces tend to be more difficult to heat properly.

What are the benefits of radiant heat?

While radiant heat is definitely more expensive than normal heating — anywhere from $4 to $6 per square foot — it’s a luxury that some people love having. That said, if you’re the type of person that prefers carpet to hardwood floors, radiant heat may not be efficient enough to be worth the cost. Carpet makes it more difficult for the heat to get through, which can result in increased heating costs with little benefit. However, in rooms like bathrooms where the floors are typically tile or hardwood to begin with, radiant heat can be a fantastic choice. Imagine stepping out of the shower onto a pre-heated floor on a cold winter morning.

What type of radiant heating system should I use?

There are three primary types of radiant heating. The first is called forced-air based and is rarely used within homes; this is because it isn’t as efficient and is much more difficult to install. The second type is called hydronic based. A series of tubes run underneath the floor and carry hot water on a continuous loop. This is the most efficient system, and the most common. And because the water won’t lose heat as quickly once the floors are heated, it results in a typically lower power bill.

The third type is called electrical radiant heating. It’s typically less efficient than hydronic heating, but there is an exception — and it’s based on your power company. If you can set the system to run at night when electrical costs may be lower, then the system can radiate heat through the day. This can result in tremendously lower bills, but it only works in areas that operate on a similar billing cycle.

How is radiant heating installed?

Radiant heating can be installed two primary ways. The first, a wet installation, is when the tubing is laid inside wet concrete during the initial pour of the home. However, if your home is already constructed and you’re looking to add radiant heating as an addition, dry installation is possible. This is when the tubes are layered below or above the subfloor, or sometimes even sandwiched between two separate layers. Because dry installation is a new option, it is quickly becoming the most popular choice for new installations.

Alair Homes provides numerous options for homeowners seeking radiant heating. Blair Homes can also provide one on one consultation and answer all questions homeowners may have about potentially installing a new radiant heating system in their home. Contact them today to find out more.