| Forced air heating is the most commonly used | | | | Radiant floor heating solves this problem by taking |
| heating system out there today, but its far from | | | | a completely different approach to heat |
| the only option. In this article, we'll talk about one | | | | generation. Rather than piping hot air into a room, |
| such option, radiant floor heating, and discuss how | | | | radiant heating creates an even, comforting heat |
| radiant heating systems are different from | | | | by "radiating" the heat through the entire floor. |
| conventional heating systems. We'll also go over | | | | This is done by means of tubes full of hot water, |
| the pros and cons of each system. | | | | or an electrical heating element installed |
| First, a few words on traditional forced air heating | | | | underneath the floor. To cool the room, a normal |
| systems. Most people have these types of | | | | forced air duct system and are conditioner are |
| systems in their house. These system use a | | | | used. |
| furnace to heat the air, which is then sent through | | | | The heat from a floor based radiant system feels |
| a system of ducts to heat your house. This | | | | luxurious for several reasons. It is a joy walking |
| system is popular for a reason, since it actually | | | | around in socks, or barefoot, since the floor itself |
| works pretty well. The heating and cooling come | | | | is giving off the heat. Since the heat comes from |
| through the same set of ducts, giving you | | | | the floor, which covers the entire room, the heat |
| comfortable temperatures no matter what | | | | is very even and pleasant. These systems are |
| season. | | | | also super quiet, since there are no noisy ducts |
| Forced air systems have some disadvantages, | | | | present. |
| however. Since the heating isn't continuous (the | | | | The largest disadvantage of radiant heating |
| furnace switches on and off), you do not always | | | | systems systems is price.For new home builders, |
| get constant heat. It will be hot when the furnace | | | | you can have this installed as an option much of |
| is running, and gradually cool down until it kick in | | | | the time, but if you're remodeling, good luck. Hiring |
| again. To make matters worse, the ducts in your | | | | a professional in this situation would be a very, |
| room or only placed at certain spots. These spots | | | | very good idea. Still, if you want the ultimate |
| will be warm, of course, but what about the other | | | | home heating system, be sure to give radiant |
| side of the room? "Cold spots" are a fact of life | | | | floor heating a look. It may just change your life. |
| with forced air heating. | | | | |