| Physics can explain how radiant floor heat works - | | | | Things to Consider Before Installing Radiant Floor |
| the principle of thermal radiation. Any heated | | | | Heat |
| object releases electromagnetic radiation. The sun | | | | |
| and even the light bulbs at home are examples of | | | | |
| thermal radiation. The typical electric baseboard | | | | |
| heater uses the same principle. To heat the | | | | It is always best to consult a heating and cooling |
| element of a baseboard heater, electricity is used. | | | | expert if you are to install a radiant floor heating |
| The heat produced will then be distributed in the | | | | system, although installing this heating system can |
| entire room through thermal radiation. | | | | be done by an experienced person. Before going |
| | | | | through the process of installation, consider the |
| The same principle goes with the radiant floor | | | | following: |
| heaters, although, there is a difference between | | | | |
| the radiant floor heater and standard baseboard | | | | |
| heater. The flooring of the home is installed with | | | | |
| panels which exudes heat upwards to the ceiling. | | | | 1. The efficiency of the existing insulation at home |
| There are electrical cables charged with hot | | | | and the proper insulations in walls and ceiling |
| water, as well. These cables deliver the energy | | | | 2. The energy source to power the installation and |
| produced to the heating elements that generate | | | | energy costs competitive in your area (if |
| heat, thus making the house warm. The radiant | | | | considering electric) |
| floor heater's thermostat can be set 4 to 8 | | | | 3. Floor covering over the installation. Ceramic tiles |
| degrees lower than the usual than a typical forced | | | | are better than carpets because the latter serves |
| air system. But worry not because you will still | | | | as an insulator. Vinyl tiles or linoleum may also be |
| feel comfortable! In many parts of the northern | | | | considered. Just bear in mind that any floor cover |
| United States, this would mean a lot of savings | | | | may cut down efficiency rate of the heating |
| over the heating period. | | | | system since they have insulating effects. |
| | | | | 4. Future use and energy resources. You have to |
| You may apply different methods in installing | | | | think forward as the best choice for radiant floor |
| radiant floor heating system, be it in a new house | | | | heat today may not necessarily mean something |
| or to an already existing house. The installation | | | | useful in the future. Take note also of the energy |
| method may be classified as "dry" or "wet". If | | | | resources like solar power, wood or LPG as an |
| you opt for dry installation, panels will be mounted | | | | energy resource or for a hydronic system, a coal |
| to the flooring, subflooring or under the subfloor. | | | | fired boier. |
| This method, either electric or hydronic, will then | | | | |
| be hooked up to the apt source. | | | | |
| | | | | |
| On the other hand, wet installation makes use of | | | | To sum it up, radiant floor heaters are |
| panels which are installed on the floor. Then, over | | | | easy-to-use, energy efficient, "silent operator" and |
| the installation, a thin layer of gypsum or concrete | | | | environment-friendly. Aside from the comfort this |
| is spread over. This sandwiches the cables | | | | heating system may bring, people suffering from |
| between two layers of either flooring or concrete. | | | | allergies can already feel relived, as this system |
| If you are building a new house, this is preferable, | | | | does not blow allergens into their houses. With the |
| since a concrete slab of high thermal mass is | | | | radiant floor heater, you can't wait to wake up in |
| utilized as a foundation of the ground floor. | | | | the morning because your feet can now say |
| | | | | goodbye to the cold floor and hello to the |
| | | | | warmth of your home. |
| | | | | |