Radiant Floor Heating

A hot topic – literally. Radiant floor heating, who doesn’t get energized for this? We certainly do, but there are some pros and cons to consider.

The Pros

1. Super-Efficient

In the radiant floor heating game, one has water and electric-based systems. Both will provide heating from the ground up, however while the water system powers hot water through the pipes to generate heat, electric underfloor heating uses wiring (electricity). A normal radiator will need to be powered up to 149 to 167 degrees Fahrenheit to heat up a room. With radiant floor heating, this can be achieved at just 84 degrees. Moreover, you won’t experience any cold spots, typical of conventional radiators as the air nearest them will be the air that is the warmest. With radiant floor heating, the entire floor is warmed up. On the savings side, radiant heat will net you an average of 15% in savings on your heating bill. Isn’t that what heats us all up!

2. A snap to use

Things that are easy to use are fantastic. Underfloor heating requires nearly no maintenance and it also comes with a 30-year guarantee. Some can be controlled via a Smart WiFi Thermostat which is programmed to your specific needs with switch on and off times completely adjustable.

3. Space galore

Like Elon Musk’s desire to build an entire underground street network, radiant floor heating has this already accomplished. While the goals are different, at least one outcome is common for both – more space. In the case of Musk, more space above ground for things other than highways and cars, and in the case of the home, more space via the elimination of wall heaters. Imagine an entire room set-up without any interferences to how you’d like to design it? Sound heavenly? You bet!

Now to the cons …

The Cons

1. Your deflated wallet

Coming strong out the gate. We can’t sugarcoat this one, if radiant floor heating was so great, wouldn’t everyone have it? The quick and dirty answer – the cost. A safe estimation is $10 to $20 per square foot plus you’ll need a qualified electrician to tinker on it. Compensating him or her will set you back another $200 to $250 so the total upfront costs will hover in the $500 range.

It is worth pointing out that a water-based system is typically worked in during the build phase and will run you two to three times that of electric ones.   

2. Installation time

Coupled with cost, time is also an issue here. Water-based heating will take much longer to put in place compared to electric, but because it is part of the general build process you likely won’t be living in said abode yet. With an electric underflooring, this will take a day or two depending on the floor covering.

3. Raised height

We don’t think this is a gamechanger, but for more than a few it is. Floor heating systems will bump you up ½ inch. If you can handle that kind of altitude boost, go for it. But if that has you concerned, keep it in mind. Placing insulation boards underneath is a great option which will maximize the efficiency potential. However, then you’re jacking yourself up even higher.

Pros and cons to everything in life, right? You bet, but the pros seem to outweigh the cons here (despite us being fair and listing three for each).