Heating / February 11, 2016
Radiant Floor Heating: 5 Things to Know
If you’re a fan of the hit television series “Breaking Bad,” you may remember the episode where Skyler White marvels at a heated floor beneath her bare feet.
“I love this floor… this has got to be the most amazing invention ever,” she muses. The homeowner responds, “The contractor talked me into it. It seemed kind of extravagant,” he says, “but once you try it, you can’t go back.”
In today’s world of innovation, heated floors have become a technological mainstay in homes. After all, homeowners can save big with a hydronic heating system.
Still unsure if it’s right for your home? Here are five frequently asked questions about radiant floor heating:
1. What is radiant floor heating?
Radiant floor heating is an invisible heating system that doesn’t require radiators, vents or ductwork to operate. The concept dates back to ancient Rome, when homes and baths were built with a hypocaust; that is, an open space below the floor. Hot air and steam from the furnace would pass freely through the enclosed area of the hypocaust, and then exit the space through a vertical flue. Many of today’s radiant floor heating systems, including the ones that Mauzy Heating, Air & Solar installs, are hydronic (hot water).
2. How do hydronic radiant floor heating systems work?
Hydronic systems pump heated water from a boiler through tubing under the floor. This is no ordinary tubing. PEX is a polyurethane tubing that’s highly durable and can be patterned to carry the warm water into specific rooms or zones. The heat from the floor then radiates through the room from the ground up.
3. What are the advantages of radiant floor heating systems?
There are numerous advantages to installing this in-floor solution. It boils down to three big “C’s”:
Cost efficiency. Energy efficiency is cost efficiency. Generally speaking, radiant heating systems are more efficient than baseboard heating and forced-air heating. In the latter system, up to 30 percent of heat is lost due to ductwork. Plus, as aforementioned, the tubing has longevity, too. If properly maintained, your floor heating system could outlast your furnace.
Comfort. As Skyler White discovered, radiant heat feels amazing—like stepping out from the shade into the warm sun. Also, it’s whisper quiet without noisy radiators or blowing vents.
Cleanliness. Allergy sufferers will rejoice that the hypoallergenic system doesn’t spew pollen, dust, or other allergens.
4. What are the drawbacks of radiant floor heating systems?
Installing a heated floor requires an upfront cost, and you’ll probably have to remove existing flooring to install it. That’s why many homeowners choose to install the system when remodeling or building a house.
5. What flooring material works best with radiant heating?
Have you been dreaming of a new room with ceramic or Italian marble? Or, maybe you need laminate flooring that can sustain more wear and tear. All of these flooring options work over radiant heat. Engineered flooring is a good choice, too.
On the other hand, you’ll want to avoid large rugs, wall-to-wall carpeting, vinyl and hardwood floors. Carpet and rugs can work as insulators, blocking heat from radiating up from the floor. In-floor heating systems can also cause vinyl to be discolored and hardwood floors to buckle or warp.
Turn to the Professionals at Mauzy
Installing radiant floor heating is a home improvement project that must be attempted correctly from the beginning. The Mauzy Team is here to guide you from start to finish—from choosing the right system, to properly zoning your home according to your needs and preferences. Our certified technicians are also trained in maintenance and repair of in-floor heating systems.
Have a question not listed above? Don’t hesitate to contact us at (619) 448-9545.
