Yes, you can have your floors heated; they are an excellent option for keeping you warm this winter. While it may seem cool to have hot floors, they’re actually truly an efficient option, both in their placement and how radiant floor heating installation works and how they are the reliable home heating solution. On top of that, they tend to be quite an energy-efficient option, which everyone can use these days.
How do they work?
Typically it’s either hot water or electrical wiring running underneath the floor; these elements will help radiate the floor with heat, and the hot air naturally rises. The air temperature remains constant, but at the same time, your body will feel more warmed up than with conventional heating. That’s because the warmth cannot be stolen either.
Conventional heating works by pushing hot air everywhere. That hot air rises quickly to the top, and then the heat dissipates. The air is still there but much cooler and comes back down, making it an inefficient option.
It also doesn’t distribute the warmth where you need it. So your feet remain cold with the rest of the body being warm. And conventional heating will typically raise the temperature fast and shut off because the thermostat says it’s warm enough. Then you’re cold as soon as that heat shuts off.
Radiant Floor Heating Installation options
You may think this is a luxury item and that only the rich and famous could have such a thing. However, there are two options for radiant floor heating installation, and even the most expensive one still is affordable and will be cost-effective down the line.
Hot water option (Hydronic System)
The first option is where your floors turn into radiators by pumping hot water. You no longer will have that stifling dry heat in your home or random cold pockets of air due to inefficiencies.
You can even map out different heating zones, building out a new level of customization to your heating needs. When it comes to the pricing, it typically runs between $6 to $15 per square foot. That large range comes from starting from the beginning, retrofitting, or in a new build, and you still have time to lay down the radiant floor heating installation.
Electric radiant heat
Another reliable home heating option for your floors is this method. The warmth comes directly from electrical wiring that heats up. While you’ll need to have a professional electrician help with the installation, you won’t need as much equipment as you would with the hydronic system. That means no specific tubing, additional water, or need to install a boiler.
It’s not as energy efficient either, but it may still be more energy efficient than standard conventional heating systems unless you get the whole house done. This option, because it still needs extensive electricity, is best for specialized locations that are typically cold such as a bathroom or drafty bedroom.
Either option still provides a reliable home heating solution, but keep in mind that you want to have this done by a professional.