How does radiant flooring work

It needs an electricity supply, a thermostat which will regulate the desired temperature , and electrical resistance, surrounded by insulating layers, similar to garden hoses.

These are placed on a thermal blanket and then overlaid by the floor. The main disadvantage of this solution is the high energy consumption. The Hydronic radiant floor, on the other hand, works through coils built into the floor, where the heated water will travel. The water stored there remains in a closed system, that is, it circulates uninterruptedly, alternately heating up and losing this energy to the environment.

It can be heated in several ways, such as gas boilers, diesel oil, solar heating , or even electrical resistance. In the past, steel and copper tubes were the most common. Today, most systems use flexible and resistant materials such as polyethylene and PEX cross-linked polyethylene. In addition to being considered cheaper, this option is also more environmentally friendly, as it generally does not use as much electricity. Despite being considered a relatively expensive system, there are cases of heating in public and even urban uses, such as on sidewalks, roads, airstrips, or even under the grass of soccer fields.

Hydronic radiant floor systems pump heated water from a boiler through tubing laid in a pattern under the floor. In some systems, controlling the flow of hot water through each tubing loop by using zoning valves or pumps and thermostats regulates room temperatures. The cost of installing a hydronic radiant floor varies by location and depends on the size of the home, the type of installation, the floor covering, remoteness of the site, and the cost of labor. Whether you use heating cables or tubing, the methods of installing electric and hydronic radiant systems in floors are similar.

So-called "wet" installations embed the cables or tubing in a solid floor and are the oldest form of modern radiant floor systems. The tubing or cable can be embedded in a thick concrete foundation slab commonly used in "slab" ranch houses that don't have basements or in a thin layer of concrete, gypsum, or other material installed on top of a subfloor. If concrete is used and the new floor is not on solid earth, additional floor support may be necessary because of the added weight.

You should consult a professional engineer to determine the floor's carrying capacity. Thick concrete slabs are ideal for storing heat from solar energy systems, which have a fluctuating heat output. The downside of thick slabs is their slow thermal response time, which makes strategies such as night or daytime setbacks difficult if not impossible.

Most experts recommend maintaining a constant temperature in homes with these types of heating systems. Due to recent innovations in floor technology, so-called "dry" floors, in which the cables or tubing run in an air space beneath the floor, have been gaining in popularity, mainly because a dry floor is faster and less expensive to build. Because dry floors involve heating an air space, the radiant heating system needs to operate at a higher temperature. Some dry installations involve suspending the tubing or cables under the subfloor between the joists.

This method usually requires drilling through the floor joists to install the tubing. Your boiler is what heats the water, and it requires energy to do so. Like furnaces, boilers have multiple degrees of efficiency, with more efficient boilers costing more.

They can be powered by gas, oil, propane, or electricity, so exact costs vary. Next, you need to consider whether you have a concrete subfloor for the radiant heating or a dry layer of plywood. Concrete provides better performance so that you can maximize energy usage. By all accounts, things rarely ever go wrong with a radiant heat system.

Before you decide to install one, though, there are some things you should consider:. Identifying and fixing poor insulation can be an involved process , but a quick and easy thing to check is your attic: if you can see the top of the joists in your attic over the insluation, chances are you need to improve the insulation in your ceilings.

Make sure you select a fuel source that is cost efficient in your area. If using electricity, you may be able to get a break on your electric bill if you use it mainly during off-peak hours.

Large concrete subfloors can be heated up or charged using electricity at night and may not need more electricity during the day. One of the easiest things you can do to check if your thermostat is working is to see if there is any electricity reaching it.

The safest way to do so is using a non-contact voltage tester. Some floor coverings work better with radiant floor heat than others. For instance, ceramic tiles warm up nicely and distribute heat evenly.

However, carpets act like insulation and will make it more difficult for heat to get into the room. Some experts advise using rosin paper as opposed to tar paper underneath a laminate floor when you are installing a radiant floor heating system. As tar paper warms up, it can off-gas, causing an odour in the home.

If your new in-floor heating system is heating the floor unevenly, the culprit may be poor installation. You will need to call a professional to diagnose and repair most issues. If air gets trapped in the pipework running under the floor, it can cause that zone to stop heating up. Depending on your system, purging the air can be a bit of an undertaking. Like any other heating system, you should plan on yearly maintenance by an HVAC professional.

Even though the pipes will last for the life of the house, there are mechanical parts, such as pumps and boilers, which should be checked. Normally these parts are silent, so it they start making noise, it could indicate a problem. The technician can clean the pump, while also checking the pressure valves. If they are beginning to wear, they can be replaced before any serious problems occur.

One of the benefits of radiant heat is that there are no filters or ducts that require regular cleaning. And there is no need for venting outdoors. Yearly maintenance should include a thorough inspection and a test to check pressure which could indicate the presence of leaks. Leaks could mean that oxygen is getting into the system which can lead to corrosion. Low pressure can also indicate that the system is not operating as efficiently as it should, leading to higher utility bills.

Your service provider may be able to set you up on a preventative maintenance contract to ensure that everything is taken care of on a timely basis. When it was first introduced to North America by soldiers returning from Europe after the World War II, copper tubing placed in concrete was used. However, copper within concrete will corrode fairly rapidly, so the lifespan was relatively short. Today, high-tech plastics are used and can have a lifespan of over years.

The mechanical parts of the system, such as the water heater, pumps, etc. You can extend the life expectancy of water heaters and boilers by keeping the temperature a little lower. Pros of Radiant Floor Heating.

There are two types of radiant floor heating , electric and water-based systems. Both provide heating in a room from the floor up for consistent, efficient warmth. Warm water systems run hot water through pipes to create heat, whereas electric underfloor heating heats wiring beneath the floor to generate heat.

This usually results in opening a window above the radiator to bring some fresh air in, and there we go again, letting all that energy paid to warm up the house escape out of the window. Radiant heat provides warmth from the floor up throughout the room without any cold spots or stuffiness in the area being heated. To summarize, unlike traditional radiators which can make a room feel chilly at times and too hot at other times, underfloor heating does not overheat — instead, it achieves the desired temperature set by you using an on-the-wall thermostat.

Once installed, underfloor heating needs virtually no maintenance and comes with a 30 Year Guarantee for total peace of mind. The Warmup heating controllers will ensure that your heating runs in the most efficient manner either automatically with a Smart WiFi Thermostat , or, if you wish, with a programmable thermostat that can be programmed to ensure the heating comes on at certain times, giving you the option to switch it off at night time. Even the most modern radiators take up room on a wall, so imagine the design freedom you have with heated floors — you can decorate the walls as you wish, to really make a statement or simply achieve the minimalist look, whatever your style, and free from having to plan around radiators.

Underfloor heating gives you the freedom to design your home as you wish, making the most of all the wall and floor space. When you have underfloor heating, you no longer need to worry about sharp edges or hot surfaces of radiators when younger family members are in the house. Radiant heat is also much better for the air quality in a room since it keeps the air fresh and oxygen-rich. On the other hand, high temperatures caused by radiators increase discomfort and reduce oxygen levels.