We all want to stay warm during the winter season. Traditionally, people used furnaces and fireplaces to keep their homes warm. But technology has now allowed us to change our environment automatically without even needing those loud furnaces.
In-floor heating, also known as radiant floor heating, is a modern, sophisticated system that warms your space directly from the ground up. It uses electric cables or water-filled pipes to provide even heat throughout the enclosed area. It also offers silent operation and better energy efficiency than traditional systems.
In today’s article, we’ll talk about how this system actually works. Let’s get started.
How the In Floor Heating System Works
The in floor heating system basically turns your floor into a large radiator. Heat radiates upward from the ground and warms people directly (instead of blowing hot air). But how does the heating process actually happen?
First, a room thermostat senses when the temperature drops. It then signals the system to turn on. Now, based on the type of system you’re using, the warm water or electric current flows through a manifold or cables. This heats up the entire floor material.
This heat moves upward and gently warms your entire body.
Types of Systems
It has two major types. One is an electric system, and the other uses hydronic technology.
The first type of system uses thin electrical resistance wires or pre-spaced heating mats. They’re installed directly beneath the floor covering. It works perfectly well for bathrooms or kitchens (or spaces with limited floor-height clearance). It’s also easy to install and has a lower upfront cost.
The second type uses water through a closed-loop network of plastic pipes. It circulates heated water pumped from a heater or boiler. It works best for new home constructions because thick pipes need to be deeply embedded into concrete slabs. This system has high upfront costs, but it keeps the energy bills low.
Benefits of In Floor Heating Systems
The obvious benefit is the extraordinary comfort you get. The system directs heat uniformly across the entire area (which removes the cold corners). It also doesn’t blow air, which cuts down the spread of dust. It’s also silent and eliminates the need for noisy fans or ticking ducts.
The system runs at a lower temperature than standard radiators. It also wastes less heat, which means lower energy bills. You can independently control temperatures across different areas of the room without those bulky floor vents.
Who Should Be Trusted to Install This?
It’s important to choose a contractor with strong design and math skills. They’ll perform accurate heat loss calculations. They should also have strong material knowledge and understand how the thermal conductivity of different finishes works differently.
A good contractor also thoroughly tests electrical resistance before laying the final floor. After the installation, they also clean and level the subfloors to protect sensitive heating wires from damage.
Final Thoughts
This system is highly efficient. You’ll stay warm indoors without ever worrying about noise or utility bills.