There’s not much worse than getting out of your warm, cozy bed in the morning, only to step on a hard, frigid floor. Installing a heated floor in your home is the ultimate luxury and comfort, especially for our freezing Calgary winters.
If you love the feeling of walking on a warm floor, you’re not alone, which is why radiant in-floor heating systems are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners.
What is Radiant Floor Heating?
Radiant floor heating essentially turns your floor into a large-area radiator, thus your floor becomes a heated surface that directly warms your home.
There are three types of in-floor heating:
- Electric Radiant Floors – This type of heating uses electrically resistant cables or conductive heating mats beneath the floor’s surface. These cables or mats can be easily installed under various flooring types.
- Hydronic Radiant Floors – This system works by circulating hot water through a network of flexible tubing or piping laid in a pattern under the floor. This is the most popular type of radiant floor heating and is ideal for homes that already utilize a water heater.
- Air-Heated Radiant Floors – This is a forced-air heating system in which the heated air is passed through ducts installed in the floor. The warm air heats the floor, which then radiates into the living space. This type of heating is a better fit for commercial buildings and is rarely installed for residential use.
Radiant in-floor heating offers several advantages over other traditional heating systems. For the rest of this article, we’re going to discuss factors concerning the two main types of in-floor heating systems: electric and hydronic.
As a homeowner, it’s important to understand the key differences between each type so you can make an informed decision when choosing the right system for your needs.
Initial Cost
The cost to install radiant floor heating can vary widely depending on your home. The initial cost of an electric in-floor heating system is typically lower than that of a hydronic system. Installing an electric heated floor in a small space or one room is a relatively simple, affordable renovation.
Hydronic systems are more complex and labor-intensive and need additional components such as a boiler, and a gas line, adding to the higher upfront cost. However, for large installations, the cost per square foot for hydronic heating can be comparable to an electric system, as the cost of installing multiple electric systems can add up.
Operating Costs
In most areas, the cost of natural gas is cheaper than electricity, meaning the operating costs of an electric radiant floor heating system are generally higher than those of a hydronic system. Of course, this will vary depending on your location and the electricity rates in your region.
Electric systems may be expensive to run when used as a primary heat source for a large area but can be cost-effective for small spaces or as a supplemental heating solution. Using energy-efficient components with your hydronic heated floors (such as an energy-efficient water heater) can further reduce your operating costs.
Energy Efficiency
Hydronic in-floor heating systems are known for their high energy efficiency, transferring up to 95% of the heat generated by the boiler to your home. Electric heating is generally less energy-efficient than its hydronic counterparts, especially when used to heat large areas and entire homes.
Comfort and Performance
Both hydronic and electric radiant floor heating are known to provide consistent, even heat across the floor surface, creating a warm, luxurious environment. To sum it up, in-floor heating feels really good! Electric in-floor heating systems quickly heat the surface, making them ideal for areas where rapid temperature adjustments are needed.
However, the system’s performance could be affected by the type of flooring and insulation you have. Hydronic systems have a slower response time: well-insulated floors could take 30-60 minutes to warm up. A floor with a hydronic heating system will stay warm for an extended period, even if the system is turned off.
Durability
Radiant floor heating systems have a long lifespan, especially compared to traditional heating systems like gas furnaces or modern radiators. While a conventional furnace may last 10-15 years, many electric radiant heat systems in Calgary come with a 25-year warranty (and the typical lifespan is much longer than that). For those considering alternatives to furnace services, radiant floor heating offers a durable and efficient option.
The plastic tubing used in a hydronic system can last between 30-50 years. Electric in-floor heating systems have no moving parts and are relatively low maintenance. Hydronic systems do require more maintenance due to the complexity of the parts involved. Potential issues with leaks in the piping or problems with the boiler are possible but rare when installed and maintained correctly.
In-floor heating offers a modern, energy-efficient heating solution for your home. Experience the luxury and comfort of radiant floor heating! Contact us today at Mr. Mike’s Heating and Plumbing in Calgary to schedule a consultation.
