Advantages and Disadvantages of In-Floor Heating
Electric radiant floor heating is much less expensive to install. However, this type of heating is not as efficient as its gas or propane counterpart. Other drawbacks include limiting flooring choices, installation costs, and energy efficiency. Read more information on DHL Mechanical | Boiler Expert – 403 863 8246 to discover the advantages of in-floor heating and decide if it is the best for your home. And don’t forget to read the pros and cons of electric radiant floor heating.
Electric radiant floor heating is cheaper to install
The cost of installing electric radiant floor heating varies greatly. The amount of electricity required varies, but most electric systems use 12 watts per square foot per hour. Since the average cost of electricity in the U.S. is $0.1319 per kilowatt-hour, the cost of electric radiant floor heating is approximately $0.00158 per square foot per hour. Most radiant floor heating costs come from labor, not material fees.
The price of installing electric radiant floor heating depends on the size of the system and the type of fuel used to generate the heat. Electric radiant systems use 12 watts per square foot per hour, whereas hydronic systems use about 0.1 watts per square foot per hour. While electric radiant floor heating is generally cheaper to install, hydronic systems are harder to retrofit into existing homes. Nevertheless, the price of electric radiant floor heating systems is about 10% less than hydronic systems. Electric radiant floor heating systems have been known to reduce energy bills by up to 30%.
Installation can be expensive.
You can save on the installation cost by choosing a contractor with experience installing subfloor heating systems. You should know that installing a hydronic system requires upgrading your boiler and water heater. It will also require installing tubing and a thermostat. Other materials needed include brass manifolds and solar panels. Nevertheless, installing an electric system will be less costly. However, you should check the reviews about the contractor on various sites before making a decision.
It can be expensive to install under certain types while radiant floor heating is compatible with most floors. Vinyl flooring, for example, costs between $2 and $15 per square foot. Other materials, such as marble and concrete, can cost from $12 to $60 per square foot. Depending on the size of the room, the cost may vary. If you have a large room, you might want to consider hiring an experienced contractor who can install the heating system.
Limitations to flooring choices
In-floor heating can limit the types of flooring that can be installed in a home, office, or retail space. There are some limitations to this type of heating, including the maximum temperature that can be reached. The maximum temperature is determined by the floor finish used and the room’s air temperature.
The best flooring for radiant heating is tile or concrete, which has natural heat resistance. Other good choices include laminate, vinyl, and stone. Wood flooring is a good choice. However, it can cause floorboards to expand and crack over time. Carpeting can also act as an additional layer of insulation, preventing the heat from reaching the floor beneath. If you’re concerned about your floorboards, you can purchase carpet.
Energy efficiency
Considering in-floor heating? It can be expensive, but the benefits far outweigh the cost. For instance, in-floor heating can reduce utility costs by as much as 50%. Plus, this method doesn’t contribute to cooling the house in summer. But do you need this technology?
Radiant heat is more consistent and continuous than forced air. Instead of blasting hot air up and down in a room, the heat radiates in a steady, even stream. Not only is it more comfortable, but it’s also more energy-efficient than forced-air heating. Whether starting a new construction project or re-decorating a large room, radiant heating can improve your home’s comfort and save you money in the long run.
