With the bitter cold of winter, floor heating is no longer an optional extra; it has become a must-have in many homes! This innovation, using water, glycol or electricity, keeps your feet warm while stabilizing the temperature of your rooms for better savings on your electricity bill. However, before you buy one, you need to learn about its main features.
Reading this article, you will be able to understand how these systems work, and the benefits they provide so you can decide which one is best for you.
Your floor heating system can be electric or hydronic. Since the operation of each system varies, it is important to select the one that will best suit your room.
A Hydronic floor heating system, which can use either water or glycol, allows you to adjust the water temperature for specific uses. You can heat the water with different systems: propane gas, natural gas, wood, wood pellets, electric boiler or a solar panel. It’s compatible with two kinds of thermostats: electronic and connected (Wi-Fi).
Due to its energy efficiency, it is becoming popular as a cost-effective way to heat a home in colder climates: the water retains heat for longer periods of time and is not lost to the environment as quickly. It also requires minimal maintenance, and is hidden under your flooring so it doesn't take up any valuable space in your home.
This underfloor heating system works by circulating hot water through pipes beneath your flooring, radiating warmth throughout the room from underneath. It creates an even and consistent heat, making it more comfortable than other forms of heating.
Hydronic is a great choice for those who want to enjoy the warmth of their home without relying on other forms of heating.The type of flooring should be considered as it works best with certain types of flooring, such as ceramic tile, stone, and other non-porous materials that can easily absorb and distribute heat.
Insulation levels are also important as they impact the efficiency of this heating system. Grounding and sealing the concrete floor against moisture is critical for lowering energy costs and maintaining a comfortable temperature.
Hydronic systems are perfect for new construction, building extensions, and homes requiring a more sophisticated heating system, as well as those with limited space, since they are energy efficient, cost effective, and simple to install.
They require minimal maintenance and are also quieter than traditional heating systems such as forced air furnaces or baseboard heaters.
Very versatile, they can be installed in any type of flooring, including wood, tile, and concrete.
They also provide space-saving benefits because they are completely concealed beneath the floors. In addition to energy efficiency, they offer improved indoor air quality.
While hydronic heating is energy-efficient and may be very cost-effective in the long term since it generates heat more efficiently than standard forced-air heating systems, such as furnaces, it also requires a certain level of competence for installation and can be fairly expensive.
Fortunately, HCW Systems developed a preassembled kit that makes it simple for anyone with no prior building expertise and basic manual abilities to install a hydronic system at home, install the preferred floor covering and program the thermostat by following 8 simple steps.
It is most likely the most affordable option on the market, you should consider this solution!
An Electric heating system is installed under the floor covering and works by converting electrical energy into heat energy. A continuous electric wire is installed on a mat according to the dimensions of the room. Before installing a laminate or tile surface, the installation process typically includes placing insulation beneath the floor, connecting the wiring to an electrical outlet, and laying down a protective mat.
The electric floor is easier to install in an existing construction. You will normally find electric underfloor heating in bathrooms or kitchens to bring additional comfort to your feet.
It can be connected to a traditional thermostat or programmed using a Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat. With this type of system, homeowners can easily adjust the temperature and enjoy comfortable warmth.
The system can also be used in areas that are difficult to keep warm, such as basements and attics, and perfect for bathrooms and kitchens with non-carpeted surfaces.
But there are some potential downsides to consider. These heating systems require a considerable amount of electricity to operate, which can translate into higher energy costs.
Electric underfloor heating can not be installed under cabinets and on floor coverings made of wood, vinyl, or carpet.. Installing your wires in these areas can cause overheating. This may result in the wires to sever, resulting in system failure. It is also recommended to install extra thermostat wires to avoid having to replace parts of your flooring to repair damaged connections.
Even in new construction, it must be installed by an electrician, which incurs additional labor costs.
Electric and hydronic floor heating systems have unique features that will make some of your friends jealous. Discover the three main characteristics that make this product an attractive option.
One of the main advantages of under floor heating is the even warmth that it produces. Contrary to conventional heating systems, radiant heat starts from the floor level and slowly rises, only losing a couple of degrees once at ceiling height. Moreover, this heating system allows you to save between 20 and 25% in energy: you will not pay for the heat accumulated on the ceiling (as in the case of convection heaters such as electric baseboards or forced air heating)! Since there is no air movement, radiant flooring is a wise choice for people who are sensitive to dust particles or have dust allergies.
The days of wall mounted heating units are over. Under floor heating allows you to use 100% of your floor space for your furniture. You can now take full advantage of your interior design.
Under floor heating is a value-added selling point for your home, now indispensable in the eyes of buyers. This type of heating allows you to recuperate a significant part of your investment when it comes time to sell your property.
When selecting a heated floor system, it is important to consider several factors, including the size of the area that needs to be heated, the type of flooring, and insulation levels.
The size of an area to be heated impacts the type of system that should be used. Radiant floor heating works by evenly distributing heat throughout a space, and larger spaces require more heat output compared to smaller ones.
For smaller areas, a single electric element may be sufficient. However, Hydronic systems can provide a higher heat output for larger areas, because it provides a significantly higher yield.
You should now have all the necessary information to make an informed choice for your heating system. Underfloor heating offers you the best option to keep your feet warm and maximizes comfort in your living space. If you have any questions about our heating system, our experts would be more than happy to address them!