Radiant floor heating

radiant floor heating

Radiant floor heating has advantages and disadvantages, both of which must be assessed before carrying out its installation. In cold weather it is fundamental to have a house in good condition so that it generates and keeps the heat. Some time ago, we wrote about the importance of thermal insulation in a house. We also wrote about non-polluting heating such as aerothermal energy. Furthermore, we dedicated a part of our blog to intelligent thermostats. We must stress the fact that it is important to have an energy saving scheme at home, especially in the XXI century. At first, radiant floor heating was rare in Spain. As time went by, more and more houses have adopted this system. Today, we are going to learn more about this kind of heating. For instance, did you know that two different types of radiant floor systems exist? Do you know which are its advantages and its disadvantages? Let´s take a look at it.

radiant floor heating

TWO DIFFERENT SYSTEMS

Radiant floor system has two different ways of working: by hot water and by electricity. Radiant floor system by hot water works similarly to central heating by hot water. That is, a boiler generates the heat which is then distributed by piping installed under the floor throughout the house.These pipes have to be installed before placing the flooring together with insulation underneath the piping to avoid loss of heat. A thinner layer of insulation is placed above the piping so that the heat can reach the house flooring and keep it warm. Another different kind of radiant floor heating is by electricity. In this case the system is by metal electrical resistance or by carbon fibre. Similarly to the radiant floor heating by hot water, a layer of insulation has to be placed underneath the piping and above it another thinner layer so that the flooring is warm.

radiant floor heating

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

Those in favour of radiant floor heating, state that saving is what attracts them most. It is estimated that if you have radiant floor heating, you can save up to 10% and 20% in relation to other heating systems. This saving is due to the temperature impulse of radiant floor heating which is inferior, nearly by half, to other systems. Another advantage is the feeling of comfort we enjoy: such as walking barefoot in winter and feeling the warmth in your feet. Moreover, the heat is better distributed because it reaches every part of the house. On the other hand, radiant floor heating creates neither draughts nor does it dry the ambience. It uses renewable energy and respects the environment. Furthermore, as no radiators are needed, there is more space. Apart from this, the same installation can be used in summer to cool the house.

radiant floor heating

Concerning the disadvantages, we must first of all point out that the investment is greater than in other systems. Not only is it more expensive but it is also more complicated to carry out. In old houses, it is practically impossible to do unless you are prepared to face complicated building work. Secondly, it is a slower system because it takes longer to heat the house, especially if the materials are not first quality. The range of prices differ considerably. And lastly, the maintenance must be done by a professional otherwise the system will deteriorate.

radiant floor heating

Pictures 01 and 04: Chixoy

Picture 02: H.Raab

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