Hydronic Radiant Floor Heat – What You Need To Know
When it comes to radiant floor heating, you will have the choice between an electric and hydronic radiant floor heat. You have to consider the amount of power that you will need to heat up your entire house, and when considering the electric system you will not save on energy costs. This means that the hydronic system will be the easy and more cost-effective way. If you are building a new home, the hydronic system would be the best choice. This way, you will already have a diagram of how you would install the system and also know exactly where to install the parts. If you want to install the hydronic radiant floor heat in an existing home, it is not only expensive, but you are going to be facing the ultimate task of tearing up and chopping the flooring.
Let’s for argument’s sake say that you have chosen the hydronic heater system. It is important that you know that the cost will be more upfront compared to a traditional furnace unit. Using the forced-air system in a 610-sq/m space will cost you half the amount of money than a hydronic heating system and a boiler. Keep in mind that the radiant floor heater will be more efficient, saving you around 40 percent on energy costs, and it will last longer. The standard furnace will last you around 10 to 25 years, while the hydronic radiant floor heat system will last you around 40 years.
With the hyrdonic system you have advantages – there is a variety of ways to heat the water, and these are:
• Gas-fired boiler
• Oil-fired boiler
• Solar-water heater, gas or kerosene
When you are trying to decide on a heat source, take the size of your home into consideration and also how cold the region is where you live in. Let’s say you live in a large house and it has high ceilings, you will probably find that the boiler system will benefit you. If you live in a building or a smaller home, you will be able to get away with using a water heater.
You’ve decided to use a gas-fired system in your new home. You have to make sure that a general contractor or radiant floor heating specialist installs the system. There is a wet and a dry installation. A wet install is when a slab of concrete is installed beneath the floor or even thin concrete is laid down between the surface and the sub floor. A dry install involves installing the tubes directly beneath the floor while the house is being constructed. There will be no need for concrete to be laid on top. Hardwood floors, tiled floors or carpeting is then put on top of the sub floors and then picks up the heat form the tubes.
Maintaining the hydronic system is minimal. The boiler will need to be checked annually and most of the pumps utilize water to keep the part lubricated and these are low-maintenance. Your hydronic radiant floor heat specialist will be happy to show you your options.
