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Radiant flooring is fast becoming a popular alternative to
conventional duct-based heating systems. Benefits of a radiant floor
system are plentiful, and include:
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more even heat distribution, with no hot or cold spots
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better air quality via the elimination of heating ducts
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potential elimination of bulkheads and chases
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economical to operate, as the heating system is a closed
loop system
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reduces allergens, especially when used with an air
exchanger/filter combination
How It Works
In a radiant system, hot water is run through looped tubing of 3/8 to
1/2 inch diameter. The looped tubing may be installed in a substrate, such
as a concrete slab, or run under the flooring joists. When installed under
the joists, the exposed joist area is generally sealed with a reflective
wrap, and fiberglass insulation. The typical 2-floor installation consists
of a radiant heat loop within the basement slab floor, and under-joist
loops under the main floor. To ensure an efficient system, each loop must
be kept below 300 or so feet.
A high-efficiency boiler, usually electrically fired,
heats the water that runs through the tubing. In more complex
installations, heating zones can be created for maximum control of each
space, however, in general, a single zone system is installed to reduce
costs.
Yet another radiant floor option consists of a heated
wire, installed in a substrate such as tile mortar, in key areas such as
bathrooms. This system is cost-effective in small areas only, and its
purpose is to enhance comfort (e.g., cold ceramic floors in washroom), not
heat a room.
Costs of Radiant Flooring
In general, radiant flooring adds about 10% - 20% to the cost of
installation when compared to a conventional heating system. However,
operating costs may be as much as 40% lower year over year. In addition,
there is no need to accommodate and maintain heating ducts.
Optimizing Radiant Systems
To get the most out of your radiant floor system, it is important to
insulate properly, particularly under areas such as:
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below the concrete basement slab, using Styrofoam panel
insulation
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under the floor joists, using a reflective wrap and batt
insulation
It is not recommended to cut corners when installing a
radiant floor system, as the system will not meet your expectations if
items such as additional insulation are not accounted for.
Things To Know About Radiant Flooring
Radiant floors, particularly those using a concrete slab as a thermal
mass, do not provide instantaneous heat like a central heating system.
Slabs do take time to warm up and cool down. When you turn on your radiant
heat system, it may take 1-2 days for it to come up to the desired
temperature. It is important to plan accordingly when preparing for the
cool season!
Radiant heat systems are usually calibrated by the
installing company. Once calibrated, it is important not to toy around
with or attempt to adjust the system. Just let it be!
A properly installed and calibrated radiant floor will
give you years of comfort, energy efficient heat, and satisfaction, and
will generally payback within the first 5 years.
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