Should You Install Radiant Floor Heating?

Radiant floor heating is an innovative way to create warmth in a home. More energy efficient than baseboard or forced air heating, it is a cost-effective way to keep your feet comfortable and the overall temperature at a reasonable level. However, it’s not necessarily right for everyone’s home. The flooring experts at CMA Flooring have some information to help you decide if installing radiant floor heating is a good idea.

There are two main types of radiant floor heat in residential applications: hydronic (hot water) heat and electric heat. Each type has its strengths and weaknesses. Hydronic systems are the most popular and the most energy efficient. Hot water is pumped through tubing laid beneath the floor and the heat rises to warm the surrounding area. Installation for hydronic systems is typically a little on the pricey side. Electric heat systems are composed of flooring with electric cables built into them in a zigzag pattern. This method is much easier to install and can be retrofitted to existing rooms, but it tends to be more expensive than the hydronic method in terms of monthly energy costs.

Radiant floor heating systems can be used under many different types of flooring. Tile and the hardwood flooring Carrollton homeowners prefer are most common, but any kind of finished flooring is a possibility. However, carpet can pose a bit of a problem. If there is thick padding beneath the carpet, it is already insulated and may actually make the idea of floor heating pointless, akin to putting a wool sweater on a sheep.

Installing radiant floor heating has a higher cost up-front than traditional heating methods. A common price range is $6-15 per square foot. In Carrollton, laminate flooring, as well as tile and wood, are often much cheaper without radiant heating, and seeing these prices can cause you some sticker shock if you don’t know what you’re getting into. Keep in mind once it’s running, radiant flooring can be up to 30 percent more efficient than traditional heating, which can save you money in the long run.

Whether or not radiant floor heating is the right choice for you, CMA Flooring in Carrollton has a wide variety of flooring options to choose from when remodeling your home. Give us a call at 972-418-6606 and we’ll help you find a flooring solution that is both attractive and functional. We hope to hear from you soon.