Electric radiant floor heating systems can be a relatively efficient way to heat your home. But there are a couple of options to consider in radiant heating systems, so we consider some of the tradeoffs.

The Lowdown on Electric Radiant Floor Heating

Author: David Karlson

Electric radiant floor heating is widely considered to be the most energy efficient heating process currently available. It is also considered the healthiest and most comfortable type as well. It is efficient because it does not feature a fan blowing heat around the room; it heats from the bottom up, which warms the feet and body first.

A traditional style of heating system will generally leave the area near the ceiling as the warmest. If your electric radiant floor heating system is setup correctly, it will heat objects in the room besides just the room itself.

Forced air heating systems can create issues with floor drafts, cold spots, low humidity and dust blown about the room. Other types of heating systems that can create localized hot spots include wood stoves and various types of radiators. Some people may experience savings up to forty percent in using a radiant heating system as opposed to a forced air system.

There are two specific types of radiant floor heating. One is of course the electric style, which is installed under the floor. Another type is hydronic radiant heat, which features water circulating through tubes under your flooring.

Which type of system is best for your home? A hydronic system is better if you have a large area to heat. If you only require heating during the morning and a few hours at night then the electric system may be best for your home.

Electric radiant floor heating involves placing heating mats above the sub floor. It will generally take thirty to sixty minutes to heat the entire floor. A timer and thermostat control these mats. They can be pre-set to heat only when necessary as well.

An electric radiant floor heating system will raise the floor only a small amount. The hydronic system however can raise the floor up to almost two inches; this could present a problem in many homes. It usually only takes a small amount of time for the electric system to heat up. The hydronic system takes anywhere from four to seven hours to heat up when first turned on. Therefore, this system needs to be left on and thus consumes energy for a long time.

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By D. Karlson

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