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Hydronic floor heating is the ideal choice for consumers looking for a comfortable, efficient heating system. Flexible tubing can be embedded into a concrete slab, installed below the floor in joist spacing, or installed above the floor underneath the finished flooring. Hot water flowing through the tubing heats the floor to a comfortable and constant temperature. The heated floor radiates warmth to surrounding objects, making everything in the room very pleasing to the touch.
A radiant floor delivers it highest temperature within the first few inches above the floor, warming feet and legs first. Several feet above the floor the temperature will be a few degrees less, this generally makes people feel more alert. The lowest temperature will be at ceiling level, where heat is not needed. The low temperature will also cut down on heat loss through the ceiling insulation. Because of this heat gradient, less energy is needed to produce the same desired temperature in a room.
Typical forced air furnaces will blow hot dry air into the living space until the desired temperature is met. With a radiant floor the dust and air borne allergens blowing around in the room are significantly reduced. This is ideal for people who suffer from allergies. Also humidity levels are more easily controlled without the blowing hot dry air.
Comfort is also achieved by more control. With forced air furnaces one thermostat controls each floor or even the entire house. Radiant floor heat may be piped into any number of zones. This allows for each room to have its own thermostat or similar rooms to be on one thermostat. In rooms that are used seldom, temperature can be a few degrees less. And in rooms such as bathrooms can be kept a few degrees higher.
Compared to other forms of heating, a radiant floor is proven to reduce energy usage. A typical savings of 10 to 20% is common and could be as high as 50% in some applications.
Experience can vary from one company to the next. There are a lot of options when it comes to hydronic heating. Find a contractor who is experienced and who can explain to you, all your options.
Kevin KorteButler Plumbing Heating & Gasfitting Ltdhttp://www.butlerplumbing.ca/
article at HomeRenovationGuide.com