In Floor Heating Systems

One of the newer and popular technologies in flooring is a floor heating system. However, the idea dates back thousands of years. The Romans created systems to warm their otherwise cold marble floors. Modern systems have the same goal, but operate in a different manner.

In floor heating systems used today typically are one of two types: electric and radiant or tube.

Electric floor heating systems utilize a layer of material embedded with wire mesh or another conducting material. Electricity passes through the mesh, heating it, and that heat is conducted slowly to the surface of the floor where it keeps your feet and, to a degree, the room warm.

At first it may not sound very safe, especially in areas like the bathroom or kitchen where liquid may frequently be spilled on the floor. But actually, electric floor heating systems are as safe, or safer, than an electric blanket. The mesh is well insulated and the flooring material itself - whether wood, vinyl,r ceramic or other - adds an even greater safety factor.

Electric in floor heating systems cost a few hundred dollars to install in an average bathroom, but they typically operate on just a few cents per day worth of electricity. Depending on the size and model, they can add significant heating potential to the bathroom. Kitchens tend to be more larger and these systems heat the floor well and provide some area heating also.

Radiant floor heating systems have the same purpose - to warm the floor and room. But they operate quite differently. They function by circulating warmed air or water (both are technically fluids) and radiate heat through a series of tubes. Those tubes are installed either above floor or below floor.

"Above floor systems" are not actually above the floor. You are not walking on the heating system. Rather, they are installed above the sub-floor which may be plywood over a concrete floor but below the actual walking surface.

Below floor systems located below or, more commonly, in the sub-floor. Embedded in a series of panels or grooves, the tubes wind throughout the entire area a few inches apart. Sometimes the tubes are installed at the same time as the wet concrete. Reflective material is often installed underneath the tubes, to direct the heat upwards.

All in-floor heating systems take advantage of two effects: (1) heat rises, (2) heat felt through the feet tends to make the whole body feel warmer.

Heat from the mesh or tubes radiates heat to the surrounding material. Warm air rises, but it is starting at the floor. So, the floor is kept warm, which is a universally comfortable feeling on the feet. Nobody likes stepping onto a cold bathroom or kitchen floor. As the heat continues rising upward, it warms the room from a few degrees or much higher depending on the system. Many radiant floor heating systems will keep an entire large room very comfortable without any supplemental heating from other home heating systems.

Among the advantages of in-floor heating are the absence of any air flow from the outdoors that must to be heated, as is the case with many forced air systems. They're also hidden with no heat registers or vents. That gives the room a nice clean look and makes it possible to heat the kitchen where it can be difficult to locate vents.

Which floor heating system is best for you depends on local factors of cost and quality of installation. Radiant heating can be quieter, since electric systems can sometimes emit a low hum. But fluid moving through a radiant system might be heard, too, if the system isn't of high quality.

Shop around and you're sure to find a reputable dealer who can offer just the floor heating system you desire.