In-Floor Radiant Heat: Is it Right for You?
As the temperatures remain cool, we search the spare closet for the plug-in heater and hope the dog isn’t going to knock it over. And we wonder if there is a different way, maybe a better way, to heat the bathroom on those cold mornings.
An in-floor radiant heat system is a possibility with promise. Not only is it silent, but it’s efficient and cost-effective. It will last for years, quietly heating your bathroom.
Stable, economical heat source
One of the advantages of a radiant in-floor system is that the heat rises from the floor. The heat is available even when the rest of the home is at a lower temperature, thereby giving a person who is wet from the shower the ability to dry themselves off without becoming chilled.The heat doesn’t blow through air ducts, so it’s easy to control without spending a great deal of money on lost heat. Because it’s a home improvement, rather than a plug-in unit, it’s very reliable when properly maintained.
Durable and versatile
An in-floor radiant heat system is designed to last twenty to thirty years, which is basically the life of your home. The flooring material doesn’t make much difference, either, which means
It is versatile enough that flooring can be hardwood, stone tile, or even carpeting.
Safe and clutter-free
Because there are no wires, heated boxes blowing air, and other potentially hazardous objects, radiant heat is a safer option than other forms of heat. The heat comes up from the floor itself, and, because it warms the feet, a person’s whole body will feel warm. While the home can be divided into different zones of radiant in-floor heat, most people prefer to have the system designed for the bathroom, since this is the ‘cold zone’ of a home.
Unsurpassed comfort and luxury
One of the things many people report about radiant in-floor heating is that it’s very luxurious. If provides exactly the heat needed in an invisible, safe, silent and efficient manner.
The drawbacks
One of the biggest drawbacks is that radiant heat can be expensive to install, and it’s much more cost effective to install in during the initial build of your home. Adding it after a build can put some people off, because remodeling isn’t for everyone.
In addition, your home will need to be equipped with a high quality water heater if you don’t have a boiler. (Come on! This is Phoenix. Who has a boiler?) Generally the water has to come from somewhere, and using a water heater is the best solution in our climate. If you’re planning a new build, remodel or addition, ask your plumber about in-floor radiant heat.
911 Heating, Cooling & Plumbing offers an array of heating services, which include heating installation and replacement, heating repair and maintenance, heat pump installation, heat pump repair, and heat pump replacement to provide the highest level of comfort. Call us at 602-795-2900 for more.
