A Brief History of Radiant Flooring—Pros and Cons of Radiant Floors

The concept of heated floors actually finds its origin back to ancient Rome. In aristocratic houses, the slaves would fan wood-burning fires beneath marble floors to keep the tiles warm in the winter. The whole process of radiant floor Install is trending back because of the extra ease and comfort it provides as compared to forced air heaters. The traditional radiance techniques fell out of favor in the 18th and 19th centuries when it was discovered that fumes leaking through the floors caused carbon monoxide poisoning. The 19th century introduced a water boiling-based heating system- the forerunner to today’s hydronic systems. The electric was born, of course, with the advent of accessible electricity after Thomas Edison’s fateful invention.

Hydronic system-- Pros of Hydronic Radiant Flooring

Produces consistent, long-lasting heat, you don’t have to worry about the cold floors anymore. The heat won’t escape through the windows and doors and the floors will remain warm for long. Since the floor heat panels are placed underneath the floor, the heat can’t escape from the heated area.

Maintains temperature! You will not drastic changes in the temperature; all of the house where the radiant floors are installed will be on the same temperature. If you are calling professionals to put the electric floor in CA, make sure you are getting the finest of people do that for you. Hydronic system is more affordable than electric systems. Since the hydronic system uses water as the raw material, and the water runs through the tubes, it’s almost impossible for this choice of heating to become over the top expensive. 

The hydronic floor heat panels in CA are not trickier to keep as a permanent heating option as well.

No exposure to heating ducts! Again the heat will stay in place; it won’t escape from the open doors and windows. Creates one big, heated surface for gentle, consistent warmth! If you have put the heating panels under a few areas of the house, you will find the same temperature throughout those areas.

Pros of Electric Radiant Flooring

1.       Minimal labor costs. The panels are very easy to be installed. You can lay the heating panels like a carpet or rug and forget about the temperature drops.

2.       Simple installation integrates works well with remodeling projects. If your house has the forced air heating system previously, include the radiant flooring in the renovation. You will be amazed by the benefits of this one particular renovation. The results of this one step will be satisfactory and you will find the effort totally worth it.

3.       Features zoning for specific rooms! You don’t have to put it in every room. Select areas which you want warm and, put electric or hydronic heating panels only in this certain areas!

4.       Can run on a timer! Switch the system off when the floor is warm enough.

5.       Suitable for homes without a traditional hot water system! If you don’t have a boiler for your place, this system will be just the perfect for you.

 Cons of Hydronic Radiant Flooring

1.       Higher initial outlay for installation! You have to have a boiler in the first. the system requires a lot of plumbing so it is costly.

2.       Not suitable for frequent adjustments in temperature. Say if you liv in a part of world which has four seasons in a year, the radiant heating is not for you. For the areas which are colder for the most of time, it is beneficial to put radiant flooring underneath.

3.       Complex installation too involved for smaller remodels. Even if you are putting it under only a room’s floor, you will be required to pull out the floor and install the panels and make the floor on the top of the panels again.

4.       Consumes a significant amount of electricity! This has been the biggest issue with this kind of heating system. Electric floors consume a lot of energy and you can see your bills going up rather than down.

5.       Isn't convenient for installation throughout a whole house! You can’t put electric floors in the wet areas of your house like bathroom and kitchen.

6.       Best as a source of additional comfort! If you already have a heating system running, have electrical floors as an additional heating system and you are good to go.