radiant floor heating cost per square foot

RADIANT FLOOR HEATING COST PER SQUARE FOOT PRO

Hydronic radiant heat is considered both the most popular and cost-effective of the different types. Hydronic systems, which are attached either in concrete under the house or the underside of the sub-floor, consist of tubing that pumps heated water through a boiler. Heat is generated through electrical resistance and is most efficient under ceramic tile or other floorings that easily allow heat to seep upwards. Radiant floor heating has several different types but depends heavily on the process of convection to warm the surfaces in your home.Įlectric radiant heat systems consist of electric cables attached to the underside of the sub-floor. Radiant heating supplies heat directly to the floor and sometimes the walls. Heat is not distributed throughout your space evenly and therefore results in constant toggling of the thermostat, causing energy to be consumed far more than necessary. Lastly, the biggest con associated with forced air is the inefficiency. Because the air is directly heated, it takes very little time to flow throughout your home.

RADIANT FLOOR HEATING COST PER SQUARE FOOT PRO

The biggest pro of a forced air system is the quick heating time. Some other cons of radiant heating include: The main con associated with radiant heating is the installation cost, which as stated above can be quite pricey. However, radiant heating isn’t a perfect solution. The main pro for radiant heating is its efficiency in using energy.īecause radiant heating systems only need to be heated to around 84 degrees to run, less energy is consumed, and therefore, bills are lower. Perhaps you don’t have the initial budget for radiant heat, or you aren’t interested in a sub-floor installation.īelow are the various pros and cons of the two systems to assist in your decision-making process.Ī professional HVAC technician will be able to answer any questions you might have as well. While radiant heat is overall more efficient, there are reasons why one might choose to go with forced air instead. One way to decide whether radiant heat or forced air is better for you is by analyzing the pros and cons of each system. What Are the Pros and Cons of Radiant Heat and Forced Air?

Radiant floor heating cost per square foot