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Radiant floor-heating systems warm up the chilliest rooms Deirdre O’Shea Copley News Service Heated floors are a sought-after feature for the dream home of the 21st century —and this warming trend need not be as pricey as homeowners may expect. In bathrooms, kitchens and family rooms — or any room where tile or wood is the decor of choice — a radiant floor-heating system distributes warmth evenly throughout the room by turning the floor into a large, low-temperature radiator. In comparison, warmed air from a forced-air heating system quickly rises to the ceiling. The surface temperature of the floor is controlled by a thermostat. Radiant heat has other benefits. The systems operate silently and without drafts. Because the heat is distributed evenly, homeowners find they can set the thermostat lower, saving energy and reducing utility bills. Radiant heat is healthier than the alternatives, as well. Forced air spreads dust and pollen, and carpets attract dust, dust mites and mold, which can aggravate allergies. Radiant heat is also less drying than forced air, which can be hard on breathing passages and skin in the wintertime. More homeowners are investigating radiant-heating options as an alternative heat source than ever before. According to John Barba, North American director of development for Wirsbo Co., which manufactures high-quality hot-water radiant floor-heating systems, these systems can be used to heat an entire home, to heat just a room, or in conjunction with another heating system for “floor conditioning,” where a cold floor is made inviting and cozy. There are two basic types of radiant floor-heating systems for residential use, electric or hydronic (using heated water). They can be installed under any flooring surface, even vinyl, laminate or carpet. Hydronic systems circulate warm water through tubing in the floor. Wirsbo systems use its special PEX tubing, made of a superplastic that is resistant to both high temperatures and high pressure. The tubing can be installed in several ways, Barba says. In a “wet system,” the tubing is laid down over the entire floor and then the concrete slab is poured. Next, the system is connected to a separate heating source, which can be solar, a water heater or even a boiler in cold climates. In another “wet” installation technique, the tubing is stapled to the subfloor, then an inch and a half of concrete is poured. After, the finished floor is added. “Dry systems” eliminate the need for pouring concrete, which can save time and money. Wirsbo’s Quik Trak system is perfect for remodeling or retrofitting projects, though it can be used to heat an entire house. Quik Trak is a plywood-and-aluminum underlayment with grooves that the tubing snaps into. It is installed on top of a plywood subfloor and below the finished floor. Electric radiant floor-heating systems are usually used for comfort and to supplement a home's heating system, but they can be installed as a primary heat source. The systems are similar to electric blankets, with heat-resistance wire attached to a supporting material. The electric pads, or panels, are embedded in a layer of thin cement. These systems are popular in rooms with tile, such as the bathroom. Warmly Yours, Inc., a leading manufacturer and distributor of radiant floor-heating systems, has an innovative new microthin heating system designed for use under carpeting and laminate wood floors. Environ II, introduced last year, doesn't require cement. It is installed directly under the finished floor over a foam pad, which provides additional insulation. Environ II is fairly easy to install for the do-it-yourselfer and extremely energy efficient. As homeowners look to add convenience and comfort to their dwellings, radiant floor heating takes cold rooms from barely usable to warm and inviting. With these systems, cold feet are a thing of the past and finished basements ignored during the winter can serve as the playrooms once imagined. |
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