Most people who own radiant
floor heating feel that the most important advantages are comfort
and quiet operation. Radiant floor systems allow even heating throughout
the whole floor, not just in localized spots as with wood stoves,
hot air systems, and other types of radiators. The room heats from
the bottom up, warming the feet and body first. Radiant floor heating
also eliminates the draft and dust problems associated with forced-air
heating systems.
Even heat distribution may result in lower heating bills. With radiant
floor heating, you may be able to set the thermostat several degrees
lower, relative to other types of central heating systems. This is
because the entire surface of the floor radiates about the same amount
of heat that the human body does, making the occupant feel warm even
though the air temperature might be only 65ºF (18ºC). It
also radiates this heat for a long period of time. Radiant systems
may result in less infiltration of outside air into the house compared
to houses with forced-air heating. Radiant floor heating proponents
claim that fuel savings of 15% to 20% over forced air systems are
possible. However, recent reports suggest that this may not be the
case, since occupants may not be comfortable with a "low" thermostat
setting and thus not set it lower.
Radiant floor heating also allows for lower boiler temperatures,
which may result in the boiler lasting longer (a 45 year life is
not  unusual). Radiant floors operate between 85-140ºF (29-60ºC),
compared to other hydronic heating systems' range of 130-160ºF
(54-71ºC).
To some, the greatest advantage of radiant floor heating is aesthetic.
The system is "invisible." There are no heat registers
or radiators to obstruct furniture arrangements and interior design
plans. Radiant floor systems also eliminate the fan noise of forced
hot air systems. |
Standard gas & oil water heaters
