Did you know there was a more comfortable way to heat your home that is also more energy efficient? The Home Energy Company is a leading installer of the most energy efficient radiant floor heating systems available.
What is a radiant floor heating?
With traditional heating systems, forced warm air is blown through a system of ducts and registers. Air is distributed unevenly throughout the house, and the system heats the room from the ceiling down, creating pockets of cold air and inefficient heat loss.
With Radiant floor heating, the system heats the room from the floor up, creating a more even, comfortable environment at much greater efficiencies.
Why is radiant heat a better solution than forced warm air?
- Radiant Floor Heating systems are more comfortable:
- Radiant floor heating systems heat in much the same way that the sun heats your skin on a sunny day, by heating objects and people rather than air.
- This creates a more even, warm and cozy heat that no other form of heating can match.
- Because Radiant Floor heating Systems heat from the floor up, your feet are constantly in contact with heat, and when your feet are warm, your whole body is warm.
- Most of the heat stays within the level of room where bodies are located.
- Radiant Floor Heating Systems are more efficient: Radiant heated homes can be 20% to 30% more efficient than homes heated with forced warm air.
- Radiant floor heating systems are proven to provide the same level of comfort at temperatures several degrees lower than forced warm air, creating savings by using less energy.
- Radiant does not stratify like forced air so there is significantly lower ceiling temperatures and less heat loss through the roof.
- There is no drafting as with forced warm air systems eliminating temperature changes from blown air on the skin.
- Most forced air systems can cause the room to pressurize and pump heat outside around windows and doors.
- There is no heat loss through duct systems, seams, duct tape, attic spaces or crawl spaces as with many forced warm air systems.
- Radiant floor heating systems can be combined with Geothermal and solar, creating substantial savings over gas or electric systems.
- Radiant Floor Heating Systems are healthier:
- Radiant floor heating systems will not blow dirt, dust, bacteria, viruses and pet dander around a home the way forced air systems will.
- Radiant floor heating systems will not dry out breathing passages as with forced warm air systems and can help reduce asthma and bronchial related symptoms.
- Radiant Floor Heating Systems are quieter:
- With no blower fan or motor these systems heat the home efficiently without noise.
What type of radiant floor heating system does Home Energy Install?
The Home Energy Company installs what is known as a Hydronic system. Hot water is run through 1/2 pex tubing, heating the surface area around it. These systems can be installed in concrete slabs or under wood sub floors:
For in-slab radiant, the pex tubing is stapled to 2 inch foam board prior to the pouring of the slab. 80-85 degree F water circulating through the floor is sufficient to maintain rooms at a constant warm temperature.
For Radiant under sub floors pex tubing is stapled under the floor with heat transfer platesand insulation. These systems require water to be circulated in the 90-95 degree F range to maintain a constant warm temperature.
Can a house be retrofitted with radiant floor heating?
Yes, many homes with wood sub floors can be retrofitted for radiant floor heat as long as there is sufficient access for proper installation.
