Apr 01, 2020 | Flooring Canada
What comes to mind when you hear “heated floors”? Maybe “too expensive” or “not practical.” But actually, it’s quite the opposite. In fact, heated floors are both cost-effective and energy-efficient, offering a great alternative to heating your home. And even if you’re not ready to pull the trigger on a home-wide install, they’re a great addition to a bathroom or kitchen remodel. So, what should you know about heated flooring before making it a part of your next home improvement project?
Heated floors are a radiant heating system. By directly warming the entire floor surface, heat radiates upward, warming the room above—people and objects included. And with a speedy heat time of 30-60 minutes, homeowners can turn them on and off as needed. Your room temperature is always consistent—and toes, always toasty.
Unlike forced-air heating systems, radiant heat warms its surface directly. And without air blowing into the room, dust and other allergen particles remain undisturbed. It’ll save you from sneezing and keep your eyes more comfortable, while maintaining a constant and comfortable temperature.
In comparison to forced hot air, well, there’s hardly any comparison. Radiant heat directly heats the building mass itself. Whereas in forced-air systems, energy is lost through pipes upon release into the air. Forced air systems release heat that rises to the ceiling and drops as the temperature decreases, causing an inconsistency in heat throughout the room itself and a loss of heat as it spreads throughout. But with radiant heat floors, the energy has only one place to go—the floors.
Heated floors sound like an expensive project. But as its popularity has increased, installation costs have decreased. And once installed, heated floors begin to save you money immediately due to their great efficiencies. A typical bathroom will cost you less than a dollar a day to run its radiant heat system. Combined with a higher efficiency and consistency in heat, the difference in heated floors is something you’ll feel in your home, and your wallet.
Radiant heat systems work well with many different floor types—from tile and stone, to laminate and luxury vinyl. So, whether you’re starting small with a bathroom renovation, or looking to update the floors throughout your entire home, consider radiant heat.
Want to learn more? Contact your local Flooring America and talk to us about your next project to see if radiant heat installation is right for your home. Your toes will thank you.