Have you ever wondered about the in-floor heating pros and cons? Underfloor heat allows indoor heating through radiation of energy. While it is a smart way of heating your home, you might be thinking about whether it is suitable for you or not.
A lot of homeowners have been remodeling their homes for improvement. And probably one of the things included are upgrades to their current heating systems. One of the innovations in heating is in-floor options. If you’re eyeing this, read further to know more about its advantages and downsides.
But first, what is this type of heating system?
Before we discuss the in-floor heating pros and cons, let us first identify how it works. To do this, let’s distinguish it from furnaces and heat pumps.
As you know, furnaces acquire indoor air and transfer heat energy. Once it produces warm air, the blower fan transports it through the vents and ducts. They require proper maintenance to avoid system failure or furnace emergencies. Heat pumps, on the other hand, work by balancing the temperature. It does both cooling and heating through exchanging air currents. So how are in-floor heating systems different?
In-floor heating does the transfer of heat through convection. With the help of radiators, energy radiates from the floor to the ground up. Using the idea of “cold air sinks and warm air rises,” the floor is typically the coldest place in your space. Hence, once heating comes from beneath, it rises to the ceiling and provides sufficient and efficient warmth.
Advantages of In-floor Heating
Now let’s begin discussing the in-floor heating pros and cons by tackling the advantages first.
The primary benefit you can reap from in-floor heating is uniform warmth. Unlike furnaces and heat pumps that can somehow bring a cold spot, radiating heat from the floor is more effective. It allows adequate and equal heating from the bottom up to the whole room. Compared to ducts and vents that bear heated air in forced-air heating, location will not determine which areas are warmer. The next advantage is its energy efficiency. Studies show about a 15% reduction in energy bills compared to furnaces. It is good news for those working on a tight budget.
Another benefit is retaining your aesthetic interior. It does not take up space like furnaces or heat pumps, so in-floor heating systems blend seamlessly with your home. You won’t have to worry about it being an eyesore. Lastly, it works perfectly with all types of floor coverings. You won’t have to bother thinking of getting a specific floor cover to fit it in!
Disadvantages of In-floor Heating
Let’s continue the in-floor heating pros and cons by discussing its downsides.
The first notable disadvantage to it is the installation cost and duration. In-floor heating systems can be expensive and will vary on your chosen installer, location and type. It also takes time to install this as everything needs an appropriate layout to ensure proper function. Another issue is that it somehow increases the floor height. As a result, you may find a bulkier flooring once you get it for your home. Last but not least, it prompts additional costs as you also need to replace the existing floor cover that you have peeled off.
