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Radiant Floor Heating - Frequently Asked Questions

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Q. How do radiant heat systems work?
A. Electric radiant heat systems utilize heat cable that is embedded in the floor. When the floor heating system is turned on, the energy forced through a conductive material (heat cable) creates resistance or heat. Heat radiates and warms the floor and room. Electric floor heating systems feature rapid response times and energy efficient operation.

Hydronic radiant heat systems utilize specially treated water that is heated by a boiler and then a pump cycles the liquid through a series of PEX tubing that is installed under the floor's surface.
Q. How much does it cost to install radiant heat?
A. No two radiant heating projects are exactly alike. For accurate pricing, submit your project information for a free quote. (This information includes square footage, surface type, location, etc.)
Q. Are radiant heating systems really energy efficient?
A. Radiant floor heating systems can be control by "zones" or rooms, allowing you the flexibility to heat precisely where and when you need. Unlike the furnace of a forced air system that operates at one level, regardless of whether you have closed off vents in some rooms, individual zones (rooms) of radiant heat systems are capable of being controlled by separately. The floor heating systems can also be programmed to turn on and shut off when you choose, so you can program the heat to warm your home just before you get up in the morning as well as right before you get home from work. Radiant heat is convenient, easy to operate, and very efficient.
Q. What are the indoor applications that radiant heat can be used for?
A. Radiant floor heating systems can be installed under virtually any floor surface, including tile, laminate, hardwood, marble, etc.
Q. Do you recommend electric or hydronic floor heating products?
A. Different systems make more sense in different applications. Click here to learn more about the differences between electric and hydronic floor heating systems.
Q. What floor heating system do you recommend under hardwood flooring?
A. FloorHeat is an ideal system for heating under hardwood floors. FloorHeat is installed under the hardwood flooring and nails can be used to secure it to the floor without causing any damage to the system. In-Slab is a less expensive option; however, it needs to be embedded in ½-inch of concrete or mortar. HeatShield Panels are a revolutionary new floor heating solution that is also outstanding for heating under hardwood floors. (Learn more about heating under hardwood floors.)
Q. What radiant heating system do you recommend for heating under tile floors?
A. Different systems are recommended depending on the size of the area you are heating. For smaller areas (10 to 300 square feet), radiant heat cables and mats are inexpensive and effective options. When heating larger areas, a variety of other floor heating options are available. The thin profile, low-voltage FloorHeat can be used if you are unable to embed radiant heat cables.
Q. Can I heat under carpet floors? If so, what system do you recommend?
A. FloorHeat is an excellent system for heating under carpet, and can be installed directly under the carpet pad. In-Slab (SlabHeat) is also an affordable option; but keep in mind that it needs to be embedded in ½-inch of concrete or mortar.
Q. Who provides the best radiant floor heating system designs?
A. When dealing with a radiant heat provider, always make sure that complete system engineering and design (by qualified experts) is included. A good benchmark for system design drawings (and customer service) is that provided with this radiant design link. (View more information and a sample of a radiant heat system design drawing.) Or call an expert at 888.488.9276 for more information about radiant heat system layouts, custom options and power requirements.

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