Radiant floor heating is fast becoming the preferred method of centralized heat in many places around the world. It is a great way to warm your home or office efficiently and at a lower cost than forced air heating. There are several different types of radiant floor heating systems, including electric. These systems aren't right for every application, or in every geographical location, but under the right conditions they can be the best way of achieving efficient centralized seat.
Electric radiant floor heating works on the same principles as hydroponic systems do. Raising the room temperature is accomplished by heating specialized floorboards which then radiate heat into the space above. It is efficient, consistent, and extremely comfortable. The only significant functional difference between the two systems is that where the hydroponic system utilizes warm water in plastic tubing, an electric system produces heat by running electric current through specialized cables. At their most basic levels however, the effect is the same.
One of the best markets for electric radiant floor heating is existing construction. In other words, we're talking about already existing buildings where the heating system is being replaced. As electric systems are much easier to install and less invasive than hydronic systems, they are preferred for this type of application. Using electric cables and reflective materials, electric systems can be run through the floor joists of nearly any building without affecting the space above. And although it's recommended that homeowners replace their finished flooring surface with something that is more efficient, it's not absolutely necessary.
Installation of an electric radiant floor heating system is fairly simple and straightforward. It begins with an individual room assessment which gauges how fast heat is dissipated and escapes the room. In order to make maximum use of the various electric cables, installers want to make sure they're addressing problem areas. They can only do so after a thorough heat assessment. Once that's complete they’ll recommend an installation plan and any materials that should be included.
From there it is simply a matter of drilling the holes in floor joists and running the cables. If finished flooring materials are going to be replaced this can be done either after the system is installed or simultaneously. A good, efficient finishing product is recommended as it will help you get the best use of your new heating system. Ideally you are looking for something that absorbs the heat from below, slowly dissipates it above, and continues to radiate for as long a time as possible.
One of the downsides to electric radiant floor heating comes by way of electricity costs. While radiant floor heating as a whole is significantly less expensive than centralized heating, the issue of electricity may still be a problem. If you live in an area where the electric service is municipally owned, you probably get your electric service fairly inexpensively. But for those whose electricity comes from a public utility this may not be the case. Before you install electric radiant floor heating it's always a good idea to run the numbers so you know how much it will cost.
You might be surprised to find out that the principle behind electric radiant floor heating is used not just for heating homes and buildings. It's also used to keep driveways, parking lots, and even roofs clear of ice and snow. By installing a similar system in your roof or driveway, you can keep those surfaces at a mere 40° and never have to worry about snow or ice buildup again. In fact, if you're considering radiant floor heating for a new home you're building, you might want to consider having your driveway and roof done at the same time. Having it installed all at once will certainly be less expensive than trying to do each area separately.
Compared to forced air or electric baseboard heating, the benefits of electric radiant floor heating are obvious. Radiant heat from the floor provides a more even and consistent temperature, a more comfortable environment, noise-free heating, and greater efficiency. When compared to hydronic systems, electric radiant floor heating has one major benefit: its incredibly fast response time. In fact, it responds so well you can take a room at 60° and heated up to 68° in a very short amount of time. With a hydronic system it takes a little longer to heat the water and get it circulated to the point where ambient room temperature begins to rise.