If you're entertaining the thought of an interior concrete floor, but are reluctant because of the cold factor, then a radiant floor heating system is the answer for you.
A radiant floor heating system "radiates" heat from the floor and delivers the heat evenly throughout the rooms.
Other benefits of radiant systems include:
- Silent operation. There's no hum or whistle of a forced air system.
- Inconspicuousness of the system. You don't see vents or hear air blowing.
- Energy savings. Evenly distributed heat from a radiant floor heating system can allow the thermostat to be set two to four degrees less than in a forced air heating system. This can reduce energy costs by 10 to 40 percent. (You'll want to check with the utility in your area to verify what a two to four percent temperature decrease would amount to in savings in your area)
- A healthier home. Forced air systems can spread dust, pollen, and germs.
- Also, radiant heat is less likely to dry out your breathing passages and skin.
Many radiant floor heating projects are in slab-on-grade concrete. Tubing is installed in the slab. Temperature-controlled water then circulates though the tubing in the slabs; this process turns the slab into a radiant panel.
Concrete presents the greatest thermal mass of any of the radiant floor heating methods, which can be a tremendous benefit in rooms or buildings with high ceilings.
The Romans first used radiant floor heating in 60 A.D. to warm enclosed spaces, according to Uponor, a radiant floor manufacturer. Radiant heating controls the rate at which a body loses heat by turning large surface areas (floor, walls, ceilings) into large, low temperature radiators. These surfaces surround a person with warmth. Radiant systems can keep your family cozy and comfortable and often increase the resale value of your home.
