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Introduction to In-Floor Radiant Heating
If you’re thinking about installing in-floor radiant heating in your Connecticut home, or considering replacing an existing system, this guide will break it all down for you. We’ll walk through how in-floor heating systems work, what to expect during the installation process, and what you need to know before getting started.
Understanding In-Floor Radiant Heating Systems
For Connecticut residents, in-floor radiant heating systems are an efficient and comfortable heating option. They work by heating the floor itself, rather than the air in your home. Instead of pushing the warm air through vents, radiant systems use hot water or electric cables underneath your floor. The heat then rises so that your feet stay warm and the whole room heats evenly without drafts or cold spots.
Types of In-Floor Radiant Heating Systems
Hydronic (Water-Based) Systems
Hydronic systems use heated water that runs through plastic tubing under your flooring. This option is more energy-efficient focused, and are typically cheaper to operate for heating larger areas or the whole house.
Electric Systems
Electric systems heat through cables or mats underneath your flooring. These are easier to install in smaller areas like bathrooms or additions, especially since they typically cost more to run long-term.
Benefits of In-Floor Radiant Heating
Comfort:
Heat will spread evenly from the ground up so that your house doesn’t have hot and cold spots in certain areas. Plus, who doesn’t love a warm floor under their feet?
Ductless:
No air blowing from ducts means less allergens and dust in the air of your home.
Quiet:
There are no noisy fans or blowing air with in-floor radiant heating. Unless you’re choosing to use it as supplemental heating in certain areas, but those areas will be quiet!
Energy Efficiency:
Most in-floor systems are more efficient than forced-air heating, helping to lessen your energy bills each month.
Considerations Before Installation
Is radiant heating a good fit for your home? It depends. Radiant systems work best in homes that are well insulated and have flooring that conduct heat well; tile and stone are the most ideal options. Wood can work too, but it’s definitely less efficient than the latter. Carpet flooring is simply just not ideal for in-floor heating as it traps the heat.
It’s also important to note that installing radiant heating in an existing home means you’ll may have to remove and reinstall your flooring, but often can be applied directly under an existing floor. The best time to switch to radiant is during renovations or new builds.
Installation Process
- We check out your home: We’ll see what kind of system fits your needs, which flooring you have, and if your home is ready for a radiant system.
- We pick the right system: Hydronic or electric, depending on your space and energy setup.
- Prep work: We get your floors ready, removing old flooring and making space for the tubing or cables if necessary.
- Install the system: Tubing or electric wires/mats go in, then we reconnect everything to your boiler or electrical system.
- New floors go down: After everything is tested, the new flooring finishes it off if required.
- Final testing: We make sure the system is working efficiently with the new flooring over it.
Maintenance Tips for Longevity
There typically isn’t much maintenance that goes into radiant heating systems, but here are a few things you can do:
- Annual inspections: Have a professional take a look each year and check for leaks or electrical issues.
- Watch for signs of problems: Uneven heating, high energy bills, or cold spots could mean that something is wrong with the system.
- Use the right floor cleaner: Make sure whatever cleaning products you use won’t damage the floor and impact heatflow.
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With over 30 years of combined experience, our HVAC business in Hamden, CT has been serving the residents of Connecticut with top-notch heating and air solutions. We're excited to share some of these testimonials with you, showcasing the trust and loyalty our customers have placed in us for all these years.
Conclusion
If you are planning a renovation or building a new home, it’s a great time to consider a radiant heating system. They are efficient, low-maintenance, and they keep your home comfortable in the coldest Connecticut months. We’re happy to walk you through your options and help figure out if it’s the right fit for you and your home.
Get in touch with Evergreen Heating & Cooling to schedule a consultation!
