We’ve been using Radiant Floor Heat in our homes since 1997. This type of heat system is considered to be the cadillac of heat systems, most notably found in high-end homes. Because we are performing the installation ourselves, we are able to offer this feature in our homes. Radiant Floor Heat is a comfortable heat that radiates from the floor up, keeping more of the warmth in our living space rather than near the ceiling. Duct systems are not required, nor are baseboard units, thereby allowing more usable space for furniture and less air movement to aggravate allergies.

This house will be heated with radiant floor heat, which is fueled by either natural gas or propane. “Thermal Mass” refers to the ability of a material to retain heat. For instance, a heated stone will remain warm much longer than a block of wood. This is because the stone is denser, thereby containing more mass. This in-floor heat is a comfortable heat that is adjusted using a standard thermostat. Nothing needs done by the owner with the piping seen in laundry room. A heated floor normally “feels” neutral. Its surface temperature is usually less than our body temperature, although the overall sensation is one of comfort. Only on very cold days when the floor is called on for maximum output will it actually “feel” warm. This picture shows a typical layout of the tubing.

Water is supplied by a 95% energy-efficient condensing boiler, which also provides on-demand domestic hot water. The on-demand unit replaces the traditional 40 gallon hot water tank you’re used to seeing. On-Demand systems heat the water only as needed, so, for example, when a faucet is turned on or heat is called for in the house, it heats the hot water flowing through the unit to meet those needs. Unlike traditional hot water tanks, water is only being heated when needed, not at night or when you’re at work. Water temperatures for the domestic water and radiant heat can be easily adjusted at individual settings. Domestic water use is prioritized, so if the heat is running when hot water at the sink is asked for, the heat will be turned off until the faucet is off, then switching back to continue heating.

Energy Efficient. Heat loss from any building is driven by the temperature difference between the inside of the structure and the outside. Conventional systems locate registers along outside walls, under windows and in front of sliding glass doors to compensate for all those cold surfaces. That hot air goes up those cold outside walls, across the ceiling and down to the cold air return – in other words, every place where heat loss occurs, which is a great setup for wasting energy. Radiant heat directs the heat to the interior of the space and reduce or eliminate the excessive temperatures on outside walls and ceilings. This can result in energy savings of 10% to 30% in most residences. Increasing your comfort and, at the same time, saving money on your utility bill is a winning combination. Energy savings comes from lower overall thermostat settings which you choose naturally. When both air temperature and radiant transfer are compensated for, you feel comfortable at room air temperatures which are lower. You no longer have to force yourself to turn down the thermostat to save; you will do it automatically to be comfortable.

Enjoy a Healthy Environment. Radiant heat provides the quietest way to deliver heat to your home. Eliminated are radiators, so no air passes through dusty ducts or dirty fins before reaching the room. And placement of furniture is not regulated by heat duct or radiator locations. Warmth is carried to living spaces on invisible waves of radiant energy, naturally.

If you have further questions concerning radiant floor heat, on-demand water units, or any other feature of our homes, please get in touch with us.