Radiant floor systems are slow to heat up because the entire floor must get warm, so turning up the thermostat doesn't produce instant heat.Radiant heat can be used with vinyl, linoleum, carpeting or wood flooring, but the system might be slightly less effective because these materials can act as insulation, blocking the heat from radiating from the floor to the room. Ceramic tile is the most effective flooring to use with radiant heat because it conducts and stores heat well, according to the Department of Energy.A video by This Old House explains electric systems. Electric systems either use cables built into the floor (generally in new construction) or electrically conductive plastic mats mounted on the subfloor under tile or other flooring material.A video by Krell Distributing in New York explains hydronic systems. Hydronic systems typically use a boiler to heat water and a pump to circulate hot water through plastic pipes, which brings the heat to the surface of the floor.Related articles: Electric Baseboard Heater, Hot Water Baseboard Heater, Central Heating Home Depot has do-it-yourself installation instructions. This Old House estimates the cost of electric radiant heat in an average-size bathroom at $400-$700 (including new tile) for a thin electric mat installed in thinset cement and controlled by a timer-thermostat, and says it is not a difficult do-it-yourself job for those who know how to set floor tiles. Because of the high cost of electricity, electric radiant floor heat is typically installed as supplemental heat in one room rather than as the main system for an entire house, and typically costs $5-$7 per square foot for just the materials or $8-$12 or more per square foot with professional installation, depending on local rates. This Old House estimates it takes 2-4 days to install hydronic radiant heat under a solid wood floor in an average-size room, and describes it as a difficult project best done by a professional heating contractor. Installation in new construction tends to be the least expensive, while tearing up and replacing floors in an existing home costs the most.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |