Heated floors are an excellent choice if you are trying to enhance the comfort and luxurious feel of your home. They are a smart investment if you buy a new home or renovate your space to add extra value to your home. Many heating systems are available on the market, which lets homeowners create a dream space easily. In this article, we will explain why you should install a heated floor, its pros and cons, and the benefits of installing it in your home.
A heated floor is a flooring with a particular heat mechanism fixed beneath it. Heating can be produced using two methods: electric or hydronic. A heated floor works on the radiant heating principle and provides it directly to the floor. Traditional heating methods heat the air in the living space. In contrast, a heated floor warms the surface, making it even more comfortable for us and our pets to walk on it.
Heated floors come in two types depending upon their working type, which are mentioned below:
Electric radiant floor heating uses electricity. The electricity is passed through a snake-like coil to heat the floor. Heat takes 30-60 minutes and is completely under the homeowner’s control. Once you feel the floor temperature is ample, you can turn the floor temperature off to save electricity.
A hydronic radiant floor heating system uses hot water that flows through plastic tubes arranged in a snake-like pattern under the floor. This system needs a boiler, a pump, and gas lines. You can also connect it to a geothermal system. Compared to electric radiant floor heating, hydronic radiant floor heating takes time to heat up. These in-floor heating systems are great for complete house heating. They are best for new homes or significant renovation projects.
Radiant heated floors can be operated seamlessly. They come with a thermostat, which is a basic controller that everyone is aware of. Like ACs and furnaces, heated floors can be controlled with a button click. They need no maintenance and have a 30-year warranty. They come in advanced variants that can be controlled by smart Wi-Fi thermostats, which increases their ease of use.
Generally, radiators need 145 – 170 degrees Fahrenheit to heat a room. However, heated floor systems need only 84 degrees Fahrenheit to work efficiently. Electric radiant floor heating systems can save around 15% on bills. They use less energy, which results in less power consumption.
As the system is fixed under the flooring, you need not worry about the space like traditional radiators. You will have free walls in your living space that can be decorated in other ways.
Traditional radiators can be harmful because of their hot surfaces and sharp edges. However, radiant heated floors are safe for pets and children as they are installed inside the floor. They also maintain air quality in an oxygen-rich condition.
Underfloor heating is easy to set up. In most cases, heating comes pre-spaced and already attached to a mesh, so you can roll it out and secure it.
Old floors must be removed when installing heated floors, and all the furniture and appliances must be shifted to another place. The whole process can be lengthy. So, these projects are mostly suggested during the home’s construction or renovation.
Heated floors are installed with insulation, which adds an extra inch to the floor. Hydronic floors can increase in height more than electronic heated floors.
Radiant floor heating systems can cost around $10 to $20 per square foot. You must also pay an electrician around $200 to connect the system to power. Hydronic systems are more expensive than electric ones.
There are several reasons why a heated floor is beneficial for us. Some of the common ones are mentioned below:
Once the heated floor is installed and covered with tiles, it needs no maintenance. The cables and membranes are tough and long-lasting, so you don’t have to worry about checking and maintenance.
Tile and grout are not waterproof; moisture can get through a tiled floor. Heated floor membranes have a waterproof layer made of polypropylene that protects the subfloor from moisture in the tile. This is especially useful in bathrooms. Also, the heating cables help moisture on top of the tiles dry faster than on a non-heated floor.
The heated floor membrane can help prevent cracks in the tiles by allowing the subfloor to move without damaging them. This is especially useful in places with a lot of foot traffic, heavy furniture, or where the temperature and humidity change often.
The floor heating systems have separate membranes and cables, which allow you to set heat wherever you need.
Some heated floors can also help reduce noise. The soft backing helps absorb sound and vibrations, which lowers the amount of noise that passes through the floor. This is especially helpful in places like apartments or condos, where noise from neighbors can be a problem.
Heated floors can make your home more comfortable in many ways. They spread heat evenly throughout the room so there are no cold or hot spots. This helps reduce drafts and makes your home feel warmer, even at lower temperatures.
You can set the system to turn on and off at certain times of the day so your floors are warm and comfortable when you need them. Advanced floor heating systems can also connect with smart home voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home, making it easier than ever to warm your floors.
We usually install an uncoupling membrane while installing tiles for the floor. So, install a coupling membrane that supports the heating. Heated floors are a luxury, but they also provide comfort and warmth to your home.
Installing a heated floor offers many benefits that make your home more comfortable and enjoyable. They provide even heat throughout the space, eliminating cold or hot spots and reducing drafts. Heated floors are also low-maintenance, durable, and can help with noise reduction, making them great for apartments and condos. Ready to experience the comfort of heated floors in your home? Markham Tiles is here for you! Contact us today for expert installation and support!
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