Floor Heating Systems Electric Vs Water

A radiant floor heating system is simple in concept.

Floor heating systems electric vs water.

Bob vila writes on his blog the cables which are often pre attached to mats for ease of installation are installed over the subfloor in a bed of thin set mortar. There are two types of radiant floor heating electric and water based systems. As the water generally only loses about ten degrees a running system maintains heat quite efficiently. Because electricity is fairly expensive relatively few homes are entirely heated by in floor electric systems.

To counterbalance energy prices an electric floor heating system can be zoned to heat only the rooms you are using while you are using them. Heated flooring provides an even heat that reaches every part of your space eliminating the cool spots and drafts that are typical of conventional forced air systems. Electric systems unlike water based systems the electric systems do not need a costly boiler pump and control system. Many people use these terms interchangeably but the reality is that they are very different.

Electricity runs through resistance cable and creates heat. The cost of running an electric floor heater will be slightly higher than a water system but the upfront investment will not be as large and there is no cost for maintaining the system over time. Ceramic or stone tile are popular finished floor choices. Electric systems are simple and affordable.

Both provide heating in a room from the floor up for consistent efficient warmth. Electric heating wires or hydronic water glycol. To heat a basement a garage or an entire house opt for a hydronic heated floor which is more appropriate. Advantages of a hydronic system.

As long as the length of pex tubing is within acceptable range and system is capable of providing sufficient amounts of hot water a hydronic system can be utilized for any size area from a compact. All floor heating systems warm the floor with either electricity or hot water. Hydronics heating systems unlike electric hydronic floor heat systems carry the advantage of not being limited to a particular size area. Hot water heater a hot water heater is used to give you domestic hot water for your appliances like dishwashers and washing machines as well as fixtures like showers and sinks.

Electric floor systems work just like an electric blanket. The heat radiates upward from the floor to warm the rooms of a home or building. If you only want to heat a bathroom or ceramic floor in the kitchen opt for a heating wire system located under the tiles. Electric underfloor heating vs water underfloor heating there are two main types of underfloor heating one is powered by your homes electricity mains the other is uses hot water from your boiler to heat your floors via a manifold.

There are quite a few things to love about radiant floor heating systems.