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Advantages
Radiant floor heating is very cost-effective and comes with a great deal of comfort. There are three types:
1.) radiant air floors
2.) electric radiant floors
3.) hot water radiant floors
Hot water radiant floors, or hydronic systems, are probably the more cost-effective systems for homes in heating. Water systems heat water in a boiler and pump the heated water through tubing beneath the floors. It is one of the most comfortable types of heating, due to the fact the heat is evenly distributed from the floor, warming up the feet and body. The advantagess to radiant floor heating are many which include increased levels of comfort and is also a silent system. Radiant floor heat avoids drafts and dust problems associated with forced air systems.
Savings
The savings associated with radiant floor heating range from 10-40% on your utility bills. The radiant heated floors system distribute heat evenly, homeowners can set their thermostat 2-4 degrees less than in a forced air heating system, which causes reduced energy costs.
Compared to other hydronic heating systems, radiant floor heating allows for lower boiler temperatures, saving energy and increasing boiler life expectancy. A 45-year life is not unusual.
More articles on this topic
U.S. Department of Energy' Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: Radiant Heating
Radiant Panel Association
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