Heated floors, also known as radiant floor heating systems, are made using either electric cables or hydronic (water-based) tubing installed beneath the floor surface to provide warmth directly to the room.
Here's a breakdown of the two primary methods:
1. Electric Radiant Floor Heating:
- How it works: Electric systems utilize electric heating cables or mats embedded within the floor. When electricity passes through these cables, they heat up, radiating warmth upwards into the room.
- Installation: The electric cables or mats are typically installed over a subfloor and then covered with a layer of thin-set mortar or self-leveling compound, followed by the finished flooring material (tile, stone, laminate, etc.).
- Advantages: Easier to install than hydronic systems, especially in smaller areas. Individual room control is simpler to achieve.
- Disadvantages: Generally more expensive to operate than hydronic systems, especially in larger areas.
- Common Applications: Bathrooms, kitchens, smaller renovations.
2. Hydronic Radiant Floor Heating:
- How it works: Hydronic systems circulate heated water through flexible tubing (typically PEX) laid in a pattern underneath the floor. A boiler or water heater heats the water, and a pump circulates it through the tubing loops. The warm water heats the floor, which then radiates heat into the room.
- Installation: The tubing can be embedded in concrete slabs, attached to the underside of a subfloor with heat transfer plates, or installed in a thin layer of concrete or gypsum over the subfloor.
- Advantages: More energy-efficient and cost-effective to operate than electric systems, especially in larger areas.
- Disadvantages: More complex installation, requiring a boiler or water heater and associated plumbing. Zoning can be more challenging (although easily overcome with modern pumps and controls).
- Common Applications: New construction, whole-house heating, larger renovations.
Key Components (Hydronic Systems):
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Boiler/Water Heater | Provides the source of heated water. |
| Manifold | Distributes the heated water to individual tubing loops and returns the cooled water. |
| Tubing | PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) is the most common material. |
| Pump | Circulates the heated water through the tubing loops. |
| Thermostat(s) | Controls the water temperature and flow, often with zone control. |
In Summary: Heated floors are created by embedding either electric heating elements or hydronic tubing beneath the floor surface, allowing the floor itself to act as a radiator, providing a comfortable and even heat distribution. The choice between electric and hydronic systems depends on factors such as cost, energy efficiency, installation complexity, and the size of the area being heated.
