Is radiant floor heating something to consider for your bathroom remodel? Here are the pros and cons.
Remodeling your bathroom can be an exciting process. There are many ways to spruce it up, improve it, and add some luxury. When considering what improvements to make, one should think about both the hot and the cold seasons. In light of fall and winter, one of the best luxury additions you can make for your bathroom is radiant heat flooring.
What Is Radiant Heat?
Radiant heat is not a new idea. Rather, it is as old as time. When you step out from the shade into the sunlight, you immediately begin to warm up as the rays hit your person. That is radiant heat, the transfer of energy from one object to another. Whatever is in contact with an object radiating heat will absorb some of it. Radiant floor heating works the same way, transferring energy from the floor directly to you.
Types of Radiant Heat Flooring
The three main types of radiant floor heating include air-heated, electric, and hydronic radiant floors. Air-heated floors are perhaps the least practical option, as it works through the central heating system and is only on during the day. The other two are more worth your investment.
Electric radiant flooring is effective and can be installed in thin, wired mats under the flooring. It is compatible with any type of bathroom flooring, such as wood, tile, or concrete. It is also easier to install and can warm up floors faster than hydronic heating.
However, hydronic heating also has its advantages. This version conducts water through tubing, which is connected to the home’s water heater. This form of heating is great for tile, concrete, or stone floors and for whole-home installation. Of course, it will cost more than the electric version.
Pros of Radiant Heat Flooring
Each type of radiant heat flooring has its pros and cons, but what about radiant floor heating itself? Is this luxury worth the investment? You can be sure to enjoy plenty of pros:
- Energy efficiency: Radiant heat is significantly more efficient than forced-air heating, giving people in the room direct heat and warming up the whole room at the same time.
- Even heating: Because the tubing or wiring is consistent across the floor, you won’t have cold spots. The heat will rise evenly.
- Quiet: These heating systems are also quiet to noiseless, just what you need when you want to take a relaxing bath.
- Maintenance-free: Once you put them in, you won’t have to check on them. Few homeowners experience issues with them afterward.
- Comfort: The comfort of heated floors may be enough to deal with any disadvantages.
Cons of Radiant Heat Flooring
- Unfortunately, installation is not so practical. If a problem occurs, you’ll have to rip up tiles to get to the problem.
- In the same way, should a repair occur, you’ll have to get past tiles first.
- Radiant heat flooring is a luxury, so expense could be a drawback.
KITCHEN AND BATH REMODELING FROM KENWOOD KITCHENS
Ready to get started on your next kitchen, bathroom or closet project? Kenwood Kitchens can help. Since opening its doors in 1974, Kenwood Kitchens has made a name for itself throughout Maryland as a complete kitchen and bathroom remodeling firm.
We want our clients to get what they deserve: a quality installation with quality products, at a fair price. Contact our expert planners today for a free consultation about your dream project.
Our showrooms are unparalleled, each has over a dozen full models for you to explore. With showrooms located in Lutherville, Abingdon, Columbia or Annapolis, Maryland, Kenwood Kitchens is the place for all of your kitchen and bathroom needs. Don’t hesitate to give us a call at (800) 211-8394.