8 Myths About Radiant Floor Heating That Are Not True

You have been looking at installing radiant in floor heating Toronto recently and are ready to make the investment in your home, but you might have heard some things about this type of heating that is making you unsure of whether you actually should go through with it. Well, radiant floor heating is not going to be for everyone but here are ten commonly heard myths about radiant floor heating and why they are not true.

Is Radiant Heating Expensive? No!

The average system starts at about $1,500 and can go up to $5,000 depending on several factors such as climate conditions, existing floor, builder flexibility and the existing HVAC system in the home. The initial investment might seem high when compared to a forced air furnace but it is not aggressively higher.

Will Radiant Heat Cause Floor Cracks? No!

Floors might actually crack anyways due to climate or wear and tear of the home. There isn’t any proof that this type of heating system alone causes cracks or ruins floors. Certain floors, like solid hardwood, are prone to cracking with the presence of moisture so it is recommended not to install hardwoods over this system.

Will Radiant Floor Heating Overheat Your Home? No!

If you have insufficient insulation or amount of windows in your home there is a chance your home could overheat, but it is very easy to mitigate this issue. By adding more insulation or windows, or both, to your home you can easily control the amount of heat. It is important to note, though, that with a lack of insulation and/or number of windows a home can overheat with any type of heating system.

Does Radiant Heating Omit Heat? No!

This is a technicality, but an important one. Radiant heat actually emits heat meaning it absorbs, reflects or transmits energy, or in this case, heat. Omitting heat would be transferring energy. While some consumers will not bother with how it actually works this is a significant difference.

You Can Only Install This Type Of System Under Tile Or Concrete Floors? Not True!

This is not exactly true. It is highly recommended to install it under tile or concrete flooring but that does not mean you can’t put whatever type of flooring you want overtop. Radiant floor heating works perfectly fine under hardwood, laminate and even carpet.

Installing This Type Of Heating Will Save You 50% On Your Overall Heating Costs. Not True!

There, unfortunately, isn’t any concrete evidence of how much this kind of heating will actually save you. Radiant heating does work at maximum efficiency so you will definitely save on costs, but exactly how much cannot be determined.

Does It Have To Be Installed Under Every Floor Of Your House? No!

Previously it might have made more sense to install the pipes under every floor because a hot water pump would pump water through all of them to keep them warm, however now that isn’t the case. Small amounts of piping can be installed under the floor of one room and controlled with a thermostat for that room alone and therefore the whole house does not need to undergo a renovation.

Is Radiant Floor Heating Only Suitable For A Kitchen Or Bathroom? No, It can Be Used in Any Room!

Really, this is not the case at all. Typically kitchens and bathrooms have tile floors so they are noticeably cold in the winter months but this kind of heating can actually be installed in any room in your home. It does not have to be just in tiled areas.

Overall, installing radiant heat flooring is a big investment because it is a large renovation to one room or maybe even your whole house, but hopefully by debunking these myths you will be better able to determine if this type of heating is right for your home.