Both hydronic and electric heating systems can be installed beneath carpet.
Heat rises; so no matter how warm your home is, the floor is the first place that becomes drafty and cold. A familiar scenario: stepping out of bed in the morning, half asleep, and stumbling around for your slippers to avoid stepping on a cold floor. Radiant floor heating sounds wonderful, but is it a good option for you?
Radiant floor heaters come in hydronic or electric heating options and can be installed under carpet, wood, tile, or stone floorings. Read about both options below to get a better idea of which choice is best for your home.
Hydronic Systems - 90% of the time, hydronic systems are chosen over electric when radiant heat is the sole heating source for whole house. One reason is that hydronic systems are generally less expensive to install in large areas than electric. These systems use a boiler to create hot water, which is then pumped through plastic pipes embedded in a concrete slab. The warmth of the water conducts warmth to the surface of the floor. The hydronic system costs approximately $2 to $5/sq ft. Because hydronic pumps can be powered by any fuel source, they are useful in areas off of the power grid, and are preferable for solar or geothermal heating.
Electric Systems - Although hydronic systems are better for whole-house heating, electric systems are more affordable and efficient for spot-heating, or just one room at a time. Hydronic systems are installed a...
Read the full article in the CalFinder Remodeling and Home Solar Power Magazine
