The perfect time to install under floor heating is when you are building a new home. Most people find that the cost of a heating system for use under the floor is less than installing a furnace and ductwork for a forced air system. In addition, the heat provided by the system gives a higher quality of warmth than you would get with a furnace system.
Two basic types of underfloor heating are in use today. One system uses a boiler to heat water, which circulates through copper coils in the floor. The second uses electrical coils that provide heat through electrical resistance. The former system is a better choice if you have a fuel other than electricity to fire the burner. If only electricity is available, homeowners will do better to choose the latter system.
With either system, there will need to be insulation underneath to prevent heat loss. Homes with wood flooring can use fiberglass insulation bats under the floorboards. When homes are built on cement floors, cork insulation board laid on top of the floor under the coils prevents heat loss into the ground. Both systems are also set in thin set concrete before the final floor covering is applied.
Homeowners may choose any number of hard surfaced floor coverings for the floor. The system is particularly effective under many of the stylish tile floors that are being installed today, but also works under wood floors or laminate floor installation. It is not a good choice for use under carpet, since the fibers serve as an insulator and could cause excessive heat buildup.
Under floor, heating is an excellent choice for new construction. Electrical under floor heating is a good choice when adding space to an existing house. It allows the new room to have its own heating system without overtaxing the existing furnace.
