The Benefits of In-Floor Heating | Plumber Sherwood Park
Hey everybody, welcome back to the Hinse Brothers Mechanical YouTube channel. I’m Trevor, and this is Adrian Hinse. He’s one of the owners and the “brothers” in Hinse Brothers Mechanical. Today, we’re going to be talking about how hydronic floor heating works. We always like to start off our videos with a quote, and this one is from Walt Disney: “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” I like that one. We use that motto around here a lot—let’s stop talking, let’s start doing, let’s get it done.
Here’s a neat fact for you: upgrading a home’s heating and cooling equipment can reduce energy use by up to 20% or more, depending on the condition of the existing systems. Similar savings can be realized by improving the distribution efficiency of the heating and cooling systems. And Adrian, you’re the expert here on heating and cooling, so tell us a little bit about hydronic heating and what we’ll be discussing today.
Well, with radiant heating, it’s extremely popular around the globe. In North America, we tend to use a lot of forced air heating, but radiant heating is hugely popular elsewhere because of its efficiency. It runs about 30% more efficiently since we’re heating the structure of the home, rather than just the air. Air doesn’t store energy well or transfer heat as effectively, so while it heats up quickly, it also cools off just as fast.
That makes sense. Let’s dive into how to install radiant floor heating into a preexisting home.
The best time to contact us is at the beginning—during the design stages of the home. We can also come up with a design after the framing is done, but it’s ideal to involve us early. With hydronic or in-floor heating, we can create different zones throughout the home. For instance, you might want your bedrooms cooler at night and a different temperature in the living room. We can install separate thermostats to control these zones. But yes, it’s great to plan for this in the design phase. If you’re considering in-floor heating on upper levels, there are different methods for that too.
So, doing it after the fact is possible, but not ideal?
Exactly. It’s possible but might require a different approach, and there could be more disruption and cost.
What should someone look for in a hydronic radiant floor heating system?
First, you need the correct design and the right equipment. You want reliable heating systems and efficient piping. Another key point is to choose a product that’s readily available, so you won’t have issues finding replacement parts down the line. Avoid off-brand systems that could leave you stranded when repairs are needed.
That’s a great tip, especially for those looking to save money upfront. It’s better to go with a trusted brand to avoid future headaches.
Absolutely, and we can provide recommendations on reliable brands.
How would someone get radiant floor heating installed on upper levels of their home?
Many people want in-floor heating in bathrooms or tiled areas. If the home is designed with in-floor heating in mind, we can use a suspended slab for these areas. This adds weight, so the structure needs to support it. Another option is to use staple-up transfer plates that are installed right under the plywood below your flooring. There are a few different ways to do it, but preparation and structural integrity are key.
Is radiant floor heating really an efficient heat source?
Absolutely. Radiant floor heating is so efficient because it heats up all the objects in the home, like the floors and furniture, which then transfer heat to the air. With forced air systems, much of the heat is lost through the ductwork, and hot air tends to rise to the ceiling, where it’s less effective. Radiant heating works from the base up, keeping the whole room warm.
It’s like a cozy, all-encompassing heat, right? Almost like being surrounded by warmth in a hot tub.
Exactly. It’s much more consistent than the hot and cold spots you can get with forced air. Plus, in cold places like Canada, having the entire structure warmed up is a huge benefit.
Does radiant floor heating provide even heat distribution?
Yes, because we run hydronic loops throughout the entire floor, which slowly radiates heat into the air. It’s not blasting air through the house, so it warms more evenly without the hot and cold spots that forced air can create.
Does radiant floor heating offer a higher level of comfort than traditional forced air?3
Definitely. Like we talked about earlier, it feels like being in a hot tub, where you’re warmed all over. You can walk barefoot on a heated floor, and that warmth goes right to your core. It’s just a more comfortable heat overall.
Is radiant floor heating more cost-effective to operate than forced air?
Yes, it costs less to run because the objects in the home store the heat and release it gradually. The boiler used in hydronic systems only heats the water enough to reach the required temperature, usually around 120°F, which is lower than the temperature needed for forced air. So, it takes less energy to maintain warmth.
I imagine there’s a higher upfront cost, but you’d see long-term savings and comfort, right?
That’s right. There are higher initial costs for installing a boiler system, but we can offer different options to help with that. The long-term benefits—both in terms of comfort and energy efficiency—make it a worthwhile investment.
What are the different types of radiant heating systems?
The most popular option, especially here, is in-floor heating, which provides even heat distribution. For existing homes, we can install radiant floorboard heaters, which offer the same radiant effect but with fin cabinets visible in the room. Both systems are highly efficient.
What type of flooring works best with radiant floor heating?
Stone and tile are the best options because they transfer and store heat very well. Vinyl and laminate also work well. However, with solid wood flooring, you need to maintain a certain level of humidity, as the heat can dry out the wood, especially in dry climates like Alberta.
Can radiant floor heating be used to control the temperature in individual rooms?
Yes! We can zone the system so each room has its own thermostat and temperature control. You can have a warmer bathroom, a cooler basement, and set your bedroom temperature just right. It’s all about optimizing comfort for different areas of the house.
That’s a big advantage over traditional systems, where you often have uneven temperatures throughout the home.
Exactly. Forced air can create hot and cold spots, but radiant heating allows for fine-tuning comfort in every room.
How can people get in touch with you for more information or an estimate?
Give us a call at 780-999-6900, or visit us online at hinsemechanical.com. We can set up an appointment, look at your plans, do a heat loss calculation, and provide you with options and a free assessment.
That’s awesome. So if you’re considering hydronic heating and have the budget, definitely give them a call for an assessment and a quote. Thanks so much, Adrian, and we’ll see you next time on the Hinse Mechanical YouTube channel. Have a great day!