Source: Radiant heat is a system using electric coils or tubes of hot water underneath the flooring. Radiant floor heating can damage hardwood floors. Source: Completely unseen, under subfloor heating panels, warm existing floor. In this situation, hydronic radiant heat (water circulating through pipes) would be easier to install than electric mat radiant heat. The type of flooring you use will have a major effect on the efficiency of your new radiant floor heating system. Wood stove radiant heat off your furnace is the best type of heat and keeps your floors toasty warm! Source: it can go under most existing flooring. Source: Most newer radiant heat systems have exterior thermostats which will gradually bring up the temperature within the floor during the start of the colder season so that the heat will not shock the wood flooring. Laminated wood flooring is preferable over solid wood, which. Source: Remember, a radiant floor heating system can be used to augment or replace an existing hvac system, but it’s far more complicated than swapping out a furnace, so plan any partial coverage carefully.
This old house general contractor tom silva shows how to install radiant heat underneath a solid wood floor on site at the brooklyn house project. treated plywood Energy Efficient Heating Radiant Floor Installation From from Electric mat radiant heat is best when sandwiched between the subfloor and the finish material, be it wood, tile, or carpet.
While radiant heating is a popular option, its feasibility depends on the type of system, proper installation and maintenance of hardwood floors, and type of flooring.