Benefits of Radiant Heat

About Radiant Heat

Radiant Heat Applications

Electric Radiant Heat vs. Hydronics

Radiant Heat vs. Forced Air

Radiant Floor Heating Options



How Does Radiant Heat Warm Rooms?

Radiant heat warms the closest and coldest mass, and then evenly radiates heat throughout the area. In other words, radiant heat warms cold objects. Radiant heat will heat the floors, tables, while providing a rich warmth for people who must experience it to trully appreciate it. Radiant floor heat is a very efficient way to heat your home.


What Does Radiant Heat Feel Like?

Have you ever strolled along the beach on a sunny day and felt the warm sand underneath your feet? Have you touched a mug that was warm because of the hot drink inside? These are just a couple of examples of radiant heat. Objects maintain the radiant heat until the heat source is gone, after which the heat slowly escapes to whatever is colder and closer.

How Electric Radiant Heat Works

When the radiant heat system is turned on, electricity is forced through the conductive heating material. For high voltage radiant heat systems, line voltage (110V) of electricity is forced through the heating cable. Low-voltage systems convert line voltage to low voltage (8-30 V.) of electricity with the use of a step-down transformer, contained within the system's control unit. Woman on heated tile floorThis low current is then forced through the heating element embedded in the floor (or driveway). FloorHeat features a low-voltage, self-regulating heating element that is virtually flat, so there is no floor build-up. Thin-set (for tile) or hardwood can then be applied directly over the heating element.

The heating element then warms the floor until it reaches the right temperature set by the floor thermostat. The radiant heat then passes through the floor and continues to heat other objects in the room (tables, chairs, people). The heat will continue to heat the room and its objects up to the ceiling. Radiant heat will give you the most consistent room temperature from floor to ceiling compared to any other heating system.

To view an image demonstrating the effectiveness of radiant heat warming a room compared to a forced air or gas heating system, view the Radiant Heat vs. Forced Air page.