Heating and Ventilating »

The decision to install a new heating system is a big one. Not only do all heating systems come with initial installation costs, but getting used to a new system sometimes takes a little bit of adjustment. Plus, many people get used to their current heating system – no matter what problems it has – and are sometimes a little hesitant about trying something new. If you are considering electric floor heat or any other type of heating system such as nuheat mats, you may wish to ask yourself:

1) How much time am I willing to invest in my heating system? Some types of heating systems require more maintenance than others. Electric floor heating systems, for example are virtually maintenance free and hassle free. Once the systems are installed, there’s nothing more to do. There are no filters to change, no ducts to clean, no baseboards to dust. Plus, an electric floor heating systems offer completely silent operation. There is no whistling, humming, or clicking that is often associated with traditional heating systems, so that your electric radiant floor heat is less distracting and less of a hassle.

2) How much room do I have? Many traditional heating systems require quite a lot of room. For a furnace-based hot air system, for example, you need to have room for air ducts, a furnace, vents, and so forth. Radiators and baseboard heaters also take up a lot of room and require you to move around your furniture because your possessions cannot brush up against the heated surfaces. If you have limited room or want to enjoy more of the room you have, floor heat can be a great solution. Heated floors are a very inconspicuous system, requiring no additional room for bulky apparatus. The entire system is installed under your floors and is therefore completely invisible. You can place your furniture where you like and never have to worry about bumping into a repeater radiator or baseboard heater.

3) Do I have a health conditions? If you have allergies, severe dry skin, or problems breathing, you should know that many forced air heating systems can blow dust, germs, pollen, and other allergens all over your home. They can also stir up dust and allergens already in your home because they move air around. Most traditional systems tend to dry out the air, your skin, and your breathing passages as well. Research has shown that heated floors simply do not have these types of disadvantages. Since in floor heat is installed entirely under your floors and does not move air, it will not spread allergens around your home. It will also not dry out your air. For these reasons, in floor heating may be a healthier option.

4) What type of floor coverings do I want to have? If you want to have a hard surface floors, floor heat is your best option, as it will keep these floors comfortable and warm. If you want to have a traditional heating system, you will want to have carpets (or rugs) because traditional heating systems often result in cold floors as well as drafts.