Though there are many heating options for you to choose from, not all are created equal! While ducted and ACs are the most common mode of warming your home, there is an option which is currently experiencing a huge surge in popularity – under floor heating! Though you may not have heard of it before, it could be the answer you’ve been waiting for. For a closer look at what makes this system unique, read on!
What is it?
If you’ve never heard of under floor heating - or slab heating – you could be wondering how it heats your home. Essentially, you’ll have water pipes or electrical cables installed in concrete under your floors. Then, with boiling water or by heating the cables, the floors will heat and gradually warm your entire home.
Why should I choose this method?
Still wondering why this method is for you? There are a number of benefits found with slab heating – and even better, they all add value to your home – at around the same cost of installing a ducted system.
- Warm Floors
Obviously, this is the number one benefit of the slab system, as the heat is coming directly from the floor. You’ll never have to hope out of bed in the morning and step straight onto freezing cold floorboards or tiles. Even with regular methods, the floor never seems to reach the same temperature as the rest of your home, probably because they usually blast hot air directly at the ceiling. With this method, you’ll be able to go barefoot as much as you like, all year round.
- Clean Home
Have you ever noticed how dust and from one room always ends up in another, no matter how many times you’re vacuuming and cleaning? This is because AC and ducted systems are sucking up air through dirty filters and pushing it out across your home. In contrast, floor heating works through radiation, meaning you’ll never have to worry about dust being created just because you want to warm up.
- Great for Allergies
At the same time that your floor heating is keeping your home free from excess dust, it’s also creating a safer space for allergy sufferers. The harmful dust and dirt that is often blown around can include dander and particles which can make life very difficult for people with allergies or breathing difficulties. However, this method uses only natural gases and water, so it’s a much healthier choice.
- Safe Choice
Do you have young children or pets that you worry will burn themselves on other heating systems? While some systems can be hot to touch, have exposed flames, or rogue electrical wires, floor heating is free from any parts which could hurt your family. Everything is kept underground, so you never have to stress about accidents again.
- Environmentally friendly
It’s no secret that AC and ducted methods are constantly pushing out CO2 into our atmosphere – no matter how ‘eco-friendly’ they claim to be. If you’re trying to do your bit for the environment, choose the slab system. In addition to using only water and natural gases, it’s far more energy efficient. It uses up to 70% less energy than your traditional methods, saving you money whilst it heats your home.
Hopefully this guide has answered a lot of your questions about under floor heating, and helped you decide if it’s right for your home. It’s often recommended for homes that are being built or going through substantial renovations, as concrete does need to be poured under the flooring. If you have any further questions about how you can make this option work for you, contact your local hydronic heating experts.
