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Ever wondered if there was an alternative to a regular forced air heating system? As it turns out, there are several other options. The one we will be discussing today is radiant floor heating, a system that has many advatages over forced air systems. In this article, I’ll explain why these types of systems are becoming increasingly popular with homeowners everywhere.

First, though, lets talk about forced air systems. These systems use a central furnace that creates the heat, which is then carried by means of ducts to other parts of the house. Most of the time, this works great. You get heating and cooling through the same system, which keeps you comfortable all year long.

However, there are some disadvantages. Since the heat is not constant, the warmth is intermittent. Also, the specific locations of the ducts in the room lead to uneven heat. This leads to cold spots in the room. There are other disadvantages, such as the fact that ducts can collect dust and aggravate allergies.

Radiant floor heating uses a different method. Instead of pumping heated air into a room, radiant heating systems radiate the heat upwards from the floor, which makes the heat very even throughout the room. To do this, pipes of heated liquid are placed under the floor, and pumped through. Also, there are electrical systems that work much like an electric blanket underneath the floor. To keep things cool, you used a normal forced air system, or an individual cooling unit.

Radiant floor heating is very luxurious. You can enjoy freely roaming the room, knowing that every part of it is being evenly heated. You can breath easy, knowing that no dust or allergens are being carried through the heating ducts. You will appreciate the silent operation of the system (especially when compared to regular radiators). In short, it is an amazing system.

Of course, no system if perfect. The biggest downside to radiant heating systems is cost. If you’re building a new house, the cost isn’t too bad, but if you’re remodeling or adding an addition, the additional infrastructure can be quite costly to install. Just check in with a professional first to get an accurate bid, and you’ll what you’re up against costwise. Another downside, as previously mentioned, is the need for separate cooling systems. If you’re in a hot climate, this may be an issue.

Choosing a heating system isn’t a small decision, so be sure to do your research. This article barely scratches the surface, so be sure to read around to learn more about this wonderful heating technology.