Here are some of the advantages of a water-based underfloor heating system.
Water-based heating systems can use a range of energy sources, including natural gas or propane boilers, electric boilers, air-to-water heat pumps, solar collectors or even outdoor wood boilers. By contrast, electric underfloor heating is only compatible with one energy source: electricity. This means you can’t use a second energy source (dual-energy system), and you can’t reap the associated energy and financial savings.
The plumbing is stable, because the tubing is encased in concrete, not laid on top. This virtually eliminates the risk of leaks.
If you ever experience flooding, simply restart the system and the heat will remove the excess moisture. You can keep using your hydronic underfloor heating system after a flood, whereas you would have to replace all the wires in an electric system.
You can use environmentally friendly and efficient energy sources, such as geothermal and air-to-water heat pumps. In winter, hot water is used for heating. In summer, cold water cools the air. Fan coil units connected to the same energy source as the underfloor heating system can also be used for heating and cooling in selected rooms.
Radiant heat released from the floor is in direct contact with the people in the room. The heat rises gently, steadily and naturally into the surrounding air and slowly dissipates. This is a clear advantage over forced-air heating and electric baseboards, which tend to heat the upper portions of a room (because the heat rises too quickly), while leaving the floor cold. Because of this natural phenomenon, thermostats located well below the ceiling call for even more heat, causing rooms to overheat, air to dry out and electricity bills to increase.
Our hydronic systems are also silent and hidden, making for more attractive rooms! With no visible system components, you can focus on furniture and design aspects.
If the power goes out, you can still use your propane or natural gas boiler, since it requires very little electricity to work. A battery or a small generator is all that’s required to produce the electricity needed to run the pump and supply your home with heat.
Hot water radiant heating is considered hypoallergenic because it involves no air movement. By contrast, forced-air systems blow dust around and spread allergens.