Radiant Floor Heat Compared to Forced-Air Systems

What are the Differences Between Traditional Heating Systems and Radiant Heat?

A room with radiant in-floor space heating will have a very uniform temperature from the ceiling to the floor. Heating a basement floor is one example of an ideal application for a radiant heat system. If you've lived in a house with forced-air heating, you know that you can crank the heat up, but the basement (and floors) tend to remain chilly. Installing a radiant floor warming system will add comfort and warmth to your lifestyle because heat radiates evenly from the warm floor up, resulting in energy efficient, comfortable heat.

Warm air that is heated with a forced-air furnace is blown from the vent before ascending rapidly upward to the ceiling, leaving the floors relatively cold. This is not an efficient way to heat a home. Although the air is being heated, the floors and surrounding objects remain chilled, resulting in an uncomfortable environment for children who spend most of their time playing on the floor. Below is an in-depth comparison of electric radiant heat systems vs. conventional heating systems with a blower.