Warm Floors = Comfort
What could be more comfortable than stepping out of bed onto a warm comfortable radiant heated floor? Radiant heat is the oldest and most comfortable form of heat known to man. Cavemen would heat rocks in a fire and drag them into their caves to radiate heat all night. In the 1950s, William Levitt built thousands of homes heated with underfloor radiant heat.
Radiant heat was refined in Europe during the 1970s using crosslinked polyethylene tubing (PEX) and is now the most popular way to heat homes and commercial buildings. In fact, today more than 75% of all new construction in Europe is heated using underfloor radiant heat. All of those sophisticated Europeans couldn't be wrong! It is now becoming well known in this country, and has been featured prominently on the PBS television series "This Old House".
Why is radiant heat rapidly becoming so popular?
1) Comfort - Radiant heat is the most comfortable form of heat, since (like the rays of the sun) it heats objects rather than air. The heat radiates to your body and you feel warm and comfortable. Unlike conventional heat, floors, rather than ceilings, are the warmest part of the room, so that you have warm feet and a cool head.
2) Energy Savings - Because it is hydronic and utilizes low temperature water (90-130°F), radiant heat is more efficient and will save 20-40% of the cost of heating with conventional methods. In addition, because it warms your body rather than the air, you feel comfortable at a lower temperature and you can turn your thermostat down to 65° F.
3) Quiet and Clean Operation - Radiant heat systems operate without any noise or sound. In addition, there are no drafts or air movement so dust and germs aren't spread around.
4) Decorating Freedom - Radiant heat is much more attractive than conventional heat. There is no need to concern yourself with the location of radiation. The heat is out of the way, providing maximum freedom in designing a home or commercial building. It has particular application in areas with limited wall space or excessive heat loss, such as solariums, kitchens, entry ways or baths.
Radiant heat is the most comfortable, efficient, quiet and attractive way to heat any building, and Hart & Iliff has over a decade of knowledge and experience installing radiant heating systems. If you would like more information, please contact us.
