1. Hydronic Heating Systems

Hydronic floor heating systems are the most popular type of radiant floor heating, and have been around the longest. These radiant heating systems are comprised of a boiler or hot water heater, pumps, manifolds, pex tubing, thermostat, and either gypcrete (a concrete-like material) or wood panels. While it is the most popular, hydronic heating is also the most complex of all radiant heat systems. If you are going to use a hydronic heating system, for the price, it would be wise to install the system in large areas of your home or the entire home because of the expensive components and operational costs. It costs almost nothing more to make it bigger than it does to have it small, so why not use radiant heating throughout your whole house if this is the system you choose?

The good news is, that even though it is expensive, hydronic systems can be installed under any type of flooring. Most hydronic systems require hot water tubing to be installed in a 2 to 4 inches of light concrete. Thus, if you want a radiant heating system, it is best if it is installed during the initial construction of the house. Because of its weight load demands and adjustments to floor height, this type of system may not be possible after initial construction.

Luckily, it is not impossible to put this in as your remodel thanks to recent low-mass products that have been developed to avoid the challenges of weight by fitting the tubing into pre-cut wood panels. This makes hydronic systems more convenient and possible for most major remodeling projects, but when given the choice, put it in with initial construction.

If you don't want to heat the flooring of your whole house, and only want to heat smaller areas like a bathroom or the kitchen, a hydronic floor heating system may not be the best value for your project.

2. Electric Cable Heating

For those smaller spaces your ideal radiant heating system is an electric cable heating systems, often called line or high voltage systems. These system types are gaining popularity, and are comprised of a thermostat and a heating cable. Electric cable heating systems are often times less expensive, and give you the ability to space the cable how you want and customize a layout that will heat every square inch of your floor if that is what you want.

On the market today basically every available cable system is equally effective. So, when choosing a radiant heating system of this type, and when determining which electric cable system to purchase, you should look at the warranty of the product, along with the ease of installation.

3. Low-Voltage Screen

Finally, there are low-voltage radiant heat systems. These systems are ideal for mid-size to larger areas (300-3000 square feet). They are comprised of a control box, transformer, heating screen or cable, and thermostat. The main advantage to a low-voltage screen system is the extremely low profile of the heating element. This system is a 12 inch wide bronze-wired mesh that resembles screen door material. It is practically paper thin and does not buildup floors during the installation, and can be installed directly under any type of flooring including hardwood, tile, and carpet. Most cable systems must be installed on top of the concrete board when installing tile, however the low-voltage screen can be installed underneath it. It is easy to install and doesn't require maintenance like a hydronic system.

Choosing a radiant heating system does not have to be difficult, and radiant heating is a great way to supplement the heat of your home, or to be the sole provider of heat. To ensure you get quality materials opt for a company that provides all types of radiant heating.