Common Radiant Heat Questions

Here at Best Plumbing in Seattle we often get questions from homeowners about radiant floor heating. Radiant heating has become increasingly popular around Seattle, the Eastside, and across the country. Today we are going to answer a few common questions about radiant heating.

What is Radiant Floor Heating?

The heat from radiant floors comes from electric coils or water heated pipes that are installed under your home’s floors. A radiant floor heating system is able to warm everything it touches, which allows heat to “radiate” around a room from the ground up. Generally, radiant heating provides a more constant air temperature than the traditional forced-air system.

Can I install radiant floor heating myself?

Generally, we would not recommend that homeowners attempt to install radiant floor heating on their own. This is largely due to the fact that some of the most common errors end up being more expensive to repair than the original installation. One of these mistakes is running the loop length too long for the pump that has been planned out. If the concrete has already been laid when this mistake is discovered, the only way to fix it is to take a jackhammer to the floor. This repair is both costly and time-consuming. Essentially, you’ll be starting from square one.

I have a limited budget. How can I save money on my radiant floor heating?

One of the main ways to save money on radiant floor heating is by only installing it in a couple of rooms in your home. The most popular place for this is usually the bathroom. Heated tile floors feel great underfoot when you get out of bed on a cold winter morning. Another way to save money on your radiant heat flooring is by using the same heat source that heats up the domestic hot water in your home.

There are a lot of things to consider before installing radiant floor heating in your home. If you live in the Seattle area, contact Best Plumbing to learn more about our services. If you’re looking for more info about radiant heating, plumbing, or sewer problems, be sure to check out our blog and Youtube channel.