When the leaves begin to fall and the air becomes cooler, many homeowners go to great lengths to prepare for the cold season ahead. Scarves, gloves and cozy sweaters are gathered from storage and the smell and feel of a warm fire begins to trickle throughout the home. But what about all those drafty areas that just never seem to stay warm? Wouldn’t it be nice to eliminate these chilly spaces and cold surfaces? With radiant floor heating, homeowners will look forward to the winter season, and the sight of snow falling outside the windows of their cozy log home plan.

Radiant floor heating consists of tubing that circulates warm air, water, or electricity within the home’s flooring. The old system of forced air registers would allow blown air to rise along walls, filling cathedral ceilings and unoccupied second floors. This is a great drain on energy and finances. The use of radiant floor heating often allows thermostats to be set at lower temperatures as the heat rises from the floor and circulates immediately closer to the occupants.

Radiant floor heating that circulates warm air is not cost-effective for home application, so most residences turn toward hydronic and electric systems. Hydronic systems are capable of heating the entire home from the smallest closet to the concrete garage floor. Tubing is laid in a pattern beneath the floor. Temperatures in rooms are maintained by regulating hot water flow through the pipes via a series of valves, pumps, and thermostats.

Electric radiant heat is simpler to install as it does not require the same pipe system as hydronic, but may be most cost-effective in smaller applications. However, some utility companies may offer time-of-use rates. This would allow homeowners to “charge” the floor during off-peak hours. Flooring with a large enough thermal mass should be able to give off the stored heat over the next 8 to 10 hours. This would save numerous resources.

When considering radiant floor heating, it is important to keep in mind the flooring surfaces homeowners want to incorporate into their interior design. Ceramic tile, vinyl, and wood are the most popular and effective surfaces. Carpeting is an option, but padding and carpet do insulate the floor and limit some of the benefits of such a floor heating system.

Though initially more expensive, radiant floor heating has numerous benefits that certainly make it a worthwhile investment. Beyond basic comfort, radiant floor heating is quieter and often a healthier option for families with allergy sufferers. The absence of drafts and pushed air keeps fewer allergens from permeating living spaces, creating a healthier atmosphere over all. Additionally, these systems are virtually maintenance free and incredibly reliable.

The prospect of installing an entire heating system beneath your floorboard may seem overwhelming and costly. To increase the efficiency of your system, it is recommended to consult professionals for planning and installation. Be certain they complete a detailed heat-loss analysis to ensure typically drafty areas are eliminated. For those homes in colder climates, such as cottage house plans and log home plans, professional help will ensure that potential drafty spots are eliminated before they arise. With just a little information and some detailed planning, you will be ready to enjoy the winter season in your dream home.