Radiant heating is an increasingly popular option for homeowners across the U.S. nowadays. It’s an elegant, efficient, and cozy alternative to traditional heaters, which some homeowners consider bulky and not very visually appealing. What’s more, radiant heating provides warm floors that are delightful to walk on, especially in winter, and they are great options if you have children, as well. While initially radiant heating was considered a luxury, nowadays it’s becoming increasingly popular due to its effectiveness.
Things to consider before installing radiant heating with hardwood floors
Many homeowners looking to install radiant heating in their home wonder if this system works with hardwood floors. Given that hardwood is notoriously sensitive to fluctuations in humidity and temperature, clients are often reluctant to choose radiant heating for their home and go the traditional route. It’s good to know that radiant heating does work with hardwood flooring, but there are certain factors that one must be aware of before proceeding with the installation.
Firstly, the type of hardwood chosen and the thickness of the planks play a major role in this decision-making process. If the floor is too thick, this might affect the efficiency of the heating system, and lead to higher costs.
Additionally, it’s essential that the hardwood flooring planks are acclimated to the space they’re going to be installed in. The acclimation process allows the hardwood to adjust and adapt to the environment and its climate, expanding or contracting depending on the moisture level in the air. If acclimation is not properly done, the wood can expand or contract after installation, leading to serious issues like warping, crowning, or even buckling. This is a critical step in the process when a client wants to install radiant heating, because the temperature changes can affect the moisture content of the wood over time.
How do radiant heating systems work?
Compared to traditional heating systems, which blow hot air through ducts, radiant heating systems heat the floor itself. Such systems reduce heat loss and are a lot more efficient at warming up a room in a short time, and they are either electric or hydronic.
In the case of electric radiant heating, electric coils are installed underneath the floor to generate heat, while hydronic systems use water circulated through tubes placed beneath the floor. Both of these systems can be used with hardwood flooring, but they might require different preparations and considerations.
The main thing is to choose the right type of hardwood that can work with radiant heating systems installed beneath it. The wood must be stable, relatively thick, and able to withstand shifts in temperature caused by the heating coils or tubes installed underneath the floor planks. Oak, cherry, and maple are the best options for radiant heating systems, because they are thick and hard and deal well with changes in temperature. Softwoods like pine, on the other hand, don’t work as well, because they are more flexible than hardwoods, which makes them prone to warping.
However, choosing a hardwood floor that is too thick can be detrimental to the efficiency and effectiveness of the radiant heating system. The hardwood needs to be thin enough to allow heat to transfer more easily through the wood, but also thick enough to provide stability and insulation.
Another crucial step in the process is proper installation of the hardwood floor above the radiant heating system. The floor must be properly installed to avoid warping or buckling and to prevent gaps from forming, which can impact the efficiency of the radiant heating system below it. At First Atlanta Flooring, we always recommend working with an experienced professional specializing in hardwood flooring and radiant heating systems, to make sure that all the requirements are met and the floor is installed perfectly.
Besides proper acclimation and installation, hardwood flooring maintenance is essential to extend the lifespan of the hardwood planks and ensure that the radiant heating system works like a charm for many years. It’s important to always use the right cleaning products and avoid spills or wet mopping to prevent warping or cracking. The manufacturer of the radiant heating system can also advise clients on using rugs or carpets to cover the hardwood floor, because these things can affect the efficiency of the heating system.
Disadvantages of radiant heating systems under hardwood floors
While radiant heating systems work wonderfully with hardwood floors, there are certain disadvantages that clients should be made aware of before moving forward.
The main downside of radiant heating systems is that they are more expensive to install than traditional systems, especially if the project involves retrofitting an existing home. Coupled with the cost of a quality hardwood flooring, the final price tag could be quite high, so customers should know what to expect.
Another factor worth considering is the fact that radiant heating systems might take longer to heat up a room, compared to traditional heating systems, which blow hot air through ducts. If a room needs to be heated up very quickly, or only for a short while, radiant heating systems might not be the best option.
It’s also worth noting that repairing radiant heating systems can be a complicated process, requiring the removal of hardwood planks or lifting the entire floor to reach the heating tubes underneath. Repairs can end up being costly and are always best left to a specialized professional.
Conclusion
While there are a few things to consider before installing radiant heating systems under hardwood flooring, generally it’s an effective and elegant method of heating up a room. As long as the hardwood is carefully chosen and acclimated and properly installed by a professional, this heating system can prove highly effective in the long run, and bring comfort and warmth to any home. However, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and take proper care of the hardwood floor to avoid any issues down the line.
If you’re looking for more information on hardwood flooring, reach out to First Atlanta Flooring with any questions about our services or products.
