Keeping your home warm and cozy during the winter can be challenging, especially if you live in Chicago where we have terms like “Snowmageddon” and “Chiberia”. What’s nice is that you can keep your home warm — and prevent that uncomfortable shock of stepping onto ice-cold tile — by installing radiant heat flooring systems beneath your tile!
Let’s learn more about luxurious (but surprisingly affordable) radiant heat installations and how Home Carpet One can help you build the cozy, welcoming home of your dreams.
What is radiant heat?
Radiant heat flooring is a type of heating system that is installed directly under your flooring tiles. Unlike traditional heaters that rely on forced air or radiators, radiant heat flooring systems emit heat from beneath the floor’s surface that gently rises toward the top of the room. With this heating method, you can have even, gentle warmth throughout the entire room that sticks closer to the surface and lessens the chances for cold spots and drafts (and keeps your feet warm in the process!).
Radiant heat systems come in different forms, including electric and hydronic options. As the names suggest, electric radiant heat systems use electric heating cables or mats that are installed directly beneath the flooring of your choice. Conversely, hydronic systems rely on heated water that circulates in tubes beneath your flooring.
Benefits of radiant heated flooring
Radiant heated flooring offers many benefits to your home. Not only is it extremely comfortable–even when the weather outside dips–but it may also be a significant energy and money saver!
Energy-efficient
If you’re tired of racking up the gas bill while trying to keep your home warm during the winter, a radiant heated floor install may help you in the long run. Radiant heat mats are a remarkably energy-efficient heating option, consuming only 12 watts per square foot.
The heat is also concentrated at the ground level, which means less energy wasted compared to conventional heating systems that tend to lead to heat rising and lingering near the top of the room rather than where you need it most. This makes it a great option even for large and drafty rooms where you might have to run a traditional thermostat or heater for hours to distribute heat effectively.
Tons of control
On a similar note, installing radiant heat flooring gives you much more control over your room’s temperature than a traditional thermostat or heater might. Every radiant heat system requires a programmable thermostat, which allows you to control the exact temperature of your flooring and the hours that you would like the system to be operational. Simply set your system to your preferred heat and enjoy a warmer house whenever you need it.
Plenty of options
Another great benefit of radiant-heated floor installations is that they can be customized to your specific needs. Radiant heat can be installed under most floors including your bathroom and your kitchen, as well as other areas where you would appreciate the extra heat like your shower or even a sauna.
You can even install carpet over your radiant heat with the right expertise. Work with our flooring specialists to create a custom-ordered heating option from wall to wall or just in the areas of high traffic where you’d appreciate the extra warmth the most.
Affordability
In addition to helping lower your utility bills over time, radiant heat flooring can also be a surprisingly cost-efficient installation. While the privilege of heated floors might seem like a luxury, it’s a luxury you can make work on your budget. One of the most affordable options involves a simple low-profile mat system and an appropriate thermostat.
Ideal for any home
Radiant heated flooring might feel like an option meant for modern homes and new construction projects, but its versatility makes it an option no matter what kind of home you’re heating. Radiant heating systems are available in both 110 and 220 volts so you can install them both while renovating older homes and building a brand-new dream home.
Many radiant heat systems also come with generous warranties: while this can vary depending on your manufacturer, it isn’t uncommon to receive a 25-year warranty that will keep your home warm for years to come.
More ways to keep your home warm this winter
Install area rugs and carpets.
In addition to your radiant heated floors, investing in carpeting and/or area rugs is another great way to make your room a little more cozy this winter. Thick, plush area rugs and carpeting can act as insulation and help retain heat during the colder months, plus they give your cold feet a warm area to rest even if you don’t have radiant heating installed.
Make sure your floors are properly insulated.
Homes lose a lot of heat through their floors, which means that a floor without proper insulation can feel even colder. This can be an issue, especially in basements or crawl spaces.
Consider using foam insulation or spray foam on the underside of your flooring if possible to prevent the loss of warmth. If you have a slab foundation, install insulating thermal underlayments.
Home Carpet One’s team of flooring experts can help you decide the best insulating options for your needs to keep your home warm during the winter.
Seal any gaps and cracks.
Any areas that allow cold air into your home can make it drafty and lead to the loss of crucial heat, especially around your floors. Take a moment to assess your home, sealing any existing gaps with caulk, foam insulation, or weatherstripping to block out the frigid Chicago air and keep your home toasty.
Conclusion
Heated flooring isn’t just a luxury, it’s a cost-saving measure that can keep your home warm and cozy no matter what kind of winter storm is raging outside. The comfort and luxury are hard to beat, especially when compared to other inefficient heating systems. The best part is you can install it into your home even if you’re on a budget or are working on an older fixer-upper!
Still not sure if heated flooring is right for your home? Reach out to Home Carpet One and let’s discuss the many benefits of radiant heat. We’d love to assist you!
