Radiant Floor Heating Services in Appleton, WI
Radiant in-floor heating systems deliver warmth directly to the floor of a home, creating a comfortable and evenly heated environment. These systems operate primarily through radiant heat transfer, meaning they radiate heat directly from a hot surface to the people and objects in the room. Unlike traditional heating methods that circulate hot air through ducts, radiant floor heating provides a more energy-efficient and health-conscious way to heat your home.
Modern Sheet Metal has proudly served the Appleton, WI area since 1963, offering various heating and cooling solutions, including state-of-the-art radiant floor heating systems. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has made us a trusted name in home comfort services.
Why Radiant Floor Heating?
Radiant heating systems offer several key advantages that make them an excellent choice for homeowners looking to enhance their comfort and energy efficiency:
- Efficiency: Compared to traditional baseboard or forced-air heating systems, radiant floor heating is often more energy-efficient. Because it doesn’t lose heat through ductwork, it delivers warmth directly to the living space, reducing energy waste and lowering utility bills.
- Even Distribution: Unlike forced-air systems that create hot and cold spots throughout a home, radiant floor heating ensures a consistent temperature from room to room. The heat radiates evenly across the entire floor, providing a steady and uniform warmth that enhances comfort.
- Improved Indoor Air Quality: Radiant floor heating can significantly reduce airborne allergens. Traditional forced-air systems can stir up dust, pollen, and other allergens, negatively impacting indoor air quality. Radiant heating does not rely on air circulation, making it a healthier option for those with allergies or respiratory issues.
More info here about why radiant heating is worth it.
3 Types of Radiant Floor Heating
Radiant floors are heated either with electric resistance cables or hot water flowing inside the tubing. More information here on the different types of radiant heat and which is right for you. Here’s what you need to know about the different types of radiant floor heating:
1. Electric Systems
Electric systems use electric resistance cables installed in mats beneath the flooring. These systems are ideal for supplemental heating in specific areas, such as bathrooms or kitchens. They work well with various flooring types, including tile, stone, and even engineered hardwood. While electric systems are not designed to be the sole heating source for an entire home, they are perfect for adding extra warmth and comfort to specific rooms.
2. Hydronic Systems
Hydronic systems are the most popular and cost-effective radiant heating option for whole-house applications. They use heated water, circulated through tubing installed beneath the floors, to provide consistent warmth throughout your home. The water is heated by a high-efficiency boiler, and the tubing can be embedded in a concrete slab, installed over an existing slab, or stapled under subflooring. Hydronic systems offer the flexibility to work with nearly any type of finished flooring, from tile to carpet.
3. Air Radiant Systems
Air-based radiant systems use heated air to provide warmth, but they are less efficient than electric or hydronic options due to air’s lower heat retention capacity. These systems are generally not recommended for residential use, as they can be costly to operate and less effective in maintaining a consistent temperature.
Why Invest in Radiant Floor Heating?
Radiant floor heating systems are an excellent investment for homeowners in Appleton, WI, looking to improve energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and overall comfort. Whether you’re building a new home or upgrading your existing heating system, Modern Sheet Metal is here to help you explore options and choose the right system for your needs.
Radiant Floor Heating FAQs
Radiant floor heating systems warm a building directly through the floor. So, instead of heating and circulating air like other methods do, this type heats the floor which then radiates warmth upward. There are two main types of radiant floor systems: electric and hydronic, with air as a third, but less efficient consideration.
Radiant heating can be expensive to operate, however, it provides many advantages. The cost of installing a hydronic radiant floor heating system depends on the size of the home, the type of installation, and the floor covering. While the hydronic radiant system described above may more expensive, it will save money due to higher efficiency.
Your HVAC company will first perform an evaluation, and then create a layout to ensure optimal heat distribution within the room or building. Once the design is set, the floor surface is cleared and cleaned in preparation for the system. For hydronic systems, tubing is installed and connected to a water source. Meanwhile, for electric systems, electric mats or cables are positioned accordingly. After laying out the system, it is typically encased using a layer of concrete or a floor leveling compound. Once the system is securely in place, the next step involves connecting the hydronic tubes to a heating source, or in the case of electric systems, linking them to thermostats and power sources. Before the final flooring is laid down, the technicians test the system to ensure it heats the space correctly and evenly.
We recommend setting your radiant floor heating at about about 65-70 degrees. Typically, around 65 degrees is the most common temperature homeowners set a radiant floor heating system at.
You will not need your radiant heating system turned on. Turning it off can help save on energy costs and reduce unnecessary wear on the system. However, you typically don’t need to turn off your boiler completely. Many modern boilers are designed to be energy-efficient during warmer months, ensuring they operate at minimal levels just to supply hot water without heating the floors. Always consult your system’s manual or a local heating professional to make the best decision for your specific setup.
We recommend using a programmable thermostat to adjust your floor heating system’s temperature. This will be most cost-effective and energy-efficient than running your heat at a constant temperature 24/7.
Depending on the circumstance, turning your boiler off is fine. For example, if you want to turn it off in the summer, overnight, or while away on vacation. However, do not turn off your boiler during the winter as your pipes can freeze. Instead, utilize your timer to turn off your boiler during periods of no use.
Typically, your radiant heating system will feel neutral or warm to the touch. However, if your floor if starting to become hot, it is a sign that it needs to be repaired. The maximum temperature of your radiant heat should be around 130-140 degrees. There are two reasons your radiant heating system has become too hot. 1.) The temperature of the water in the system is too high. 2.) The radiant heat has become trapped.
In short, yes! Adjust your temperature to your liking to see what works for your home/your family’s preferences. If done correctly, turning your radiant heating down helps you to conserve on energy and cost.
First, make sure you keep your boiler clean. Also, be sure to check the boiler flame. You will also want to run the water occasionally to check to see how the boiler processes the water, and check to see if there is blockage or a leak. If so, call a professional to come and service your boiler. Other things to check for are glycol (check your pH level), and the water pressure. If you prefer to have a technician check these for you, let them know and be sure to ask them any questions you may have about your boiler system.
Contact Us for Appleton Radiant Heating Services
Need a radiant heating service? Modern HVAC has been serving Appleton and the Fox Valley communities of Neenah, Menasha, Kimberly, Kaukauna, Little Chute, Greenville, and Darboy. for more than 60 years. We are your local HVAC company, proudly providing A/C, heating, indoor air quality, and geothermal heating solutions.
The cost for hydronic radiant flooring can also vary depending on whether there is access to the subfloor and the extent to which flooring must be torn out and reinstalled.
Ready to get a quote or a FREE second opinion? Please call the Modern Sheet Metal experts at (920) 733-4713 for more information! Or take a look at our heating and cooling guide and 10 things to check before calling an HVAC technician articles here.