Living in Canada, heating is one of the crucial investments you can make in your home. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the costliest: heating a home uses more energy and costs more money than any other system in your home. So when it comes to heating, we need to make the right decision for ourselves, our families, and our budgets. Here’s the difference between hydronic heating, in-floor heating, and a traditional furnace.
Hydronic Heating
Also known as radiant heating, hydronic heating uses a tubing system to transport a hot liquid beneath the floor, along baseboards, or through radiators. The system’s plastic piping allows for an even distribution of heat across the entire floor surface and uses an energy-efficient boiler at the start of the process. Once it’s heated, the hot liquid flows into a plumbing manifold system. This acts as the control center, connecting to the thermostat and ensuring the proper water temperature is sent to your home’s different heating zones.
Known for being quiet and energy-efficient, these heating systems help lower energy costs and environmental impact. Even, consistent heat is produced since the entire floor radiates heat from the ground up. As a result, a comfortable room and surface temperature are created, making it easy to walk across tile floors with bare feet – even in winter!
In-Floor Heating
In-floor heating uses a system similar to hydronic heating. Via infrared radiation, a form of radiant heat transfer moves heat from the delivery surface to the relevant heating zones within your home. Either electric heating coils or hydronic style heating generates and transports the heat underneath your home’s floors.
These systems are cleaner, quieter, and more energy-efficient than traditional furnaces. Like hydronic heating, in-floor heating makes it comfortable to walk across flooring – no matter the temperature outside. Since the heating panels are in direct contact with the floor and lack long pathways for heat to travel, there’s minimal heat loss. As a result, homeowners enjoy an even, continuous level of warmth. Allergy problems, often linked with heating ducts, are also eliminated.
Traditional Furnace
As the tried-and-true heating system, furnaces are usually the least expensive heating system to install in your home. Many newer furnaces can run at high-efficiency levels with the option to fuel them with electricity, propane, or gas. Since vents for the exit of the forced air are located in every room, furnaces can provide quick heat throughout the entire home.
Due to its ductwork series using floors, walls, and ceilings, traditional forced-air systems can sometimes lead to poor air circulation, creating hot and cold spots. In addition, flooring can be cold to the touch, making it uncomfortable to walk across the room in the middle of winter.
Not all systems can work with all homes, so it’s important to seek professional advice before making a purchase.
If you’re ready to install a new heating system in your home, we can help. For more information on hydronic heating, in-floor heating, or traditional furnaces, reach out to our team today.