Underfloor radiant heating was first used by the Romans and while the technology was effective, it required labor-intensive installation and was limited to public buildings. Today, the basic concept of underfloor heating is the same, but technology is considerably more advanced, installation is simplified, and the product is available to the masses.

With radiant heating, radiant energy is emitted from a heat source and then penetrates all objects in its path, including people. The heat energy is emitted from a warm element — overhead panel or floor — and warms people and objects in the room rather than directly heating the air. Radiant overhead panels are most commonly used in commerical applications such as production and warehouse facilities, while underfloor heating systems are most popular in residential settings.

There are two options in underfloor heating systems, hydronic and electric, and while both are efficient, considering the area of application is usually the best way to determine the appropriate product. In a hydronic system, heated water travels through tubing embedded in the floor. The floor absorbs the heat and emits radiant heat which warms objects and people in the room. An electric system works the same way but uses electric heating elements to warm the floor.

“The remodeling contractor has to understand the owner’s priority,” says Dan Chiles, vice president of marketing for Watts Radiant. “If the house is to be turned quickly or if it is built as a spec project, the builder can’t afford to spend a lot of money on radiant. So, a small electric system in the master bath is perfect. A whole-house radiant system is best when the owner wants the most efficient and comfortable house. Comfort and efficiency are the two great selling features of radiant, and those are probably not the highest priority items for a spec home builder.”

“Initial cost and ongoing maintenance play an important role in the decision process,” says Sharon Mangino, Warmup, Inc. general manager of U.S. Operations. “Electric radiant heat is widely considered for remodeling; however, we are starting to see an increase in interest for new construction, especially for customers who do not want the expense of installing hydronic systems.”