Spring is just around the corner!
Okay, maybe spring isn’t right around the corner, but it’ll be here soon - well, hopefully soon, and that is why you should start planning your spring/summer building projects now. With so many decisions and options regarding layout, design, utilities, and construction materials, it’s important to remember that you aren’t designing just for today, you’re are also designing for the future.
One important option to consider is in-floor heating, which steadily increases in popularity. According to a 2018 report by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), in-floor hydronic heating in 2016 was installed in approximately 4% of all new homes built in the United States, up from 3% the previous year. (This statistic includes all homes built in the US including homes in more moderate climates.)
It appears the reason more people are building with in-floor heating is because of its many benefits, and the best time to install hydronic heating is when the house is being constructed. It is nearly impossible to add in-floor hydronic heating after the structure has been erected.
Planning ahead pays dividends. With all the decision that need to be made, and the related costs, in-floor heat can be an easy perceived luxury to eliminate. However, ask anyone with in-floor heat if they would install it in their new house, and the response will be overwhelming YES! In fact, once you live in a house with in-floor heat, it’s hard to imagine living without it.
It seems with most building projects there are always change orders and cost overruns. If having in-floor heating seems like an unnecessary luxury, most builders would advise installing the PEX tubing during construction. The added cost can be as little as $0.60 per square foot and offer the opportunity to install the rest of the in-floor heating system at a later date. However, you aren’t going to want to wait too long.
Here are just a few of the many benefits of in-floor heating:
Energy Efficiency: In-floor heating is a more energy-efficient solution than traditional heating systems such as electric baseboards and force-air furnaces. With in-floor heating, heat is emitted from the floor, heating the entire room evenly and using less energy overall.
Cost Savings: Because in-floor heating is more energy efficient, it will reduce heating costs and save homeowners money on their energy bills during the colder months.
Comfort: In-floor heating provides a more comfortable living environment by evenly distributing heat throughout each room, eliminating cold spots and drafts.
Aesthetics: In-floor heating eliminates the need for bulky radiators or air vents –in walls, floors and ceilings, providing more design flexibility and allowing for cleaner lines and a more streamlined design.
Health and Safety: In-floor heating eliminates circulation of airborne dust and allergens, promoting better indoor air quality and reducing the risk of respiratory problems. It also eliminates the need for hot radiators, making it a safer option for households with children or pets.
These are a few reasons why homeowners and builders are enthusiastic about include in-floor heating in their building designs and building projects. What are your reasons? Feel free to leave your comments below. We'd love to hear them.