Spring is finally here!
*checks out the window*
Okay, maybe spring is only around the corner, but it’ll be here sooner than you think. That’s why you need to start planning your new build. With so many options on design, utility, and space, it’s important to remember that you aren’t designing for now, you’re designing for the future.
That future includes in-floor heating.
The inclusion of In-floor heating in new builds is rising steadily. According to a report by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) from 2018, hydronic heating is becoming more popular in new construction homes in the United States. The report states that in 2016, hydronic heating was installed in approximately 4% of all new homes built in the United States, up from 3% in 2015.
The reason more people are turning to in-floor heating is multi-fold, however, the best time to install a hydronic heating system is when a home is being built. After all, systems require placing pipes underneath the floors, and the most convenient way to do that is when there are no floors in place.
Anyone who has done a retrofit can tell you how disruptive to a household it can be to rip up the floors while people are living in the home.
Which means planning ahead! If you’re mulling the idea of using a hydronic heating system in your future new home, there are good reasons to plan ahead. Putting the PEX tubing in place during construction can be done at approximately $0.60 per sq. ft. While this does add to the up-front costs of the build, the savings can be reaped over time. Additional benefits of including the PEX in construction and "future-proofing your home" include:
Energy Efficiency: Placing PEX tubing in your floor provides a more energy-efficient solution than traditional heating systems. With in-floor heating, heat rises from the floor, heating the entire room more evenly and using less energy overall.
Cost Savings: In-floor heating can reduce heating costs and save homeowners money on their energy bills over time.
Comfort: In-floor heating provides a more comfortable living environment by evenly distributing heat throughout the room, eliminating cold spots and drafts.
Aesthetics: In-floor heating eliminates the need for bulky radiators or air vents, providing more design flexibility and allowing for cleaner lines and a more streamlined look.
Health and Safety: In-floor heating eliminates the circulation of dust and allergens through the air, 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.
So these are a few reasons why builders should consider placing PEX tubes in the floors of a new home build. Do you have other reasons? Would recommend waiting to install PEX during a retrofit, instead? Leave your comments below. We'd love to chat.