Three Crucial Precautions for Installing In-Floor Heating

The first house I bought had bare floors that had seen better days, so I started looking at flooring options with the view that one type of flooring would suit my whole home. I chose pine flooring for every room, and that was a costly mistake. Pine is a softwood, and it didn't hold up well in busy traffic areas. I decided to learn more about different types of flooring that are available before parting with more money, and I started this blog to share what I learned and provide new homeowners with some tips for choosing the right flooring for each room in their home. I hope you find my blog useful.

Three Crucial Precautions for Installing In-Floor Heating

4 January 2021
 Categories: Home & Garden, Blog


If you are thinking about installing a new heating system in your home, you should consider choosing in-floor heating. This form of radiant heating is beneficial because it promotes uniform warmth. Also, it is an unobtrusive system which does not generate noise during operation. Regular heaters produce an annoying hum or other sounds as air flows through the ducts. Besides, the in-floor heating does not compromise the indoor air quality, unlike forced air systems which often introduce harmful particles into the circulation. However, you should remember that the performance of your radiant floor heater will depend on the correct setup of the system.

Here are simple guidelines to keep in mind for optimal success.

Evaluate the Flooring 

It is advisable to think about your residential flooring when installing an in-floor heating system. The specific type of flooring will have a significant effect on the effectiveness of the equipment. If the floor cannot conduct heat with efficiency, you will not achieve the desired results. Therefore, you should opt for flooring materials which will keep your rooms warm. For instance, tiles and stone floors will transmit heat effectively for good radiant heating. On the other hand, thick carpets and vinyl will prevent the conduction of heat from the floor. You should avoid such materials to prevent energy inefficiency.

Opt for Expert Setup

The placement of an in-floor heating system in your home can be a complicated process. If the work is not carried out properly, there will be a high risk of malfunction. In simple terms, an incorrectly installed heater will not operate correctly, and there will be a risk of cold spots, overheating and complete failure. Moreover, there will be a high probability of damaging the house during installation. Therefore, when planning for in-floor heater installation, you should choose a professional contractor for the project. A licenced expert will design a heating network which will be compatible with your home. Moreover, the setup will be safe, and it will operate with efficiency and consistency.

Think About Zoning

Finally, you should think about zoning your home when installing your radiant heating because you might need floor heating in only one area of the house at a time. If you have different heating zones, you can choose which part of your home should be heated. This will promote the conservation of energy and minimise inefficiencies. If you are interested in zoning, you should discuss your in-floor heating requirements and preferences with your contractor.