Heated flooring is a heating method that uses radiant energy such as electric coils installed in the floors to radiate heat throughout the selected space, extending beyond the floor to warm the entire room. This is also known as electric radiant heat.
Radiant zone heating is clean energy. It is quiet and energy-efficient. By using a programmable thermostat, homeowners can restrict heat to occupied rooms, yielding a cost advantage over heating an entire house when only one or two rooms really need it. Specific living areas can be individually controlled. This a form of zone heating. The system has no moving parts and is maintenance-free. The radiant heat system will last as long as your floors do.
The larger the floor size, the greater the advantage that a floor heating system has over electric baseboard heating. For a 100 square-foot room, for example, heated flooring generates about 4100 BTUs compared to only about 3400 BTUs from a baseboard. While a baseboard heater releases energy from a vent in the wall, radiant energy generates heat from the expanse of an entire floor. Heat produced from the floor surface in its entirety is even, consistent and concentrated. Even if the system is turned off, residual warmth continues. With respect to safety, baseboards raise concerns about floor-length drapes, children and pets. A floor heating system is encased and out of sight.
Assess if insulation should be upgraded to further enhance your home's ability to conduct heat efficiently. Ensure the heat flooring system can have a dedicated circuit. Consider any nuances in your home that may require adjustments such as angular rooms. Consult with a professional electrician who is a registered installer of heated flooring to discuss what works best in your home and how to customize the system to accommodate your home energy needs.