Hydronic Radiant Floor Heating

Many cultures throughout history have used radiant heating in some form or other to improve their quality of life. From bathhouses to royal palaces, this heating method has always been a great way to control temperature. Over the years, radiant heating technology has evolved to become an excellent option for heating the modern home.

What is Radiant In-Floor Heating?

A radiant in-floor heating system applies heat underneath or within the floor to control the temperature of a room. This method offers a comfortable and energy-efficient alternative to traditional forced-air systems.

Hydronic Radiant Floor Heating

Hydronic radiant floor heating involves a system of plastic pipes laid throughout the floor. Temperature-controlled water is piped into specific rooms or "zones," dispersing heat through the floor’s surface. When the water cools, it returns to the heat source, where it is reheated and sent out again in a "closed-loop system" in the home. The pipes can be encased in a concrete slab, a concrete or gypsum cement overpour, laid into thin grooved panels that nail on top of a subfloor, or suspended below a wooden subfloor. The heat output is self-regulating, dictated by pipe spacing, temperature, rate of flow, and special covering.

Benefits of Radiant Floor Heating

Comfort

Radiant floor heating provides even, comfortable warmth throughout your home without causing air movement, reducing drafts and giving you warm floors.

Energy Efficiency

Radiant floor heating is more economical than forced-air heating, allowing you to keep your temperature settings lower than for other systems. We can effectively zone out your home and determine precise coverage for spaces to make the system even more efficient.

Energy Source Compatibility

Our hydronic radiant in-floor technology is compatible with various energy sources, including ground-source heat pumps, boilers, solar energy, and district heating. System versatility and compatibility is one of our priorities, so you can have the right solution for your unique needs.

Quietness

Effective circulator pump systems move water quietly, making for a near-silent system. Our radiant in-floor heating systems are designed to improve your quality of life, which means they need to keep your home exceptionally comfortable while almost going unnoticed.

Cleanliness

Without ducts and radiators, your home has one less conduit for dust to travel through. If you suffer from allergies or any other respiratory inconvenience, you’ll likely find your comfort levels improving dramatically.

Room Function

Radiant in-floor heating systems are completely hidden underneath your living space, cutting down on obstacles and obstructions throughout your home.

Installation Methods

Hydronic radiant floor heating can be installed using one of three different methods:

1. Slab-on-Grade System: PEX tubing is attached to a wire mesh or rigid Styrofoam insulation, and concrete is poured over the piping at the ground level.
2. Thin Slab System: Tubing is fastened above the subfloor and covered with lightweight concrete or gypsum cement underlayment, thickening the floor to 1.5 inches. Alternatively, tubing can be sandwiched between the subfloor and finished floor, raising the floor by about a half-inch.
3. Dry or "Plate" System: Tubing is attached to the underside of the subfloor with aluminum transfer plates for improved performance.

If you would like more information on how the installation works, call us at 905-538-1661. One of our experts will be glad to walk you through the process and offer a no-obligation estimate.

System Components

A hydronic radiant floor heating system comprises three main components: a heat source, a distribution piping system, and controls.

1. Heat Source: Powered from your boiler, or other sufficient heat source. The systems that we install can power domestic hot water, in-floor heating, or snow melt areas. This can be done through either a Combi-Boiler or by having a buffer tank connected to the boiler for a constant source of hot water.
2. Distribution Piping System: Typically made of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) tubing, which is a material known for its durability and flexibility.
3. Controls: We will implement manifold systems with thermostat or aquastat switches that regulate the flow of water through each zone, ensuring even heat distribution in your space.

Costs

An installed hydronic radiant floor heating system will cost approximately $1,000 per 100 square feet. Costs will vary based on specific heating requirements and energy efficiency results. You will also require a mechanical ventilation system if one isn’t already in place. Our estimates include a full cost breakdown based on your needs.

Maintenance and Repairs

We recommend annual maintenance for your mechanical components including pumps, hot water heaters, and controls. If there are any issues, we usually find them within these mechanical parts, and we can use our streamlined process to fix them at your convenience. We provide guidance on how to ensure you operate all equipment as designed to avoid unnecessary repairs and unintentionally void warranties.

Lifespan and Warranty

Canadian In-floor installations are covered by a manufacturer's warranty of 25 years, with PEX pipes expected to last over 50 years. There are two types of warranties for our systems: Manufacturer's Warranty and Installation Warranty. In order to keep those warranties valid, your system needs to be installed by certified contractors.

Is Radiant Floor Heating Suitable for Your Home?

New Construction and Renovations

Radiant in-floor heating can be easily designed and installed in new construction. For renovations, it is suitable if we can assess that the building structure can support the additional weight of the concrete or cement overpour, if the underside of the subfloor is accessible, and that there is enough height for a concrete overpour in the basement.

Entire House Versus Selected Rooms

Homeowners can choose to install hydronic radiant floor heating throughout the house or in selected rooms like their bathrooms, kitchens, and living rooms. If you only wish to heat selected rooms in your home, a separate heating and ventilation system will be required for the rest of the home or space. The in-floor heating systems can be zoned throughout for individual temperature control.

Environmental Impact

Radiant in-floor heating systems are environmentally friendly, even more so when paired with sustainable energy sources like solar or geothermal. Their efficiency results in a reduction in overall energy consumption, contributing to lower carbon footprints. Our experts will help you ensure you get efficient heating with any source you use to power the system.

Snow Melt Systems for In-Floor Hydronic Radiant Heat

Our hydronic radiant heat systems are applicable outdoors as well! Canadian In-floor Heat snow melt systems are designed specifically to help your home or business brave cold Canadian winters. Our systems even keep your surfaces safe from heavy snow and icy conditions. Snow Melt systems are an efficient and reliable way to keep your driveways, walkways, parking lots and commercial spaces clear and safe.

How It Works

Snow melt systems installed by Canadian In-Floor Radiant Solutions operate by circulating a mixture of water and antifreeze through durable PEX tubing installed beneath the surface. The heated fluid melts the snow and ice using a sensor to remove hazards, ensuring your spaces stay clear and dry throughout the season.

Installation and Integration

We can seamlessly integrate our snow melt systems into an existing in-floor hydronic radiant heat system or install it as a standalone solution. Connect with our expert heat system technicians to evaluate your needs and create a custom solution for your home or business.

For more detailed information on how our snow melt systems can enhance your property, visit our Snow Melt section.