Differences In Electrical Radiant Floor Heating Systems

If you are considering placing radiant heat flooring in your home, you will be looking at three choices in systems; Hydronic radiant systems are water systems, where water is pushed through polyethylene tubing beneath the floor, Electrical systems which feature two types, mats and coiled insulated wiring. For this article we are going to focus on the two electrical radiant floor heating systems, their differences and there benefits.

Electrical radiant systems are easier and less expensive to install than hydronic systems. They can be used for one room or an entire home, and are recommended for use in homes with less than 3000 square feet of area.  Both types of electrical radiant systems use approximately the same amount of energy; 10-12 watts per square foot of home space. The first is the coated electric cables system, and the second is the woven mats system.

While they perform the same duty of warming the floors in your home there are differences.

Changes in Floor Height

Adding the coated electrical cables can add 2 inches to your floor height after installation; while the mats will only add up to 1/8 inch to the overall level height of your flooring.

Cost of Installation

Because of their simple design elements, mats cost less to buy and install. They are less labor intensive and can be done by most competent DIY. Coated electrical cable cost more to install due to the complexity of the installation, it is more labor intensive, and should at least be consulted on by a licensed electrician or installed by professional installers.

Durability and Longevity

While both provide decades of stable, durable performance, cable systems usually last longer than mats mainly because of the higher level of quality materials used in their design.

Peak Performance for Operation Readiness

The initial heating period is the large difference between the two types; mats placed on a slab will heat up faster than a cable system placed through a slab. It can take several hours for a coiled cable system to reach peak performance, and only an hour for a mat system to reach the same level of performance.

Maintaining Heat

Like a brick home heated throughout the day where the bricks hold the heat long after sundown; cables can and do maintain their heat for longer periods for distribution of heat through your flooring than mats.

Types of Flooring Make a Difference

Both electrical radiant floor heating systems work well with stone, ceramic tiles and carpet. It is the homes with wood floors that make the difference. For homes with wood flooring, a thick slab system of installation is highly recommended.  Wooden flooring does not take kindly to sudden changes in temperature or extremely dry heat.

These are just a few differences between types of electrical radiant floor heating systems you need to be aware of before you make your choice on which radiant heating system you will purchase for your home. You can easily make your own comparisons using online catalogs provided by manufacturers of radiant floor heating systems.