Radiant Heat

Norm Harvey

I've only done hydronic radiant, I havent done the electric but my question would be is the radiant for floor warming with an alternate source of heat, or will the radiant be the only heat in the space?

I would think your electric bill would see a significantincrease if it is the only heat source for the space.

My guy tells me that electric radiant is easier for a builder to install and that is why he like it.

What type of heat do you have in your house already?

All that being said, remember I am ignorant to electric radiant.


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houseaddict

Radiant - Electric or Hyrdro?

Building a 10x25 extension on the rear of my house to for a new kitchen. The extenion will be elevated approximately 9' due to the rear basement being on grade. The house is on a slight hill with fierce wind coming up from a small valley below. We are also building a storage room below half the extension along the width of the house. Half of the extenion will have its underside exposed to the elements. Contractor is advising installation of electric radiant. I'm inclined to go with hydro, but the installation cost seems to be prohibitively expensive. My instinct to go with hydro is motivated by the impact it will most likely have on my electric bill. He says he's done it before in a similar application and the electric bill increase was hardly noticeable. Any insight?

Contractor

I agree the electric radiant heat is alot easier to install. Alot of guys try to persuade the homeowners away from hydronic bc they dont know much about it.

As for savings, you will see a savings in the hydronic side, but not a whole hell of a lot. i have heard though in a few cases of the electric mats under the floor failing, then what do you do? the only problem you will have under your floor with hydronic would be if you puncture it.

comfort wise.....couldnt tell you. anyone out there know if there is a difference b/w electric and hydronic comfort wise?

ALH_4

radiant

This sounds like it might even have trouble heating with radiant at all. It might easily require supplemental radiators. Even if I was going to use electric heat for radiant, I would go hydronic with an electric heater. That way you can change your heat source later if desired.

Norm has a good question...What is your current heating system? Also, has anyone done a heat loss calculation on this space?

houseaddict

Radiant Reply

We have a steam system in the rest of the house. I'm frustrated with it and wouldn't know where to put a radiator in the extension because we need the space for cabinetry. GC's plumber suggested that hydro might leak at some point in the future and that's another reason he's steering away from it.