Concrete Slab Radiant Heat

Concrete slab radiant heat is a fairly new way of heating a home or business by which tubes are imbedded into the concrete floor. These tubes contain heated air or liquid that radiates outwards and ultimately warms the air.

Three main types of radiant floor heating include:

Radiant air floors - air is the heat-carrying medium.
Air is not used for concrete, but sometimes used for other flooring systems.
Electric radiant heat floors - electric wires or elements heat up.
Electric radiant heat is commonly used for small rooms or renovations where it's too costly to install hydronic heat elements.
Hot water hydronic radiant heat - heated water in tubing.
Hydronic radiant heating is most commonly used in new construction in both commercial and residential floors. The hot water tubing is placed on the floor and then covered with a layer of concrete 2" to 4" thick. A water heater or hydronic boiler heats the water and passes it through the tubing. The water radiates heat as it passes through the tubing, which heats the concrete and in turn the air around it.

Although installation of radiant floor heat normally costs more than forced air systems, the benefits and long term cost savings are worth the money. Anyone who has experienced concrete slab radiant heat knows that nothing compares to the comfort and warmth at your feet.