How To Install Radiant Floor Heating This Old House

How well does radiant floor heat work.

How to install radiant floor heating this old house.

Hydronic floor heating systems use hot water pumped through plastic tubing laid out in a serpentine pattern to heat the floor. It s comfortable quiet and energy efficient. Use end nippers to snip off any nails protruding from subfloor within the joist bays. Retrofit radiant heat into your home or for new construction duration.

Install two plates per joist bay. Start by having a licensed electrician test the radiant heat mat to ensure it s working properly. A bathroom size warm floor retrofit will cost 400 to 700 including the cost of the new tile. Remove any insulation from between the floor joists located directly below the room you plan to heat.

That s the appeal of radiant floor heating says this old house plumbing and heating expert richard. They re ideal for whole house heating but professionals suggest installing them during the home s construction because they can be difficult to retrofit if the home isn t already outfitted with the proper equipment. Installing radiant heat between joists. Radiant floor heating is probably the best way to heat up any space.

If you re installing radiant floor heat in an existing room you ll need a dedicated 15 to 20 amp gfci protected circuit to power the system and an excuse to lay a new tile floor. Fasten aluminum transfer plates to underside of subfloor with inch long self tapping screws. If you re remodeling it s a good time to satisfy both requirements. Although electric radiant heat is a popular choice for small projects retiling a bathroom say hydronic or water based radiant provides the ultimate in efficiency for bigger projects or an extensive remodel.