Radiant Floor Heating Cost - What You Can
Expect To Pay
Have you been thinking of installing radiant floor heat, but
wonder about the costs of adding this type of system? Your
radiant floor heating costs will depend on a variety of
factors. First of all it will depend on whether you use
electricity or you use water pipes. In most cases, electric and
water radiant heating will cost more to install than forced air
systems, provided that the furnace is already in place. Of
course you often make up for this difference in cost by the
savings you'll enjoy because of lower energy expenses.
A good rule of thumb is that it will be between $2-$5 per
square foot for the radiant floor heating cost. But this
depends on a variety of factors. For example, if insulation is
needed it can add to the cost. Also, installation of the
materials can change the overall price.
For a system that utilizes water pipes, expect the cost to
be anywhere between $7500-$14,000 in a home with 1500 square
foot just for the materials alone. However, even though this
seems somewhat expensive upfront, you should be able to recoup
your investment over time with decreased heating costs.
At the very least, your heating bill will go down 10%, and
in some cases people have reported as much as a 40% decrease in
their costs. If it currently costs you on average, $100 a month
to heat your home, then in one year's time you can save up to
$500!
Other factors that will influence radiant floor heating
costs depend upon the type of brand you choose, whether or not
it will be installed under the floor or over the floor, as well
as the controls you use for the floor heating system.
Some people choose a hydronic system because it is more
flexible, which helps them save on operating costs. You can
power a hydronic system with a variety of different fuel
sources. You can use gas, electricity, oil, solar energy or
even propane.
It's important to consider other factors besides radiant
floor heating costs. In addition to enjoying a decrease in your
utility bills, you will also have the benefit of no longer
having as much dust and germs circulating throughout your home
like you do with a furnace. Additionally, you will enjoy the
quietness of this type of heating system because it is
perfectly silent. These are some of the reasons why radiant
floors are becoming more popular every day.
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