If you’re considering installing heated floors in your residence, there are some things you need to know. First off, even if your home is in a colder part of the country, not all homes may be suitable for the installation of underfloor heating. Here’s how to do some basic checks and things to look out for before you make the decision to hire a contractor to install the heating for your home’s floors.

Energy efficiency of your home

Does your home have above average thermal efficiency? If so, a radiant heating system will typically work well and serve its purpose. However, if your home has a lot of potential leaks you may find that no amount of hiking up of heating will deliver the results you want. Keep in mind that if you install your heated floors without addressing these gaps or leaks, you may need to crank the heat up really high. And with this you run the risk of damaging the quality of the indoor air in your home, added to the chance of dust billowing in your home at these high levels. This could lead to circulatory and respiratory problems.

Availability of dedicated, separate space

To manage your radiant heating or underfloor heating system, you need a separate space set aside for the core equipment. Typically, this will include a small holding tank or boiler, or a small hot water tank to supply the in-floor heating. The connections as well as the equipment will require a clutter-free area that’s easily accessible by the plumber, electrician or gas technician for maintenance and repairs. Wall-mounting of some equipment and connections will also need a free wall with nothing around it.

Regularly used home vs. a weekend home

If you’re considering putting heated floors or radiant heating into a weekend home or holiday home, you may not be able to fully experience the actual effect of the system. That’s because such systems take a while to reach optimal levels. Ideally, you would need to run it at low temperatures for a prolonged period rather than high levels in bursts.

Temperature stable locations for your thermostat

You need to have a spot in your home that’s temperature stable, for installing the thermostat ideally not in the line of direct sunlight, nor near a fireplace or kitchen.

Flooring installed in your home

Does your residential space have concrete or tile floors? These are ideally suited for heating. However, for those wanting a wood-like finish, wood-look ceramics or engineered woods created for underfloor heating offer an alternative.