In Canada, especially in the colder seasons, we love being warm and toasty at home. Most conventional methods of heating do a pretty good job but there are other ways to keep the chill at bay that you may not be completely familiar with. One of those ways is radiant floor heating, a method of keeping warm first developed by the Romans who had wood burning fires stoked underneath marble floors. While it no longer requires wood or an army of servants radiant floor heating does still exist and it might just be a good option for you.
Types of Radiant Floor Heating
The two types of radiant floor heating are electric and hydronic. Electric involves wires underneath the flooring that heat when needed. Hydronic use hot water tubes instead. As you might imagine electric is far easier to install since it doesn’t require as much space or plumbing knowledge as hydronic. On the other hand hydronic is far less expensive to maintain over the long run.
Pros
Unlike standard forced air systems radiant floor heating emanates upward keeping your feet warm and infusing every object it touches. Hot air from normal vents will immediately rise then cool and fall – which is why it may say room temperature on your thermometer while you still feel cold. In addition, radiant floor heating is practically silent with no loud furnaces, no ever-present hum from the vents, and no ductwork filled with dust.
Cons
The biggest downside when it comes to radiant heating is the cost that comes with installation. For the more efficient hydronic heating major access is required to the flooring with some serious plumbing work needing to be done. Installing it is basically unfeasible for a renovation – it requires a full house refitting or installation in a completely new home. Electric flooring can be put in more easily but for homes that already have forced air heating it may be better suited to single rooms like bathrooms or kitchens.
Radiant floor heating presents an efficient option for people looking to heat their homes but whether it might be right for you will depend on a number of important factors. Whether you choose radiant heating or not you’ll need flooring regardless and Tony’s Flooring Centre offers a wide range of materials and styles. Contact us today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should Toronto homeowners know about pros and cons of radiant floor heating?
When considering pros and cons of radiant floor heating, evaluate durability, maintenance requirements, and cost per square foot for your specific needs. Tony’s Flooring Centre at 268 Royal York Rd offers expert advice and free estimates to help you make the right choice for your Toronto home.
How do I choose the right flooring for each room?
Match flooring to each room’s demands: waterproof options like LVP for bathrooms and kitchens, soft carpet for bedrooms, durable hardwood or laminate for living areas, and moisture-resistant flooring for basements. Consider foot traffic, pets, and maintenance needs.
How much does new flooring cost in Toronto?
Flooring costs vary by material: carpet $3-$8/sq ft, laminate $4-$8/sq ft, LVP $5-$10/sq ft, hardwood $8-$15/sq ft, plus installation $2-$6/sq ft. Use our flooring cost calculator for a quick estimate.
Start Your Flooring Project Today
Whether you’re renovating one room or your entire home, Tony’s Flooring Centre is here to help. We offer free estimates, professional installation, and a huge selection at our Etobicoke showroom. Call (416) 255-9631 or get in touch online.