How To Install Radiant Floor Heating This Old House

This old house plumbing and heating expert richard trethewey helps guide you through two types of heated floors in terms of cost installation and energy efficiency to select the right one for your house.

How to install radiant floor heating this old house.

In this video this old house plumbing and heating contractor richard trethewey explains how to install electric radiant heating. Use end nippers to snip off any nails protruding from subfloor within the joist bays. Start by having a licensed electrician test the radiant heat mat to ensure it s working properly. Remove any insulation from between the floor joists located directly below the room you plan to heat.

Hydronic floor heating systems use hot water pumped through plastic tubing laid out in a serpentine pattern to heat the floor. How well does radiant floor heat work. Retrofit radiant heat into your home or for new construction duration. 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.

Radiant floor heating is probably the best way to heat up any space. After preparing the subfloor for tile use a trowel to spread thinset mortar onto the tile backerboard. Install two plates per joist bay. Installing radiant heat between joists.

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. That s the appeal of radiant floor heating says this old house plumbing and heating expert richard. It s comfortable quiet and energy efficient. 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.