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For those living in cold climates, finding an appropriate way of heating indoor spaces is of utmost importance to remain comfortable and healthy in the winter months. Several options exist for doing this. Radiant floor heat is one method that is available for heating homes and buildings of all types.

Underfloor heating is a method of warming a space from below. Its use can be traced back many centuries. Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of ancient people using a system of smoke drafted through trenches under the floor of underground living spaces. The stones which covered these trenches were heated by the hot smoke and the heat then radiated upward to warm the dwellings.

This has obviously evolved quite a lot since early times. Rather than using hot smoke, electrical cables or fluid-filled tubing is now used. The former type is known as an electrical system, while the latter is referred to as a hydronic system.

Both types of systems can be used to heat either a localized space or an entire building. In addition to the obvious indoor uses of heating homes and other buildings, they can also be used outdoors for melting ice and snow from walkways and driveways and for keeping sports fields in playable condition. Hydronic systems have the added advantage of having the capacity to be used for cooling too but electrical ones can only be used for heating.

Flexible heating elements are used under the floor in an electrical system. In comparison to the hydronic method, this one is simpler and easier to install due to the smaller number of components that are needed. Large systems require a fair degree of expertise in their design and installation but smaller ones do not.

With the hydronic variety, a network of pipes carry heated water mixed with an anti-freeze substance. The mixture is heated in the boiler, then circulated through the pipes before returning to the boiler to create a closed loop. Design and installation for this kind is more complex and requires a greater amount of expertise than the electrical ones. Gas, electricity, solar power and bio-fuels are all options for powering the boiler. For powering the pump, electricity, gas or geothermal pumps can be used.

Safety concerns are among the advantages that are offered by radiant floor heat. Because the cables or pipes are completely underneath the floor covering there is no danger of tripping or burning, which can be particularly important in places where there are young children or elderly people. Preventing slipping by keeping floors drier is another possible benefit in regards to personal safety.

The costs of installing these heating systems can fall within a wide range. They are more prevalent in Asia and Europe than they are in North America. This leads to generally better availability and lower pricing in areas where they are used more frequently.

Radiant floor heat can be a viable alternative in many instances. It has a number of uses and advantages that can be worthwhile. As with anything else, the particulars of each situation must be evaluated to determine the best choices.