Radiant Floor Heating in Oak Park

Putting Comfort Beneath Your Feet Since 2013

You jump out of bed, put your feet to the floor, and instantly regret it. The hardwood beneath your feet feels like a block of ice, delivering a rude awakening. With a look of disgust, you slide your feet into slippers and shuffle your way to the coffee maker. Wouldn’t it be nice if even the coldest day didn’t start with frigid floors? Well, that’s what installing a radiant floor heating system can get you.

Our HVAC company is proud to offer radiant heating repair, maintenance, and installation services throughout the Oak Park area. When you work with us, you can expect the job to be done right, the first time. To get quote on radiant floor installation—or to have us fix your old one—reach out to us at (708) 381-2318.

What is Radiant Heating?

Heated floor systems use hot water pipes or electric wires beneath the floor to generate warmth. The heated air then rises, warming the entire room. They work best with bare floors and make even tiled or marble floors barefoot-friendly all year long. In terms of efficiency, it’s one of the best systems out there. This is because it doesn’t waste energy heating the air above the living space. If you’re tight on space, radiant floor systems also keep HVAC clutter to a minimum.

Existing in one form or another since the Roman empire, this type of heating system still has its place in the 21st century home. Beyond in-home use, you’ll also see similar methods utilized on driveway and roof melting systems.

How Do Radiant Floors Work?

The principles behind heated floor systems are relatively simple. Below is a quick overview of how they function:

1. The attached thermostat tells your radiant system to turn on
2. Your water heater or boiler raises the temperature of the wire or water pipe beneath the floor
3. The system’s pump pushes the heated medium throughout your home
4. Heat from beneath your floor raises and diffuses throughout your room
5. Through the loop of wire or pipe, the now cooler liquid returns to the water heater
6. The process repeats until your home’s air sensor reaches the set temperature

The Benefits of Installing Radiant Floors in Oak Park

When it comes to luxurious comfort, it’s hard to beat heated floors. They make getting out of bed or the shower a pleasant occurrence, not one punctuated by shocking cold. Though there are some drawbacks to consider, the advantages of radiant floors far outweigh the drawbacks. These include:

• Uniform Heating: The biggest advantage of in-floor heating is its ability to uniformly heat floor and room. Central heating systems distribute air through vents. Where these are located determines which parts of the room will be warmest. This results in chilly spots at the room’s extremities. Because the heat covers the entire floor, this is not a concern in radiant systems.
• Less Maintenance: After installation, electric wire radiant system can go roughly 20 years without needing any maintenance, while it’s good for hydronic (water piped) systems to be inspected periodically. Should any leaks or breaks be detected, our thermal imaging cameras can quickly pinpoint the location of your in-floor heating repair. If you ever need professional HVAC support, just give Energy Matters a call.
• No Noise: The operation of some types of heating systems can be audible, if not annoying. This issue disappears with radiant floor heating because, unlike with central heating systems, there’s no large motor or blower involved. If you ever notice noises from beneath your feet, this is a sign that your radiant floor system needs attention ASAP.
• Hypoallergenic: Because no air is pushed around, radiant floor systems are great for those with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Installing them helps limit dust and the circulation of allergens.
• Energy Efficiency: Experts find that radiant floors heat your home around 20 percent more efficiently than a traditional furnace. The lack of ductwork—which often leaks—ensures comfort is more likely to get where you want it. A typical system of this type can be operated for less than a dollar a day.

As you can see above, the benefits of installing a heated floor are numerous. But what do you do if you already have one and it acts up? What if it needs maintenance done on it? Don't worry! Our Oak Park radiant heating experts are here to lend you a hand.