A good number of homeowners are all too familiar with the pain on of living in a house with tile or stone flooring. Despite their pleasing aesthetics, these two can be really be cold to the touch, especially during the chilly months of winter. One of the best ways to take care of this problem is to install a Melbourne hydronic heating system. Naturally, most people will want to know what’s in it for them as they try to figure out whether or not investing in the system would be worthwhile.
What is it?
Also known as radiant heating, hydronic heating systems come in the form of tubing that runs underneath the floor’s surface. Heating is then done by running hot water through these tubes or, in other cases, using an electronic mechanism. While most people assume that such systems can only be installed in new construction, it’s actually possible to retrofit them into existing buildings.
But why would you decide to replace your current HVAC equipment with a radiant floor heating unit? Well, to say the least, the latter has a handful of benefits to offer, including:
-Warm floors: Having to walk on an ice cold floor as you make your way to the bathroom is certainly not the best way to start your day. With radiant heating, you’ll never have to endure this discomfort — since the system infuses the floors with heat, the cold tiles you previously dreaded will now become your source of warmth.
-Balanced humidity levels: Unlike traditional solutions, radiant heaters don’t dry out the air inside a building. As such, indoor humidity levels are usually more balanced. And this is something you might want to think more about if your home has a vaulted ceiling.
-Energy savings: In a typical home, hydronic heating can be up to 30% more energy efficient than a standard HVAC unit.
What’s the Catch?
Like with everything else, radiant heating has its own disadvantages. And while its popularity has gradually risen in recent years, most people don’t really understand the not-so-appealing aspects they could encounter when investing in hydronic heating. And of all the drawbacks you could face, cost is arguably the most significant — radiant heating is more expensive than most traditional heating units.
In most areas, the cost of installing radiant heating into an existing 3-bedroom house could be as much as $15,000. This will of course depend on certain factors, such as the method of installation and local labor rates. Ultimately, it would be advisable to consult a local specialist to get an accurate estimate of the total costs you can expect for your own home. Most of them will also inform you of the tax incentives you stand to gain by switching to an energy-efficient heating system.
Leave a Reply