The benefits that were being tossed out there by its proponents included better comfort, better indoor air quality and massive energy savings. Lots of people fell victim to the hype. As wonderful as this idea seems, some quick interwebs research reveals that these systems are expensive, sometimes create indoor air quality problems, are often incredibly difficult to control resulting in extreme occupant discomfort, and rarely result in the energy savings claimed. For some entertaining reading on this topic, check out “22 Myths About Radiant Under Floor Heating and Cooling” by Robert Bean.
Done correctly, there is some evidence that these systems work as advertised. The problem, still, is knowing how to design and install them correctly. The issues that must be addressed are many and complicated: What type of hydronic tubing? How much tubing and what diameter? What heat source, and how big? How much mortar around the tubing? What type of separation, if any, is needed between the hydronic system and the floor/slab? What flooring materials are OK to use over a hydronic system? How is that flooring attached? How is the system controlled, and what type of thermostat should be used? Designing a hydronic floor heating system isn’t easy, results are not guaranteed, and there is no single go-to source for answers to all the questions. Or is there?