Radiant floor heating has long been a popular option for homeowners looking to add comfort and luxury to their homes. However, it can be a bit of a controversial topic when it comes to passive homes, or homes with high R-values. In this article, we’ll take a look at both the advantages and disadvantages of radiant heat in passive homes.
First, let’s talk about the cost of installing radiant heat. It’s true that radiant floor heating can be more expensive to install than other types of heating, especially for retrofits. So, if you’re building a high-performance green home that needs very little heating energy, you may not see much benefit from the added cost of putting in a radiant heating system.
One of the biggest concerns about radiant heat in passive homes is the amount of heat it puts out. If the R-value of your home is high enough, the heat put out by your radiant floor may be too much. This can lead to overheating and energy waste, which goes against the principles of passive design.
Another issue is customer expectations. Many people expect to have warm floors to the touch in a high R-value home, but that may not always be the case. We’ve had customers come to us who have been disappointed with the performance of their radiant floor heating in a passive home because the floors aren’t warm enough. This is because the high R-value of the home doesn’t allow enough heat to reach the floor.
So, what’s the bottom line? While radiant floor heating can be a great option in many homes, it may not be the best choice for passive or near-passive builds. If you’re considering a high R-value home, it’s important to think carefully about the type of heating system you choose and whether it will meet your comfort needs.
