In Canadian houses, basements have long posed a challenge for heating. Basement floors are cold, there is often dampness, and rooms can feel drafty with a variance in temperature from room to room. Many times, this space is a challenge to make usable when it’s uncomfortable to be there. This has begun to change with the introduction of in-floor heating basement systems. All of a sudden, basements can be turned into warm, energy-efficient areas where families can create additional living spaces.
If you have been planning on renovations to your basement or just want to improve comfort levels in your home this winter, then we would argue that installing in-floor heating is a worthy investment. This blog post will outline the primary benefits of in-floor heating basement systems, why they can be very well suited to Canadian climates, and why they can increase the value of your home.
What Is Floor Heating?
In-floor heating, otherwise referred to as radiant floor heating, uses elements that warm the surfaces of the floor in a basement and therefore warm the room from the floor up. Whereas a traditional forced-air system blows warm air into the room, with radiant heating, the room is uniformly warmed from underneath the floor surface.
Why Choose In-Floor Heating for Your Basement?
Basements tend to be more humid and cooler than the rest of the home, which makes them difficult to heat using some traditional methods. In-floor heating basement systems address these problems and have several key benefits:
- Even Heat: Radiant heat warms the floor evenly, which removes cold spots and allows the whole basement to be warm and cozy, which is perfect for beating those cold basement floors.
- Energy Saving: Keep you warm at lower temperatures than conventional heating systems, in-floor heating systems run efficiently, which lowers your energy bills, especially during cold Canadian winters.
- Improved Air Quality: Radiant heating eliminates the need for forced-air circulation, which means lower levels of dust and allergens and better air quality for your basement.
- Space Saver: Heating elements are hidden in the floor, so the walls and flooring can be used for furniture or storage, and you can be more creative with the layout of your basement.
- Durable & Low Maintenance: Sealed under the floor, in-floor heating systems can withstand possible moisture damage. They are virtually silent and do not require the maintenance that other systems (such as forced air) typically require.
- Home Value: A warm and efficient basement is attractive to buyers and can also get you rebates for being energy efficient. In this aspect, radiant heat is an attractive investment, especially in the Canadian housing market.
Rationale for Using In-Floor Heating In Canadian Basements
Considering Canada’s climate, heating methods need to be reliable and very energy efficient. Basements typically sit below grade, thus sitting in cool, unconditioned soil, making it challenging to create comfort and useable space.
Heating systems would have to struggle to keep basement floors warm, leading to a discomforted and underused space. Radiant floor heating is a natural solution to warming not just the basements, but the surface of the floor, thus making the basement more livable and enjoyable all year long.
Heating using radiant heat was a huge appeal for Canadian homeowners who want their heating system to be energy-efficient, while still in alignment with their values of sustainable living and a responsible carbon footprint.
What to Plan Prior to Installing In-Floor Heating in Your Basement
There are several considerations for in-floor heating basement systems that will help in your overall outcome:
- Flooring: Radiant heating systems perform optimally on tile, stone, and engineered wood floors. While carpeting can act as an insulator and prevent proper heat transfer, it wouldn’t be recommended for flooring in alignment with the radiant system.
- Installation – Electric or Hydronic: The two installs are electric and hydronic (water-based) systems. Hydronic systems can be more cost effective with larger spaces, while electric systems could be well-suited for smaller footprints, or even if it’s part of a renovation.
- Installation by Professionals: ensuring that the radiant heating system is safe, and maximizing efficiency and effectiveness, it is best practice to hire experts who know Canadian building codes, basement issues, and ensure confidence in the finished job.
- Insulation: Insulating your basement makes heating your basement more effective due to reduced heat loss. Prior to installing the in-floor heating system, ensure that the basement walls/ceilings and floors are perfectly insulated.
Is In-Floor Heating Worth The Investment?
Even though radiant floor heating might have a higher upfront cost versus other heating methods, the ongoing benefits far exceed this upfront cost. Savings on energy costs, improvements of comfort, increased home value, and low maintenance add to the cost-effectiveness.
Most Canadian homeowners are asking themselves not if they can afford in-floor heating in their basement, but how soon they can enjoy the comfort and saving in operational costs.
Final Thoughts
Most basements are neglected areas of the home, but they shouldn’t be. Your basement is a space with a lot of potential. With in-floor heating basement systems, the space can become a warm and inviting atmosphere, allowing family and friends to gather from the main living areas.
Floor heating is a positive investment in your home. It creates more livable space and adds value to your investment in the home. It is designed for the Canadian climate and lifestyle.
If you are ready to modernize the heating method in your basement and enjoy heating your feet as you walk on these innovative floors, consult Rock Bottom Underpinning a professional installer and get to know the options available to you. Your feet will be the first to benefit from the right investment in whole heat comfort provided by in-floor heating systems.
