Things to Remember While Installing Hardwood Floors over Radiant Heating Systems  

08/21/2023

A large majority of households in Australia still use traditional forced air heating systems. These systems function by heating the air, which, in turn, heats the objects and individuals present in the room. Radiant heating systems, on the other hand, are a relatively new concept that directly warms the objects and people in a room. In recent years, more and more people have shown interest in these systems because of their benefits.  

Many homeowners want to know whether it is safe to use radiant heating systems with hardwood floors. There is no need to worry because installing hardwood floors over radiant heating systems is highly possible. However, it requires certain important factors to be taken into consideration.  

Limitations of Forced Air Heating   

In traditional forced air heating systems, the furnace pushes the hot air into the rooms, which rises to the ceiling and stays there. Therefore, compared to the floor, the temperature can be significantly higher near the ceiling. This often makes staying comfortable a balancing act by adjusting the thermostat or positioning the fans continuously.  

What is Radiant Heating?    

Unlike traditional heating, radiant heating systems heat a home from the floor using electrical wiring or hot water.  Electric and hydronic are the two types of radiant heating systems. In electric radiant heating systems, the floor is heated using heating elements woven in a serpentine pattern. These systems are easy to install, and require 30-60 minutes to heat-up the floor. On the other hand, aluminium alloy tubes are used in hydronic systems to pump hot water for creating a high level of thermal conductivity. These systems are perfect for whole-house heating, but are not easy to retrofit in remodelling projects.   

Advantages of Radiant Heating  

• Radiant heated floors have no noise because there is no furnace involved. 
• Forced air systems often leave certain areas colder compared to others. Radiant heating systems warm the entire floor evenly, and the ambient room temperature is considerably more uniform.  
• Being a superior form of heat transfer, radiant floor heating increases the home’s energy efficiency because heat is transferred directly to the objects.  
• Radiant heat systems are easy to use, and any shift in temperature can be monitored or adjusted using smart thermostats. 
• Radiant heat systems require very little maintenance because they mostly remain enclosed.  

Installation of Radiant Heating with Hardwood Floors 

Home builders are often reluctant to use radiant heating with hardwood floors because hardwood is extremely sensitive to temperature and humidity fluctuations. However, if certain factors are taken care of before installation, radiant heating can work with hardwood flooring without any issues.  

First and foremost, this decision-making process depends significantly on the type of hardwood and plank thickness. The efficiency of the heating system can suffer if the floor is too thick. Naturally, this will lead to higher costs. 

Moreover, before installation, hardwood planks must be acclimated adequately to the space where they will be installed. If this is not done properly, expansion and contraction of the wood after installation can lead to serious concerns such as crowning, warping, or buckling.  

If you need any other guidance related to your hardwood flooring, please feel free to contact us at Enoak.