Radiant Heating FAQs

What is radiant floor heating?
Radiant floor heating is a comfortable and efficient form of heating where warm water circulates through flexible, specially designed tubing (PEX) installed under the floor. The heat radiates evenly up through the floor warming people and objects in the room and providing more comfort for less money.

What makes radiant floor heating so comfortable?
Unlike traditional heating systems that just warm the air, radiant heating warms the floor and the objects in contact with the floor. The entire floor distributes a consistent, even, and quiet heating. There are no drafts and radiant floor heating takes the chill out of cold tile, marble and wood floors.

What is PEX tubing?
PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) tubing is a specially designed plastic tubing with distinctive properties that make it ideal for radiant floor heating and plumbing systems. Over 5 billion feet of PEX tubing in service worldwide, along with on-going product testing and monitoring, prove its dependability.

What if the tubing leaks?
Leaks are not a concern with  PEX when the system is properly installed. With a life expectancy of over 100 years,  PEX tubing has withstood the most extensive tests in the industry for over 30 years.

Can the floor get too hot?
No. A properly designed Radiant Floor Heating system will deliver comfortable warmth that's a pleasure to walk on - especially in bare feet! If additional heat is needed to satisfy the heat load, additional warmth can easily be added by installing radiant walls and/or ceilings.

We already have a concrete floor in the basement. Is it too late to install the Radiantmax Floor System?
Not at all.  A gypsum system is perfect for remodeling or retrofit projects. Gypsum is a light weight concrete product, this is installed over the existing slab. It's great for putting radiant comfort in a basement or anywhere in your home.

Is it possible to just heat the ceramic floor in our master bath?
Absolutely. Radiantmax Floor Systems let you heat only those rooms you want to heat. The bathroom is a big priority for people who don't like to step onto cold tile.

We're not ready to make this investment right now. Can we rough the system in for the future?
You bet! Our Radiant Ready option is perfect for you! The PEX tubing can be installed in the slab during construction and you can complete the system later. This adds relatively little to the cost of a poured floor, but can add a great deal to the value of your home later.

If I have radiant floor heating, can I still have air conditioning?
Sure you can. In fact, separate heating and cooling systems really make the most sense. Radiant floor heating keeps the heat near the floor where it does the most good; and air conditioning ductwork is placed only where it is needed to cool your home. The result is optimal comfort and efficiency all year 'round.

Is radiant floor heating more expensive than the alternatives?
Yes. It will cost more to install, however it's important to remember that radiant floor heating can save 20 to 40 percent on your heating bills and significantly increase the resale value of your home. That, plus the increased comfort, make it worth the extra dollars for initial installation.

We've got allergies. Can a Radiantmax Floor System help?
For many, this is a resounding "Yes!" Our radiant heat system has no drafts, fans or blowers to circulate dust, dirt and other allergens throughout your home. Warm Radiant Floors can eliminate the need for carpeting which is a breeding ground for dust mites, a very common cause of allergic respiratory disease. The result is a clean, healthy environment—a must for people with allergies.

Does Radiantmax install the radiant floor heating systems?
Not directly. Radiantmax is a division of Eagle Mountain Inc.. Radiantmax distributes products nationally, while our parent company Eagle Mountain Inc. installs systems through out western New York. Eagle Mountain Inc. uses the same products that Radiantmax distributes. This allows us to insure that the products that Radiantmax sells are reliable.

What if my contractor doesn't know how to install a radiant floor heating system?
We can help your contractor with the knowledge needed to install a radiant floor heating system. Our Technicians not only know the products and procedures, but have actually installed them.

To speak with a technician call 1-800-572-7831

Visit our Online Store