Infloor Heating in Canada – Keeping it Warm
Canada is one place that you can expect it to be cold. The winters there are long and people are use to the frigid weather. Canada is a good indication of the best type of heating system to use in extreme temperatures, keeping homes warm even through the harshest months. Studies show that in floor heating is one of the optimum methods of home heating. This type of heating uses cabled mats that are installed under the floors. These mats can be installed under any type of flooring. The mats are easy to install and have self adhesive strips that make them a do it yourself project that anyone can accomplish. No special tools or knowledge is necessary.
One of the great things about under floor heating is that it saves money. The cost of operating this type of heating system is about the same as operating one standard light bulb. Another cost effective feature of this system is that each room has its own individual thermostat. If a room is not being used, the heat in that room can be turned off. The heat of the under floor system is much more practical. In other duct type heating systems, the air is force dried. The air tends to rise to the ceiling while the floor stays cold. With electric floor heating, the warmth from the floor gently disperses and radiates upwards heating the whole room uniformly. This produces a more comfortable environment.
Studies in Canada show that this type of heating is much more efficient. Thermostats were set at much lower temperatures than with other heating systems, proving the greater efficiency of in floor heating. Of course the best feature is the comfortable feeling of radiant in floor heating. The heated floor is one luxury that will not be experienced with duct systems. Being able to get out of bed in the coldest of winters and not having to worry about cold feet is one of the best features of the system.
These mats can be installed in any room in the house. Baths and showers can feel like a spa when you are able to step onto warmed floors or relax in a comfortable warm environment. Sidewalks can even have electric hating mats installed so that the sidewalks will never need to be shoveled again. Many Canadians have found that in floor heating is the best way to deal with the winter cold. Others of us may not have to deal with such harsh winters, but following the example of the Canadians will bring the clean efficient comfortable type of infloor heating that can make winter a joy.
Canadian building codes and electrical standards are similar enough to U.S. codes that the same MeltMat and floor heating products used across the U.S. are suitable for Canadian installations, though a local licensed electrician should always make the final circuit connection. A programmable thermostat lets homeowners keep the system running efficiently through a long heating season.