Those who live in areas where flooring is used for added warmth in their homes often opt for carpeting. But, there is now an alternative. Heated flooring adds the needed warmth to any home while allowing the homeowner the choice of various flooring options. Heated flooring is often referred to as radiant floor heat.

Radiant floor heat can be broken down into three parts. Radiant air floors allow air to carry heat. Electric radiant floors work with the use of electricity. And hot water, or hydronic, radiant floors use heated water to distribute heat. Radiant air floors are the least common of heated flooring. It is the priciest option, so you won't see it in many homes. There is a way to bring down the cost by combining it with the use of heating systems powered by solar air. It may save money, but is only useful during the day, which is the time that heating loads are often lower.

Electric radiant floors are pricey, but more convenient than radiant air floors. For this system, electric cables must be installed in the floor. Other systems that offer mats made of plastic that conducts electricity are another option for electric radiant floors. These are usually mounted on the subfloor under the home's regular floor covering.

Electricity can be expensive. So, unless a great thermal mass like a concrete floor is included, it isn't very cost effective to run. If you do have a floor with high thermal mass that is big enough, heat can be stored for up to ten hours, which will help to save you on electricity costs.

One good use for electric radiant floors is in home additions to which you may not want to extend the home's heating system. Any homeowner who is looking for a heated flooring system that is cost effective should look no further than hydronic systems.

The hydronic system works by pumping heated water from the home's boiler through a tube that is laid beneath the floor. Some systems even allow you to regulate the temperature in each room by controlling how the water flows through thermostats and zoning valves.

The cost of a hydronic system does vary because of the home's location and size, as well as how it is installed, what floor covering is used, and how much is charged for labor. Various floor coverings work well with heated flooring systems. The most effective and common is ceramic tile. It is a great conductor of heat and also works well as a way to store heat. You can also use radiant heat systems with linoleum, vinyl, wood, and carpeting. But it should be known that any floor covering that insulates the floor, such as carpeting, decreases how efficient heated flooring will work.

Although some systems may be pricey, heated flooring works well to add extra warmth to your home, and even if you can't afford to do your whole floor you can get a heated floor mat.