How to Decide if Heated Tile is Right for Your Home

Deciding which type of flooring you would like to install in your home is a major decision. There are many factors to consider including cost, durability, how easy the material is to clean and how difficult the installation process will be.

If you’ve decided that you would like to install tile in your home, you might be debating the installation of heated tile. If you’re having trouble determining if this is the right decision for you, here are a few things you might want to consider.

Maintaining Room Temperature

This is an especially important consideration for rooms or homes with high ceilings. Heated tile helps keep the lower part of the room warm which is likely where the heat is needed the most. This phenomenon may stop you from cranking up your central heat, which may, in turn,  improve the energy efficiency of your home in the long run.

Price

It’s important to know that heated tile can be expensive and will certainly add to the cost of regular tile flooring. If cost is a concern, its best to consider what areas of your home will benefit the most from a heated tile installation. The obvious choice that most people opt for is the bathroom. This is because the type of tile often used in bathrooms tend to be cold to the touch and often people are barefoot when in the bathroom.

Types of Radiant Heat Systems

If you’re thinking of installing heated tile in your home, it’s important to know that there are a number of different system options. There are forced air systems where hot air carries heat through channels. Often, these types of radiant heat systems are not installed in homes. There are also hydronic-based systems where hot water is carried through tubing networks. These radiant heat systems are considered to be the most efficient. Finally, there are electrical systems. Although these are typically less efficient, some homeowners heat their tile during off-peak times (usually overnight)  to keep costs down.