Homeowner FAQ

How long has radiant heating been around?

While the concept of radiant heating has been around since the Roman times, Uponor (formerly Wirsbo) was the first to bring radiant heating to North America in the 1980s. 

Do you still need a forced-air system with radiant?

If you have a need for cooling, ventilation, and air filtration, you’ll still need a forced-air system.

What type of flooring can you use with a radiant system?

Radiant systems can work with any flooring type, especially hardwood, laminate, slate, tile, marble, linoleum, bamboo, cork, and concrete. Because carpet and heavy pads are a great insulator, they prevent the heat from reaching the floor surface, so they typically reduce the efficiency of radiant systems. 

Can the floor get too hot?

No, a properly designed radiant floor heating system will deliver the optimal temperatures to provide ideal comfort. There are also controls to ensure maximum comfort and efficiency while also ensuring the system does not overheat the floor.

What if my space needs additional heat?

Radiant walls and/or ceilings can provide supplemental heat to radiant floors. Uponor provides design support for installers to help ensure the greatest comfort and efficiency possible for your system.

Can I just heat certain areas in my home?

Yes! The best feature of radiant heating is its flexibility to heat an entire home or just one or two rooms, such as master bathrooms or basements. In fact, some northern regions use radiant to heat garages and even melt snow off driveways and walkways.

My house already has the concrete floor poured. Is it too late for radiant?

There are several products ideal for concrete slabs, including Quik Trak wood panels and Fast Trak knobbed mats. Be sure to work with your radiant professional to create the best design and installation option for your home.

Can I have radiant roughed in during construction for future use?

Yes, many homeowners have the radiant tubing installed in the concrete slab during construction, which is the most cost-effective method. Then, they can finish the system later when they are ready.

What kind of maintenance does a radiant system require?

Because the flexible Wirsbo hePEX™ tubing in the radiant system does not corrode, it is highly durable and does not require any maintenance. Best of all, the tubing is warranted for 25 years when installed by an Uponor-trained radiant professional. Other components, including pumps and boilers, may require maintenance. Refer to the respective manufacturers for maintenance information.