Invisible
In a radiant setup, the warmth is supplied by hot-water tubes or electric wires buried underneath the floor. As the invisible waves of thermal radiation rise from below, they warm up any objects they strike, which radiate that captured heat in turn. Keeping the air temperature relatively constant.
the most compact system
There are two types of radiant heating types. Electric radiant, which uses zigzagging loops of resistance wire, is generally retrofitted to a single room, such as a bathroom or kitchen. Hot-water “hydronic” systems—the most popular and cost-effective way to heat an entire house—circulate water from a boiler or water heater through loops of 1/2-inch polyethylene tubing.
Hydronic Heated Floors
The flexible tubes can be installed in a variety of ways: on top of the subfloor in grooved panels or snap-in grids; clipped into aluminum strips on the underside of the floor; or embedded in poured concrete. Once the system is in place, you can cover it with most types of finish flooring, including hardwood and tile.
Electric Heated Floor
New builds where the tubes are buried in concrete slabs tend to be the least expensive. And you'll still need a separate air-conditioning system for cooling.
But if the price tag puts you off, consider this: Once it's up and running, a radiant heat system can be up to 30 percent more energy efficient than forced-air heating, depending on how well insulated a house is. And there's no comparison when it comes to comfort. In that category, radiant always wins, feet down.