Installing radiant heating in an existing home

Radiant heating in an existing home

Thinking about making updates to your home? Consider adding radiant heating to your list. “Is it possible to add radiant even though my home is already built?” you ask. Yes, it is.

I'd like to add radiant heating to the main level of my home. My basement is unfinished. How would that work? 

While retrofitting radiant heating is possible in many scenarios, this is one of the easiest to accomplish. Assuming you’re not planning to replace your main level flooring, the radiant piping can be installed using a plate system like RAUPLATE^TM in the joist space below your floor. Aluminum is a great heat conductor, therefore, the larger the surface area of this material touching the subfloor, the more heat is evenly and efficiently radiated to the floor above. Adding these plates is very simple. 

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Are there any other opportune moments for me to retrofit radiant heating in my existing home?

Of course! Two great opportunities to retrofit your home with radiant heating are before you cover up a concrete slab. For example, when you’re finishing your basement or creating a workshop in your garage – and when you’re replacing the flooring anywhere in your home. In these cases, your contractor will most likely recommend installing a low-profile panel system on top of the slab or subfloor. Keep in mind, you’re not limited to floor installations. Radiant can even be installed in the walls or ceilings. For example, if you’re remodeling your bathroom, consider adding radiant to your floor and your shower walls. 

There are many ways to install radiant heating in an existing home. Your REHAU radiant contractor can help you choose the method that is best for you and your home.