InfraFloor Electric Radiant Floor Heat is Well Suited to Alternative Energy Sources
October 24, 2013Whether running on the grid or on alternative energy sources, InfraFloor’s heated floor systems are affordable energy savers.
All alternative energy sources including solar, wind, geothermal and hydro produce electricity. Solar, wind and geothermal systems are also conducive for individual residential or commercial applications depending on the applicable zoning regulations. Whether you are staying on the grid with conventional energy or planning to convert to alternative sources, heated floor systems from InfraFloor are always a wise choice for energy savings, health and comfort.
InfraFloor electric radiant floor heating is compatible with all alternative energy sources. For example, the direct current generated by solar panels is passed to an inverter for producing alternating current so that the electricity can be used by appliances in the home such as InfraFloor’s heated floor system. Any surplus power generated by the solar panels can be stored in a battery system or exported back to the grid for credit.
People who want to live off-grid or be as energy independent as possible, might install hybrid systems such as solar/wind to maximize their capacity for maintaining consistent energy supply. On days when the sun isn’t shining, a wind system can help maintain power generation even in areas that are not particularly conducive to wind production. Hybrids can also address preferences that people have for one type of heating over another. For example, even though geothermal systems can provide all the heating requirements of a home, there are several reasons to complement a geothermal system for cooling with InfraFloor heated floor systems for heating.
First, some customers want to avoid spreading allergens throughout the home caused by blowing warm air through the ductwork. Second, geothermal heat pumps produce convection heat which is less energy efficient than InfraFloor’s electric radiant floor heat. With convection heating, a significant amount of heat is lost in the ductwork; as much as 35% according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Forced-air convection heat (warm air), rises to the ceiling where even more heat loss occurs.
In contrast, heated floor systems, like the sun, feel warm even when the air is cool because electric radiant floor heat is attracted to people and objects. Heated floor systems only indirectly warm the air. As a result, homeowners can turn down their thermostats 5 or 6 degrees and still feel as comfortable with heated floor systems as with convection heat. Utilities report a savings potential of 3-5% for every 1 degree the thermostat is dialed down.
The American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers quantified the radiant heat savings this way, “the average 65°F radiant comfort temperature with 59°F day/night setback should reduce building heat load by 25% to 35% over convective systems.”
What’s more, InfraFloor’s heated floor systems can be installed room by room with individual thermostats so there is no need to heat all rooms to the same temperature or to heat rooms that are not being used. With reduced building heat load of 25-35%, the elimination of heat lost in the duct work, and the potential for room by room installation, one can easily see how energy savings of 40% or more is achievable with InfraFloor’s electric radiant floor heating systems.
InfraFloor is a USA supplier of UL compliant, energy saving, affordable, heated floor systems. It provides free shipping on most orders, fast-response planning expertise, installation and technical support for heated floor systems. A 100%/90-day return policy with no restocking fees and speedy processing of returns rounds out InfraFloor’s “customer–first” policy. To learn more, visit: http://www.infrafloor.com.
