FAQ, Flooring Specialist – Montreal
Technical Questions
How does a hot water radiant floor work?
Pipes are laid under the floor to circulate heated water. The heat is distributed evenly throughout the floor, creating stable comfort throughout the room.
What is the difference between a hot water radiant floor and an electric floor?
Water-based underfloor heating uses a network of pipes fed by a boiler or heat pump, while electric underfloor heating works with heating cables connected to the electrical grid.
What is the temperature of the water flowing through the pipes?
The temperature generally varies between 30°C and 45°C, depending on the type of floor and the energy source.
Can the temperature be regulated room by room?
Yes, each room can be equipped with an independent thermostat for precise control.
Is it compatible with all energy sources (gas, oil, heat pump, etc.)?
Yes, the system is compatible with most heat generators, including gas and oil boilers and heat pumps.
Does the system work well with a low-temperature heat pump?
Yes, it is even one of the most efficient and energy-saving combinations.
What type of pipe is used? (PEX, PEX-AL-PEX, or multilayer?)
We mainly use PEX or multilayer pipes, which are durable and corrosion-resistant.
Can radiant flooring be installed on an existing slab?
Yes, it is possible with a raised floor, with a layer of insulation and a thin screed or a dry system.
What thickness of screed should be used?
You should generally allow between 5 and 7 cm, depending on the type of floor and the technique used.
Does it work well with floating floors, wood, ceramic, or vinyl?
Yes, provided you choose materials that are compatible with underfloor heating. Ceramic remains the most effective material for heat diffusion.
What type of insulation should be used underneath the system?
Rigid thermal insulation (such as extruded polystyrene or polyurethane) is recommended to limit heat loss downward.
Is regular maintenance necessary?
Very little. Periodic checks of the circuit and generator are sufficient to ensure the longevity of the system.
Financial Matters
How much does a hot water radiant floor system cost (materials + installation)?
The price varies depending on the type of generator, the floor, and the building configuration. On average, you should expect to pay between $18 and $25 per square foot, including installation.
Is it more expensive than other heating systems?
Yes, at the time of purchase. Hot water radiant flooring costs more than electric baseboard heaters or air furnaces, but it offers superior comfort and long-term energy savings.
Is it profitable in the long term?
Yes. Energy savings, system durability, and thermal stability make it a wise investment over several years.
What is the annual maintenance cost?
Maintenance is minimal. An inspection every two or three years is sufficient, except for the heat generator (boiler or heat pump), which may require annual maintenance costing approximately $100 to $200.
Are subsidies or tax credits available?
Yes. Programs such as Canada Greener Homes or provincial assistance (Hydro-Québec, Transition énergétique Québec, etc.) can cover part of the costs. We can help you identify the programs available in your region.
How much will I save on my heating bill?
Savings vary depending on insulation and energy source, but can reach 20 to 30% compared to a traditional system.
How long does it take to recoup the investment?
The average payback period is between 8 and 12 years, depending on the size of the project, the insulation of the house, and the subsidies received.
Questions About Installation
Can radiant flooring be installed in an existing home or only in new construction?
Radiant flooring can be installed in both cases. When renovating, Microclimat often favors raising the floor with a thin screed or a dry system to limit the amount of work required.
How long does installation take?
For an average home, installation generally takes between 3 and 7 days, depending on the surface area and the type of radiant flooring chosen.
Do we have to leave the house during the work?
It is not mandatory. However, more extensive work, such as floor demolition, may require temporary relocation for comfort.
Should the existing floor be broken up?
Not always. If the slab is accessible or if a raised system is possible, demolition can be avoided. Otherwise, a more invasive renovation may be necessary.
Will there be significant dust or inconvenience?
A little dust is inevitable during preparations, but we put protective measures in place and carry out thorough cleaning to limit any inconvenience.
Who should perform the installation? (plumber, heating engineer, general contractor)
Installation must be carried out by qualified hydronic heating professionals. You can count on Microclimat to handle the complete installation, connection, and commissioning of your radiant floor heating system.
Can I do some of the work myself? (self-build)
Based on your experience and local regulations, you can carry out certain preparations. For pipe installation, connections, and commissioning, Microclimat remains available to assist and ensure safe operation.
Performance and comfort issues
Does it heat well? Even in winter?
Yes, hot water radiant flooring heats efficiently even during harsh Canadian winters. Heat is diffused slowly and evenly to maintain constant comfort.
How long does it take to heat a room?
The system generally takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours to reach the desired temperature, depending on the insulation and size of the room.
Is the heat evenly distributed?
Yes, the heat is distributed evenly across the entire surface of the floor, avoiding cold or hot spots.
Is it comfortable to wear barefoot?
Absolutely. Radiant heat makes the floor surface pleasant to the touch, even when barefoot, without any hot spots.
Is there a risk of overheating?
The system is designed with precise controls to prevent overheating. Thermostats monitor the temperature to ensure safe operation.
Can the system be left running 24/7?
Yes, radiant flooring can operate continuously. This ensures a stable temperature while optimizing energy consumption through efficient regulation.
Does radiant flooring dry out the air too much?
No. Unlike forced-air heating systems, this system diffuses gentle heat that does not dry out the ambient air.
Questions about maintenance and risks
What happens in the event of a water leak?
A leak requires rapid intervention to limit damage. Our technicians identify and repair the leak using appropriate tools, often without having to break the floor.
How long does a radiant floor system last?
A properly installed and maintained system can last between 30 and 50 years, depending on the materials used and the quality of the installation.
Is it easy to detect a leak?
Leaks are sometimes difficult to detect because they are hidden under the screed. We use specialized equipment to locate leaks precisely without causing unnecessary damage.
Should the system be purged?
Yes, initial purging is essential to remove air from the circuit and ensure optimal operation. Periodic purging may be recommended depending on usage.
Is there a risk of blockages or corrosion?
The risks are low with modern PEX or multilayer pipes. Regular maintenance and proper water treatment minimize these risks.
Can holes be made in the floor afterwards? (to hang furniture, fix a wall, etc.)
Avoid drilling without knowing the exact location of the pipes. We recommend consulting a professional before making any changes.
What are the signs that the system is not working properly?
Cold spots, unusual noises, or increased energy bills may indicate a problem. We offer diagnostic and repair services to restore your system.
Questions about energy efficiency
Is it effective in cold regions?
Yes, hot water radiant flooring performs well even in Canada's harshest winters. With over 3,000 radiant panels installed across the country, our experience confirms its effectiveness.
Does it work well with a geothermal heat pump?
Absolutely. The low-temperature hydronic system combines perfectly with a geothermal heat pump, optimizing energy savings.
Can radiant flooring be combined with other types of heating (wood stoves, radiators, etc.)?
Yes, radiant flooring can be integrated with other heating sources to provide a hybrid solution tailored to specific needs.
Can the system be connected to a smart thermostat?
Yes, radiant flooring can be controlled by smart thermostats, allowing for precise and economical temperature management.
Can radiant flooring be used to heat large spaces (e.g., cathedral ceilings)?
Radiant flooring mainly heats living spaces at occupancy height. For large spaces such as cathedral ceilings, it is advisable to supplement with a suitable auxiliary heating system.
Design/Project Questions
Should radiant flooring be planned for when designing the house?
It is best to plan for radiant flooring from the design stage in order to optimize integration and performance. However, it is still possible to install it during renovation with some technical adjustments.
When is the best time to install it in a renovation project?
Radiant flooring is best installed during floor replacement or renovation work to limit costs and inconvenience.
Is it possible to heat only one floor or part of the house?
Yes, the system allows you to heat only certain areas or floors thanks to independent circuits and room-by-room control.
What is the lifespan of the system?
With proper maintenance, the service life often exceeds 30 years, thanks to durable materials and reliable technologies.
Are permits or inspections required for installation?
Depending on the region, permits may be required. We ensure that the installation complies with local standards and coordinate the necessary inspections.
