The Best Heating System for Homes In Maine

Most people don’t expect snow in October or even May, but it’s fairly common for those who live in Maine. 

While there may not be prolonged cold spells, temperatures are far from mild, with lots of snow and cold temperatures, which makes a good heating system vital for every home. While there are many heating options, the best heating system for Maine residents is radiant heating. 

What is Radiant Heating?

Radiant heating is a form of heating that relies on thermal radiation and electromagnetic waves to transfer heat through a surface. These systems can be found under flooring, baseboards, walls, ceilings, roofs, driveways, and pipes.

How It Works

Radiant systems have two potential heat sources: hot water from a boiler (hydronic) or electricity, and both systems can be powered using gas, solar power, or, of course, electricity.

For hydronic systems, the hot water travels through a series of small tubes or pipes while the electricity for electric systems travels through cables. Regardless of the system, both are powered through thermal radiation. 

As the system heats up, the floor gets warmer, and then radiates upwards and travels through electromagnetic waves throughout the room. As these waves encounter obstructions—objects or people—they create heat that warms the room.

The Two Types of Radiant Heating

Now that we know how radiant heating works, let’s explore the two types of radiant heating systems for Maine:

Hydronic Radiant Heating

Hydronic radiant heating is a water-based system that utilizes small, flexible polyethylene (PEX) plumbing tubing embedded under the floor or another surface. The system is connected to a water boiler, which heats the water and then sends it through the PEX tubing to heat the room. 

Hydronic systems are best in new construction homes but they are expensive to install and can raise the floor height.

Electric Radiant Heating

Electric radiant heat systems consist of a series of electrical cables. The work is done by running electrical currents through the cables to create heat that will warm the room. They only require a power source and a thermostat, which makes installation easier. Electric systems also offer wider compatibility with flooring materials, to give you more options. These systems do not raise the floor height and are relatively easy and inexpensive to install.

Benefits of Radiant Heating

Radiant heating has many benefits for homes and homeowners, which is another reason why it’s the best heating system for Maine. For example:

Energy Efficiency

Radiant heating works by heating objects and people, and it can work at lower temperatures than other systems which creates a more energy-efficient system. Zoning and schedules also add to this efficiency.

Cost Savings

With the energy efficiency of these systems comes cost savings. Between the lower temperatures and being able to set zones, you can save hundreds on your utility bills every season.

Even, Consistent Heat

Radiant heating also produces more even and consistent heat, which eliminates cold spots and ensures that no area of the room is hotter than the rest.

Better Air Quality

Many traditional systems use air to distribute heat, which can agitate dust, allergens, and other particles. Radiant heating doesn’t do this, which makes it better for those with allergies and asthma, because the air inside will be much cleaner. 

Design Flexibility and Space Saving

For the most part, aside from the boiler and pump that come with hydronic systems, radiant heating systems don’t have any visible equipment that takes up space; everything is under the floors or in the walls or ceiling. This gives you more usable floor space for furniture placement.

Quieter

Forced-air systems can be loud. Radiant heating is; significantly quieter because it doesn’t have blowers or fans.

Best Places for Radiant Heating

Radiant heating is the best heating system for Maine residents. Residents can consider installing radiant heating in their most used spaces like bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms, but it isn’t limited to these areas. It’s also a great option for offices, basements, and garages. Note that these indoor electrical cables can not be used for outdoor applications such as driveways, roof, gutters, or pipes. Snow melting cables would be suitable for these applications. 

How Much Does Radiant Heating Cost?

Radiant heating costs can vary depending on the type of radiant heating and the size of your system. 

Radiant heating comes with different cost considerations to keep in mind:

• The cost to purchase the system: Systems can cost anywhere from $8 to $20/sq. ft.
• The installation costs: A professional installation can cost about $75 per hour. 
• Flooring costs: Flooring costs range depending on the material and how much you need.
• Running costs: Running costs depend on your location, the energy you use, and how much you use the system. In general, you can expect to pay around $1 to $5 a day.
• Any maintenance costs: While electric radiant heating doesn’t require maintenance, hydronic systems do. Costs can vary depending on the necessary repairs.

Warmup Radiant Heating Has The Best Heating System For Maine 

Warmup is a top leader in electrical radiant heating and they make some of the best heating systems on the market. Here are some of the different systems they offer:

Snow Melting Systems

Snow melting systems are an especially great investment for Maine residents that can eliminate the need to shovel snow or having to use chemicals to prevent ice from forming on driveways and walkways. Snow melting systems can be installed under asphalt, cement, and pavers, and have their own specific controls.

Systems for roof de-icing work similarly, using self-regulating cables to keep your roof and gutters free from damaging snow and ice. They can also help prevent your pipes from freezing over as temperatures drop.  

Indoor Floor Heating

More notably, however, is Warmup’s indoor heating systems, such as:

Heating Mat Systems

Electric heating mats are a convenient, easy-to-install option with an extremely low profile. There are two options. The StickyMat System has an ultra-thin 1/8″ heating wire and self-adhesive backing for quick installation. It is compatible with most floor coverings, including laminate, vinyl, carpet, and tiles, which makes, arguably, the best heating system for Maine homeowners who want a less involved installation process.

The Foil Heater System is the other heating mat option and it works well with laminate, carpet, engineered wood, and other floating floors. It is also very thin, easily adapted to fit around permanent fixtures, and doesn’t require a self-leveler. 

DCM-PRO System

The DCM-PRO Uncoupling System combines Warmup’s heating cable with an anti-fracture membrane and it is the only UL-approved system of this kind in North America. It offers the highest heating outputs and can work with any flooring material, but it is especially great for tile because the membrane adds extra protection for the tiles.

All of these floor heating systems are compatible with Warmup’s smart thermostats, like the 6iE Smart WiFi Thermostat, which has a smartphone touchscreen and features like weather-based Early Start that help maximize efficiency. A smart thermostat also allows you to set schedules and zones to optimize the system further and ensure the utmost energy efficiency. 

Keeping Warm with The Best Heating System For Maine

Winters in Maine are long and cold, and while there is no changing that, you can make your home and property more comfortable. 

Heated floors inside will ensure that you and your family are never cold, by providing consistent, even heating throughout your home. 

A heated driveway and roof will keep snow and ice from forming, leaving the ground clean and safe from damage and slip hazards. Get a quote from one of our experts, it will be well worth the investment in the end, and with Warmup, you’re sure to get the best. 

Contact Warmup today to learn more about our various heating systems and what system is best for your home!