How to choose between radiant heating and forced air heating

Are you torn between radiant heating and forced air heating for your home?

Choosing the right heating system directly affects your comfort, costs, and energy consumption. In Canada, where winters are long and harsh, it's essential to invest in a reliable, efficient, and well-suited heating system.

In this article, we explain the differences between these two types of heating systems, their advantages, and, most importantly, how to choose the one that best suits your lifestyle.

How does radiant heating work?

Radiant heating, also known as radiant heat, directly heats objects, walls, and floors rather than the surrounding air. This radiant heat principle creates a comforting feeling similar to the warmth of the sun on your skin.

A radiant heating system can be electric (with heating cables under the floor) or hydronic, where hot water circulates through pipes installed in the floor. This radiant floor heating distributes heat evenly throughout the rooms, without requiring ducts or vents.

The main advantage of radiant floor heating is its efficiency. The heat is distributed evenly, even at lower temperatures, which helps reduce costs. You’ll enjoy pleasant comfort without drafts or furnace noise.

How does forced air heating work?

Forced air heating uses a furnace (often electric or gas-powered) to heat the air before blowing it into the house through ducts and vent grilles.

The air is heated in the furnace and then distributed to each room of the house through a central air system. This system has the advantage of being fast: it can heat the entire house within minutes. It’s also compatible with air conditioning and air purification systems.

However, warm air tends to rise towards the ceiling, which can make certain areas harder to heat. Additionally, ducts require regular maintenance to prevent dust buildup and maintain good indoor air quality.

Radiant heating: advantages and limitations

Radiant heating is known for providing gentle, consistent warmth. You don’t need electric baseboards or visible convectors, improving the aesthetics and freeing up space.The advantages of radiant heating include:

• Even warmth in every room of the house

• Superior energy efficiency (lower set temperatures for the same comfort)

• No noise, dust, or drafts

Compatibility with different options, like hydronic or electric heating

However, its installation is more expensive, especially in an existing home. That’s why radiant floor heating is often preferred in new builds or major renovations.

Forced air heating: strengths and weaknesses

Forced air heating is one of the most popular heating systems in North America. It heats quickly and spreads heat throughout the house using a central system.Here are some of its benefits:

• Combines heating and ventilation with in a single duct system

• Can be connected to a heat pump or electric furnace

• Heats rooms quickly

But this type of heating system also has some drawbacks:

• It dries out the air, which can cause discomfort in the winter

• It can stir up dust and allergens in the home

• It can produce noise, especially with an older furnace

It tends to use more energy than radiant heating, especially at lower temperatures

Direct comparison: which system is more efficient?

Radiant heating comes out ahead in terms of energy efficiency and comfort. Radiant heat warms surfaces rather than air, reducing heat loss and maintaining a lower temperature for the same level of comfort.Forced air heating, on the other hand, allows for fast distribution of warm air and integrates easily with central air conditioning. If you already have ducts, it may be more economical to install.

Here is a summary:

Which system to choose for your home?

The choice depends on your situation.

If you’re building or renovating, radiant floor heating is an excellent long-term investment. It offers a quiet, energy-efficient, and durable heating solution.

If your home already has a forced air system, forced air heating remains a practical and more affordable option. You can enhance its efficiency with a modern electric furnace, heat pump, or an efficient air exchanger.

Different heating systems each have their place. Some households even combine both: radiant flooring on the ground floor and forced air for upper floors. This hybrid solution allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Tips for choosing the right heating system

Before deciding, we recommend considering the following:

• Your type of home (new or existing)

• The level of insulation and the area to be heated

• Your lifestyle habits and comfort preferences

• The installation budget and long-term heating costs

• Compatibility with supplementary heating (such as baseboards or convectors)

At MSR Mécanique, we know that the best heating system isn’t always the most expensive one, but the one that fits your actual needs.

Our recommendation

If you want uniform heat and superior comfort, radiant heating is hard to beat. It provides natural, pleasant, and energy-efficient radiant warmth.

On the other hand, if you need a flexible, fast system that can work with air conditioning, forced air heating is an excellent option.

In either case, it’s crucial to have the installation handled by qualified professionals. An improperly sized unit or poorly insulated ductwork can affect performance and increase heating costs.

Make the right choice with MSR Mécanique

Whether you want to modernize your electric furnace, install radiant floor heating, or optimize your existing systems, our team can help you find the ideal solution.

We support you from the initial assessment to complete installation, ensuring that each room of your home benefits from consistent heat and lasting comfort.

Contact us today to find out which heating system is best for your home and budget.

FAQ on radiant and forced air heating systems

Which is the most economical heating system?

Radiant heating is often more economical in the long run because it operates at a lower temperature while providing uniform warmth. Forced air heating consumes more energy to maintain the same level of comfort, especially in colder climates. However, if you already have air ducts installed, forced air may be more affordable to set up initially.

Can radiant heating heat the entire house?

Yes. A properly sized radiant floor heating system can heat the entire house without the need for supplementary heating. This type of system is particularly effective in well-insulated homes because radiant heat distributes evenly across every room.

Is forced air heating good for air quality?

Forced air heating can contribute to good ventilation if properly maintained, but a dirty ventilation network can spread dust and allergens. Regularly cleaning the furnace and filters is essential to maintain indoor air quality and prevent warm air from carrying particles throughout the house.

Does radiant floor heating consume a lot of electricity?

Not necessarily. Radiant floor heating often operates at a lower temperature than other systems, improving its energy efficiency. Hydronic systems (using hot water) are especially efficient, while electric models are ideal for targeted areas like bathrooms or basements.

Can radiant heating and forced air heating be combined?

Yes, and it’s an excellent solution for many homes. For example, you can install radiant floor heating on the ground floor for constant warmth and keep a forced air system for the upper floors to distribute heat more quickly. This combination maximizes comfort while reducing heating costs.