Fact Based Comparison
Low-Voltage and Forced Air/Gas Heating Systems

Efficiency	Low-Voltage Radiant Heat System	Forced Air & Gas Heating System
Efficiency at 100% of capacity	100%	60-90%
Efficiency at 50% of capacity	100%	30-60%
Efficient - relative thermal	100%	50-75%
100% of energy is delivered to heat element	YES	NO
Proper sized capacity of "Off Peak" conditions	YES	NO
Maintenance	Low-Voltage Radiant Heat System	Forced Air & Gas Heating System
Annual Maintenance Required - filters to lean or change	NO	YES
Easy to repair	YES	NO
Controls - simple and reliable	YES	VARIES
Cost Savings	Low-Voltage Radiant Heat System	Forced Air & Gas Heating System
Expandable - easily and economically	YES	NO
Floor covering - Compatible with all	YES	YES
Floor space required for installation (mechanical room)	NO	YES
Exposed registers, grills, radiators	NO	YES
Installation and Operation - simple	YES	NO
Structural support required	NO	NO
Venting required to outside and combustion air required	NO	YES
Concrete or Thinset required	NO	NO
Remodeling	Low-Voltage Radiant Heat System	Forced Air & Gas Heating System
Retrofitability - in existing concrete or asphalt	YES	NO
Retrofit into joist space effectively	YES	NO
Simple modification for remodeling	YES	NO
Easy and effective for large or small areas	YES	NO
Floor height increase 1/16" or less)	YES	YES
Health & Safety	Low-Voltage Radiant Heat System	Forced Air & Gas Heating System
Health & Medical (doesn't distribute dust, pollen, allergyns through the air)	YES	NO
Environmentally-friendly (contains glycol)	NO	NO
Safety (no high-voltage, no hot surfaces, no combustible gases)	YES	NO