Control. Cost-efficiencies. Choice. These are three of many reasons why radiant heat is gaining in popularity with today's time-strapped, environmentally-conscious, value-driven homeowners. For builders, radiant heat can help drive higher profits and bring back to market Gen X and Gen Y buyers who purchase products and services that afford them control, cost- efficiencies and choice.

"Electric radiant floor heat is more efficient than forced air or convection heat for two reasons: first, because comfort can be achieved at a lower set point on the thermostat, typically 65 to 67 degrees F for electric radiant heat as opposed to 71 to 74 degrees F for forced or hot air heat; and, second because electric radiant heat does not heat the air, but rather it heats objects, including human beings, in the same manner that the sun warms objects behind a window on a cold winter day," explained Steven D. Bench, Managing Member, Heatizon Systems. "While it is true that hot air rises it is also true that heat has a propensity to go to cold. The hot air produced by a forced air convection heating system carries the heat with it towards the ceiling where it is not needed, resulting in wasted energy and a higher set point at the thermostat to achieve comfort."

Radiant floor heating is an environmentally-friendly, clean and energy-efficient heating solution for consumers seeking alternatives to traditional sources of staying warm. Overall, there are three types of radiant heat flooring systems. They are:

1. Radiant Air Floors: Used mainly in commercial buildings.

2. Electric Radiant Floors: The more costly of the two systems used in homes (see Hydronic or Liquid floors below).

3. Hydronic or Liquid Floors: More affordable, and as a result most often installed in residential homes. Running hot water beneath the floor, hydronics provide warmth from underneath the floors by going through PEX polyurethane, durable tubing that has a lifespan of more than 100 years. It serpentines underneath the floor and uses the whole floor as a heat-distribution system tubing. The water in the tubing radiates the heat into the areas of the home set forth by the homeowner.

The aforementioned benefits of radiant floor heating include:

• Control: Consumers can say goodbye to chilly toes in the morning as they can direct heat to tile floors in a bathroom or kitchen. Systems are programmable.

• Cost-Effective: More efficient disbursement equals less waste and lower monthly heating bills. Heat is no longer wasted in areas like an unused guest room or basement. Plus, radiant heat is a sound investment because it increases a property's value.

• Choice: Consumers can choose from a variety of radiant heat products. Plus, its aesthetic quality, i.e., the heating system remains hidden beneath the floor with no vents or radiators in sight, allows for more creativity to the would-be interior designer.

"Electric radiant heating is comprised of a family of technologies that heats surfaces, or radiant panels, that in turn radiate or transfer heat to the occupants and other objects in a room, the snow and ice on a roof, or the snow on a driveway, walkway, or other surface," added Bench.

A prominent radiant heating technology for the home is The Thermique^TM towel warmer by Engineered Glass Products, a recent winner of the "Best New Bath Product" according to voters at the Kitchen and Bathroom Industry Show (KBIS). A sign of this burgeoning market is that The Thermique^TM towel warmer was chosen over 125 other innovative new products on display.

"The elegant design of the Thermique^TM towel warmer is the first thing to catch people's attention. Then, once they feel the warmth of the glass, they are absolutely amazed," says Mike Hobbs, CEO of Engineered Glass Products. "The response has been simply incredible. Considering the spectacular array of new technology on display at KBIS, we couldn't be more proud that the voters chose us as the best new bath product."

The Thermique^TM towel warmer can be customized with designs such as a personal monogram or company logo. The product is UL approved, and all components are UL recognized. Thermique^TM Hot Glass Technology^TM is also being developed for a number of other commercial applications, such as architectural windows, warming shelves for high end stoves, hot food display cases, stovetop burners, and more.

Looking ahead, the future of radiant heat is even brighter. Implementation and product applications in both new and existing homes will be made easier. Plus, future buyers, the Gen X and Gen Y crowd, who currently perceive this new technology as 'cool' will come to expect radiant heat, like high-speed Internet access, as a regular feature in the homes they buy.