As energy costs continue to rise, you will hear a lot of suggestions about how to cut back. Some of these suggestions will work, and some will not. Perhaps some options are more practical than others depending on the area where you live. Of the options that are available to you, radiant floor heating is one growing in popularity for a variety of reasons. But as with all decisions regarding your home and budget, it is best to weigh the pros and cons before deciding if it is right for you.

There is no one perfect method for heating your home. All have advantages and disadvantages. While some choices work better than others, it is up to you to assess your needs and capabilities, and to do the research before delving in to a new project.

Are you going to try it out yourself or use your wallet to fix the problem? Either way, it helps to know the pros and cons before making a decision. With that said, keep these factors in mind when considering radiant floor heating:

Radiant floor heating depends mostly on radiant heat transfer, sending heat from the heat source directly to people and objects in the room. It does so through infrared radiation. In other words, you're walking around on a stovetop, albeit significantly more controlled.

With radiant floor heating, you are going to focus heat directly to the floor instead of using the traditional baseboard method. There are three types of radiant floor heating available to you: air-heated, electric, and hydronic-based (or liquid).

Which method you use is one more consideration you will have to take in before taking the plunge. With that in mind, this method of heating is extremely advantageous. Radiant floor heating can do the following for you:

• You lose zero energy through ducts, unlike with baseboard and traditional air heating.

• Since air does not move around, this heating method can aid those who suffer from allergy problems.

• The liquid method of heating cuts back on electricity, so as the electric company continues to put the squeeze on others, you will rest more comfortably knowing that bill at the end of the month will reflect a considerable amount more in terms of efficiency.

• Heat is spread out more evenly than using traditional heating methods.

Unfortunately, radiant floor heating also has some disadvantages. For one, electric radiant floor heat can be very costly and difficult to install. For that matter, to get the full effects of radiant floor heating, it requires considerably more time, money, and effort, in the startup. While long-term savings are more than a mere possibility, you have to decide whether the initial investment is worth it.

Radiant floor heating also does not work as quickly as traditional heating systems. And the effects on carpeted floors are often not as great as those to be found on tile or harder surfaces.

Before you make a decision on radiant floor heating, whether it is electric radiant floor heat, liquid- or air-based, you must first take into consideration the location of your home, flooring materials, and how much time/money/effort, you are willing to spend. For many, this is a much more efficient way to live. But do your homework before deciding if it is right for you.