Traditional Home Heating Systems Cause Winter Warming Woes for Canadian Homeowners

National survey shows high heating bills, uneven distribution of heat, uncomfortable dry air, and lack of zone control among top list of Canadians home heating concerns

TORONTO, Nov. 1, 2012 /CNW/ - Canadians want more than just a warm home this winter − they want an efficient and energy-conscious one. The Beautiful Heat survey, an online study of 1,003 Canadian homeowners hosted on the Angus Reid Forum, reveals an overwhelming number of Canadians surveyed report something about their heating system bothers them in the winter, including high heating bills, uneven and inconsistent distribution of heat, cold floors and dry air.

The survey also reveals the majority (84%) of Canadians would like to make changes to the heating system in their house with over half (56%) reporting they would like to eliminate hot and cold spots, have more consistent temperatures and more even distribution of heat throughout their home. Other changes that top Canadians' home heating wish lists include lower heating bills (44%), a more energy-efficient system (44%), heated floors (24%), and the ability to adjust heat in high or low traffic areas with zone control options (21%).

"Radiant heating is known as the most energy-efficient, architecturally versatile and healthiest heating option available today and addresses many of the concerns homeowners experience with traditional heating systems such as forced air," says Hans Kircher, Heating Ambassador, Beautiful Heat. "It allows homeowners to experience even, consistent heat throughout their home and feel perfectly comfortable in any room at a lower thermostat setting to maximize energy efficiency.  Canadians no longer need to take drastic measures to save costs and stay warm − they just need to invest in the right heating system."

Many energy-minded homeowners with traditional heating systems go to great lengths to stay warm and avoid rising heating costs. Almost three-quarters (74%) of respondents like to keep warm while watching their energy consumption by either adjusting their thermostat (43%), or surprisingly, wearing layers (30%). Unlike forced air heating, radiant heating uses water's own natural heat retention to spread warmth around the home and requires less energy to maintain the optimum temperature as it distributes heat. The result is a more energy-efficient home with even temperatures and lower annual heating bills.

"When I was designing my own studio, I chose to install radiant heating as I wanted a system that allowed me to use every square inch of the space without having to design around bulky ductwork or venting," says Karen Sealy, award-winning designer, renovation expert and media personality.  "In addition to the design perks radiant heat offers, it feels good. And it is a cleaner, more efficient way to heat."

In addition to high heating costs during the winter months, Canadians report uneven distribution of heat within the home as another common heating frustration with only 12% describing the temperature in their homes as even. The survey also reveals that almost one-half (42%) of homeowners experience both hot and cold spots within their home and identify the basement as the coldest part of the house (44%).

"Where traditional forced-air systems blow hot air into a cold space, radiant heat is engineered to bring uniform heat to every corner of every room through a network of tubes in floors, walls and baseboards. The result is even heating without the dramatic variations in temperature one often experiences with a forced air system - even in the coldest of basements," explains Kircher.

Radiant heating systems are also designed to provide cleaner air quality and a healthy home environment−particularly important as Canadians prepare to spend more time indoors. The survey reveals over one-fifth (21%) of Canadians report blowing dust as something they would like to change about their heating system.

"By eliminating the need for fans, blowers or vents in the floors, there will be no more drafts pushing dust particles throughout the house and less exposure to pollutants and airborne allergens," states Kircher.

While Canadian homeowners warm up to the idea of lower heating bills; even, consistent heat distribution; temperature and zone control; and a cleaner, healthier home, they can also enjoy the limitless design options and luxurious perks a radiant heating system provides such as heated driveways and towel warmers.

About the Beautiful Heat Survey
An online survey was conducted among 1,003 randomly selected Canadian adults who are home owners and who are on the Angus Reid Forum. The margin of error is +/- 3.1%, or 19 times out of 20. The results have been statistically weighted according to age, gender and region to ensure a sample representative of the entire population of Canada. The survey was conducted from June 22^nd to June 25^th, 2012.

About Beautiful Heat
Beautiful Heat is the finest home heating system you will ever experience. It uses water's natural heat retention properties to distribute warm even heat throughout your home. Beautiful Heat is presented by a select group of Canadian manufacturers of radiant home heating products. For further information, visit BeautifulHeat.com.

SOURCE: Beautiful Heat

Katherine Clark
Broad Reach Communications
416-480-2552 x4
[email protected]