By: Barry Stone
Dear Barry,
The home I'm buying has radiant electric heat in the ceilings. My home inspector says the system is operative but recommends replacement. This confuses me. If it works, why should I change it? - Debbie
Dear Debbie,
Electric heating systems can be operative but not practical. Your inspector's concern may have related to efficiency and cost of operation, rather than function.
Electric radiant heat was commonly installed in homes built from the mid-1950s through the early '70s. In those days, the price of electricity was nominal, and few foresaw the major escalation of utility costs that lay ahead. Radiant heat was promoted on the basis of being clean, safe and cheap. In older homes, where these systems are still in place, they are still clean and relatively safe, but maintaining warmth at today's utility prices is costly to say the least.
If you plan to keep this home for many years, upgrading to a forced air system, as recommended by your inspector, would be a worthwhile improvement.
Copyright 2002-2006 Barry Stone. Distributed by Inman News Features
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