Q: Can you please give me some information on in-floor heating, using hot water through flexible pipes? -- Sarah

A: The type of heating system that you refer to is known as radiant heating. Pipes are laid onto, within or beneath the floor. A boiler heats water and then pumps it through the pipes. As the water runs through the lines it cools and is recirculated, reheated, and so on.

Radiant heat is about the most comfortable heat we know of. Unfortunately, radiant heat is expensive and not in wide use. The fact that it isn't as common as other types makes it very difficult to find a qualified service person.

We are kind of old-fashioned. Studies show that gas-fired central heating systems give you the best bang for your buck along with a favorable amount of comfort. That's our choice.