• Rather than heating the air, in-floor or radiant floor systems transfer heat from a warmed floor directly to the solid objects in the room. They are quiet, invisible and offer consistent comfort levels without losing heat through doors, windows or air ducts. They are also great options for people with allergies as they don't stir up dust as they heat. Before choosing an in-floor system, however, there are a few disadvantages to consider. Though you may well decide the pros outweigh the cons, understanding possible drawbacks can help you better decide.
  
  

No Cooling

• In-floor systems only work for heating. For cooling, you will need a separate system.
  
  

Floor Covering Compatibility

• Though in-floor systems work great with ceramic tile, because ceramic conducts and stores heat well, these systems are not recommended for rooms with solid wood floors, as the heat can cause cracking or shrinking. Insulating floor coverings such as carpeting can also reduce the system's efficiency.
  
  

Electric System Efficiency

• According to the U.S. Department of Energy website, electric (dry) in-floor systems can be expensive to run. This, however, is dependent upon the cost of electricity in your area and the type of flooring you have. If you have thick concrete floors that conduct and store heat well, they suggest heating during low-rate periods then turning the thermostat down.
  
  

Slow Heat-Up Cycle

• While in-floor systems maintain comfort levels well, the heat-up cycles can be fairly slow. Hydro (wet) systems can take two to three hours while electric systems take approximately an hour. On the other hand, these systems maintain their heat well, so you can heat the floor during low-rate periods, then turn the thermostat down during high-rate times.
  
  

Complex Installation

• Initial installation of hydro systems can be costly and need to be performed by someone who truly knows what they're doing. According to Tim Carter of Askthebuilder.com, it is definitely not a do-it-yourself project. In fact, he recommends thoroughly interviewing several installers before choosing one to install a radiant floor system in your home. You should only hire an installer very familiar with these particular systems.
  
  

Retrofitting Existing Homes

• Retrofitting an existing home with an in-floor system may require the existing top floor be removed.
  
  

Some Repairs Difficult

• Location and repair of burst or leaky hydro pipes can be difficult when they occur.