There are some great advantages to be had with radiant heat floor. Owners of this system tend to rave about it for two or three main reasons.
Firstly residential floor heating systems are hidden out of the way - this is safer (no burning opportunities) and prettier. Secondly these systems are just really comfortable - coldness underfoot is one of the things that many people loathe about winter, and this system solves it.
Thirdly, they can be more economical. This seems to be a combination of the well-being caused by the gentle floor heat and a more even heating profile from the top to the bottom of the room. Whatever it is, the fact is most people dial down the thermostat when their heat is coming up from below, and are still comfortable.
There are different ways of achieving the effect. The classic is hydronic radiant floor heat where water is forced through fairly large diameter pipes set in the joists or into the floor of the home.
The other way, which is usually less cost effective but much easier to install is electric floor heat. Sometimes this is a luxurious supplement to the already installed heating system. Either way, once you have heat under your feet, there will be no turning back.