How Much Does Radiant Floor Heating Cost to Install

Hydronic floor heating

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Otherwise known as liquid systems, hydronic radiant floor heating, as defined by the U.S. Department of Energy, works by pumping heated water from a boiler through tubing laid under the floor. Depending on the system, the flow of hot water is controlled by either pumps and thermostats or zoning valves.

Hydronic radiant floor heating is popular in parts of the country where temperatures dip in the winter. It's known to be a cost-effective route to take.

Electric floor heating

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Electric floor heating generates heat through electricity running through resistance cables. These systems have three major parts: a heat cable, a thermostat and a temperature sensor. The thermostat controls the heat according to the temperature of the floor measured by a sensor.

Installing electric floor heating is relatively easier to install than a hydronic system. Coupled with the fact that the raw materials are pretty inexpensive, electric floor heating is often an attractive choice for small DIY projects, primarily in bathroom floors and short hallways.

Hydronic radiant floor heating vs. electric

What's the difference between hydronic radiant floor heating and electric? In a general sense, hydronic radiant heating uses water to generate heat from your flooring, said Jim Graham, president of Sun & Earth Construction, LLC. Tubing that's embedded in the floor circulates warm water that is heated using a central boiler.

This central boiler can provide warm water to several different areas of your house, which can be divided into zones. These zones are usually a group of rooms, which can be further subdivided into loops. These loops can be focused on a small part of your home, such as a shower. "This allows for very precise control of the heating," Graham said. Electric floor heating, on the other hand, uses embedded resistance wires to heat the floor. Usually, electric floor heating uses a thermostat for each room. A hydronic system uses a thermostat for each zone.

Hydronic floor heating vs. electric heating costs

While electric heating systems are costlier per square foot, Graham said, they don't require a central boiler. "It's more expensive to heat (your home) with electricity than most fossil fuels," said Graham, "but if used in a limited area, such as a bathroom, it can be very effective."

Radiant floor heating costs depend on a handful of variables. If you'd like to install radiant floor heating in your home, here are the potential costs:
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Installation:** A hydronic floor heating system can cost anywhere from $2 to $15 per square foot. Graham noted that the incremental additional cost of a hydronic system is fairly small in a new home but probably larger for a remodel. With newer homes, you won't need to replace older systems, which can be costlier.

Be sure to measure the area of your home where you'd like to install radiant floor heating and figure out its square footage . That way you can get an accurate estimate of the cost.

If you're interested in an electric floor heating system, the total cost depends on the type of installation, said Wergner Jorgensen, a sales and marketing manager at HeatXpert.

Jorgensen pointed out that an installation with loose cables is less expensive. Pricing typically starts at $3 per square foot, while installations with mesh and solid mats start at around $10 per square foot.

Maintenance: What's more, you'll need to pay for the cost of maintenance. How much depends on the type of system you decide to install and if your entire home has radiant floor heating or just certain parts of it. If your entire home has radiant floor heating, the maintenance costs typically run higher.

Pros and cons of radiant floor heating systems

Installing a radiant floor system in your home is an investment of time, energy and money. Let's look at the advantages and downsides to help you decide whether it's a good choice for you.

Pros

Greater comfort: As your heating system is underneath your floor, Graham said that you'll likely enjoy a quieter abode.

Savings in energy use: Another advantage to radiant floor heating systems is that you'll likely save on energy use. Over time, it could lead to savings on your gas bill.

What's more, water is more amenable to using alternative energy, such as solar or geothermal. "Water has 3,500 times the heat-carrying capacity of an equal volume of air," said Graham, "so the tubing is much smaller than an equivalent duct." It also means that much less power is used to transport heat with a pump than a fan—about 20 times less power.

Hydronic radiant heating floor systems offer more heat: For hydronic radiant heating, since they don't run on electricity, they don't have much of a day-to-day-operating cost, Jorgensen said. "This makes them easily usable for large areas, even heating entire homes.".

Electric radiant floor systems are easier to install: Electric radiant floor systems are often better DIY projects because they are easier to install. You can lay the floor cable by yourself. In turn, it can save you the cost to install, Jorgensen said.

Cons

More upfront expenses: While radiant floor heating could help you save in energy costs over time, there is a greater cost in terms of capital to install one. A separate cooling system is usually required. As mentioned, the cost of a hydronic system is anywhere from $2 to $15 per square foot.

Hydronic radiant heating systems are more complex to install: These systems typically involve a boiler, a pump and gas lines. "You can install hydronic floor heat yourself, but you need basic electrical and plumbing know-how as well as professional design help," Jorgensen said.

Electric radiant heating systems have higher operating costs: Since they run on electricity, you won't be saving on day-to-day expenses for radiant heating systems. "The electric radiant floor requires a new circuit to be connected for installation in a room," Jorgensen said, "so it's usually only suitable for small projects like washrooms."

Bottom line

Whether installing a radiant floor heating system in your home is a good idea really depends on your reasons for wanting it.

It also largely hinges on your budget and the pros and cons most important to you. By having all the information you need, doing your homework ahead of time and carefully assessing the project, you can make the best decision for you.

Disclaimer: The above is solely intended for informational purposes and in no way constitutes legal advice or specific recommendations.

How Much Does Radiant Floor Heating Cost to Install

Source: https://www.ownerly.com/home-improvement/radiant-floor-heating/

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