Do you love the feeling of walking on a warm floor in winter? If so, you're not alone. A lot of people enjoy the comfort and convenience of heated floors. You are probably wondering, what are they all about, how do they work, what about the cost and maintenance? We have all the answers for you! This guide will take you through everything you need to know about heated floors and explain their pros and cons in-depth.
Pros and Cons of Radiant Heat
If you’re not familiar, heated floors, or radiant floor heating, is a system where either electric wires or hot water pipes are installed underneath the flooring to create warmth. The heat then radiates up and warms the room evenly from the ground up. Radiant floor heating is an efficient way to heat a room since there are no bulky radiators or vents that can take up valuable space.
Radiant heated floors are the epitome of luxury and comfort. The idea of having warm floors to walk on during those cold winters or even enjoying the warm bathroom floors while you get ready for your day is very appealing. Radiant floor heating comes with a lot of benefits, as well as some drawbacks that are important to consider before making the investment. Let us explore in more detail below.
Pros of Radiant Heated Floors
Sure, maybe we're biased but there really is a lot to like about installing heated floors!
1. Uniform heating
The biggest benefit of floor-heating systems is their ability to uniformly heat a room and floor. Forced-air heating systems use vents to distribute warm air throughout a room. The location of the vents determines which parts of the room will be warmer than others. In contrast, underfloor radiant heating heats the entire floor, which leads to an evenly heated room and for an even ambient temperature around a person's body. This means that you will feel more comfortable at a lower ambient temperature level because you won't experience cold drafts.
Bathroom Remodel with TempZone Flex Roll
2. No maintenance
Radiant floor heating systems do not require any maintenance. Once they are installed, they will last for 20+ years without any issues. In fact, WarmlyYours warranties its TempZone™ electric floor-heating system for 25 years (and for life if the system is installed with our SmartInstall service . If there is any cable damage during the installation process, a thermal imaging camera can be used to easily and quickly find and repair the issue. In case you need any floor heating support, WarmlyYours has you covered!
Note: Hydronic floor-heating systems do not offer this benefit.
3. No noise
Imagine trying to concentrate on your work with the sound of a furnace running in the background. It would be very difficult to focus, right? This is not an issue with radiant floor heating as they are very quiet. Unlike forced-air systems, there isn’t a loud furnace that kicks on. Therefore, you won’t hear anything while they’re on.
4. Non-allergenic
Radiant floor heating does not move air around, meaning there is no circulation of dust or other allergens in the room. This is a major benefit for people who suffer from allergies or asthma.
5. Energy efficient
Radiant floor heating is one of the most energy-efficient ways to heat your home. In fact, they are considered at least 20 to 25% more energy-efficient than forced-air heating systems. This is because the heat is evenly distributed throughout the room, so there is no need to overheat the room to compensate for cold spots. Additionally, radiant floor heating is very efficient because it doesn't rely on ductwork that can leak heat.
Furthermore, thanks to the advanced technology, you can easily regulate the temperature of the room using a WIFI or Programmable thermostat. This means that you only heat the room when you need to and can lower the temperature when you are not using the room. As a result, you save energy and lower your energy bills.
Generally speaking, the radiant floor heating cost to operate is very low. In fact, for a typical bathroom, it will cost you less than a dollar a day to run the system.
6. Easy to install
Electric floor-heating systems are so easy to install that a handy DIYer can even do it. Which electric in floor radiant system do you recommend? It depends on a large number of variables including project budget and installation capabilities but the good news is that floor heating systems can be used under almost any flooring type. They’re available in rolls that already have the heating cable attached to mesh in a serpentine pattern. Therefore, all the installer has to do is roll them out and cut and turn them where necessary to fill up the room. They’re also available in loose cable with an installation membrane that features square-shaped “studs” to hold the cable in place. This option also offers crack prevention benefits for a heated tile floor. In contrast, hydronic systems are not as easy to install. They require a professional for installation.
Another advantage of radiant floor heating installations is that they require no additional duct work, which can be both costly and time consuming.
Cons of Radiant Heated Floors
Every coin has two sides, and radiant heated floors are no different. While there are many benefits, there are also some drawbacks that you should be aware of.
7. Flooring must be replaced
If you want to install radiant heated floors in your home, you will need to replace your existing flooring. This is because radiant heated floors need to be installed under the new flooring. The most popular choice for radiant heated floors is tile because it conducts heat very well. However, you can also choose from a variety of other options, including laminate, floating hardwood, nailed hardwood, vinyl (including LVT), etc.
8. Slightly elevates the floor height
Radiant heated floors need to be installed on top of a subfloor, so your existing flooring will be raised by about an inch. This can be an issue if you have doors that swing into the room, as they may not clear the new flooring. With our ultra-thin Environ heating mats and our TempZone floor heating elements (even with embedding thinset) the floor height increase will be much smaller (typically 19/64" for Environ plus CeraZorb insulation underlayment and 3/8" for TempZone heating elements embedded in thinset or SLC).
9. Cost
The initial cost of radiant heated floors can be higher than other types of heating systems. Depending on the system you purchase, electric floor heating systems range in price from $10 to $20 per square foot. You can use our Floor Heating Quote Builder to see how much a system costs for your project. You can also check out our Operating Cost Calculator to find out how much it will cost to run the system.
However, you need to keep in mind that radiant heated floors last much longer than other heating systems and are very energy-efficient. In the long run, you will actually save money by installing radiant heated floors.
Contrary to electric systems, hydronic floor-heating systems are typically more expensive upfront because they require a boiler, a pump and gas lines to operate. However, if they are being used throughout a house, their cost per square foot goes down because multiple rooms share the cost.
How Does Radiant Floor Heating Work?
Did you know that radiant heating systems date all the way back to the Roman Empire in the form of hypocausts? Traditional heating systems such as fireplaces and space heaters are inefficient when compared to radiant heating systems since they heat the air directly. This causes hot air to rise while the cold air sinks, resulting in an uneven distribution of heat in a room. Radiant floor heating overcomes this by warming the objects and people in a room directly.
The heated floors work by either circulating warm water through pipes or by passing an electric current through wires which generates electrical resistance. The heat then radiates up and warms the rest of the room evenly via radiation.
Can Radiant Floor Heating Benefit Your Home?
Have you ever walked into a room in your house that was noticeably colder? Or have you ever stepped out of the shower or tub and felt a chill? Most homes have these “cold spots” due to tile flooring, which is inherently cold, or other factors like a cement slab, unheated crawl space and unheated garage. If you're wondering, "Can radiant floor heating heat an entire house?" The answer is that while nearly all homes can benefit from radiant floor heating, floor heating won't always be enough to serve as the only heat source. To see if floor heating can be a primary heat source for your home, make sure to check out our Heat Loss Calculator.
Some of the most common rooms for radiant heat are bathrooms, kitchens, basement and bedrooms located over a garage or unheated space. To decide which radiant floor heating system is right for your project, you should first be familiar with the different types of radiant heating systems.
How Warm Do Heated Floors Get?
Most floor heating thermostats allow you to either control your radiant heating system with the ambient temperature (so the temperature in the room itself) or, if your system was properly installed with a floor sensor, with the floor temperature (the temperature that the floor sensor picks up). The floor temperature will almost always be warmer than the ambient temperature since some heat is lost to transference when the floor materials are warmed up.
While floor temperature can be set as high as 104° F, the floor temperature is usually set between 80° F and 85° F, which is comfortable for most people (depending on the room and ambient temperature).
The feeling of radiant heat is very similar to what you experience on a summer day when the sun suddenly appears from behind a cloud. Except in this case, you don’t have to worry about clouds when it comes to floor heating!
Types of Radiant Floor Heating
There are two types: electric and hydronic floor heating systems.
Electric radiant floor heating uses electrical resistance to generate heat through mats or wires installed underneath the floor. The electric elements are woven in a serpentine pattern to ensure that the heat is evenly distributed. Many electric floor heating elements are designed to be embedded in thinset or self-leveling cement under the floor covering but some heating options, like our Environ product line, are meant to be installed without adhesives which can cut down on project costs.
Hydronic floor heating, otherwise known as hot water heating, uses water that is heated by a boiler and then circulated through plastic pipes. The heat from the water warms the floor and radiates throughout the room.
Electric vs. Hydronic Radiant Floor Heating
Both electric and hydronic floor heating systems do the work of heating your floor to make your home more comfortable. There are, however, some differences in how they operate. Here's a quick rundown.
Electric radiant floor heating is easy to install and can be done as a DIY project. They are also more affordable up-front and are ideal for smaller areas or rooms. Additionally, they are versatile and can be used with all types of flooring. Finally, a properly installed electric floor heating system requires essentially no maintenance to run properly.
Hydronic radiant floor heating, on the other hand, can be used to heat larger areas than electric. It, however, takes a longer time to heat up compared to electric radiant floor heating, which typically takes around 30-50 minutes to heat up. This means you might have to leave them on for a couple of hours before you need the heat. Additionally, they are more expensive to install but can last for decades with proper maintenance. The installation is more complex and usually requires a professional. It also requires higher up-front costs because of the boiler and associated equipment.
Generally, both methods are effective in providing radiant floor heating. The main difference lies in the installation process, the cost, and the time it takes to heat up the floor.
If you are doing a complete home remodel or building a new home, a hydronic in-floor heating system would be ideal. On the other hand, the electric radiant floor heating system would be a better and more affordable option if you are renovating a room (or a few rooms) or looking to only add floor heating to specific areas in your home.
Best Areas in Your Home for Floor Heating
Here are the best areas to install heated flooring in your home:
Bathrooms
Bathrooms are one of the most popular areas for heated flooring. Nobody likes stepping onto cold tile floors after a warm shower or bath. Heated bathroom floors provide a luxurious and comfortable experience, making your morning routine more enjoyable.
Kitchens
Kitchens are another great area for heated floors. Since you spend a lot of time standing in the kitchen preparing meals, having warm kitchen floors can make the experience more comfortable. Heated floors can also help keep your feet warm on cold mornings when you're making breakfast.
Bedrooms
Waking up and stepping onto a warm bedroom floor can be a wonderful way to start your day. Heated floors in bedrooms provide a cozy and comfortable atmosphere, especially during colder months.
Garages
Garages are often unheated spaces that can be uncomfortable to work in during the winter. Installing heated floors in your garage can make it a more usable space year-round, whether you use it for storage, as a workshop, or for parking your vehicles.
Basements
Basements are notoriously cold and damp, but heated floors can help mitigate these issues. Radiant basement floor heating can make your basement a more comfortable and inviting space, whether you use it for storage, as a home gym, or as an extra living area.
Home Offices
If you work from home, you know how important it is to have a comfortable workspace. Heated floors in your home office can help keep you warm and focused throughout the day, even during the coldest winters.
Sun Rooms
Sun rooms are a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors without leaving the comfort of your home. However, they can get chilly during the winter months. Heated floors can help keep your sunroom warm and comfortable year-round.
Driveways
While not technically inside your home, heated driveways are a great addition for those who live in areas with snowy winters. A heated driveway can melt snow and ice, making it safer and easier to navigate during the snowy season.
Laundry Rooms
Laundry rooms can be cold and uninviting spaces, especially if they're located in a basement or garage. Heated floors can make doing laundry a more pleasant experience and help keep your feet warm while you're folding clothes, ironing, and loading/unloading laundry.
How to Install Heated Floors
Here are the steps to install heated flooring in your home. Please note that some of the steps below are largely related to our most popular floor heating product, the TempZone Flex Roll, but the general ideas are applicable to most electric floor heating elements.
Step 1: Create a Floor Plan
To ensure a smooth installation process, begin by creating a professional floor plan. Measure the areas you want to heat, excluding spaces like toilets, air vents, vanities, cabinets, and islands. You can find tips on accurately measuring rooms yourself on our website. Once you have your measurements, submit them to WarmlyYours online, and within a day, you'll receive a customized floor plan showing how to efficiently warm your room and which products you need.
Step 2: Purchase Your Materials
Your personalized floor plan will specify the exact floor-warming roll, mat, or cable needed for your project, along with the cost. To place your order, call 800-875-5285 or visit www.warmlyyours.com.
Consider purchasing the Circuit Check from WarmlyYours, a small device that alerts you to any shorts or breaks in the system during installation. This simple product can help you avoid common DIY installation issues. Simply wire it to the mat during installation, and an alarm will sound if any damage occurs to the circuits. You can then check the area you were working on or where someone stepped to quickly resolve the issue. See video here for more details.
Step 3: Test the Products
Before beginning the installation, test your WarmlyYours electric floor-heating system with a digital ohmmeter. The test results should be within 15% of the value marked on the UL label.
Step 4: Prepare the Subfloor
Carefully inspect your subfloor surface and remove any potential hazards that could damage the heating element, such as sharp edges, staples, or exposed nails. Once the area is clear, refer to the provided installation plan and mark off areas where permanent, heavy fixtures will be placed. To complete the installation, you'll typically need a digital ohmmeter, scissors, a staple gun, a Circuit Check, a tape measure, a hot glue gun, and optionally, a splice kit.
Step 5: Install the Heating System
Following the instructions on your floor plan, roll out the mesh roll with the heating cable facing down to protect it during installation. When you reach a turn, cut the mesh across, being careful not to cut the heating cable, and move the remaining section of the cable into place to start your next run.
If you need to work around an object or corner, freeform the heating cable as indicated on your customized floor plan. Trim the tape, separate the heating element, and remove the mesh. Then, place the heating element in a serpentine design by hand, maintaining 3-inch spacing for optimal performance, and secure it to the floor with hot glue or tape.
Ensure the heating rolls are straight and properly spaced as you secure them to the floor using hot glue or staples, depending on the flooring type.
Step 6: Install the Sensor
Position the sensor between the heating cables, making sure not to overlap any of them. Weave the sensor between the mesh (spaced equidistant from two runs of the heating cable) or use hot glue to hold it securely in place, preventing it from moving when applying adhesive to embed the heating elements.
Step 7: Retest the System
Using a digital ohmmeter, retest the rolls to ensure they are in good working condition. The test results should still be within 15% of the value marked on the UL label. Then, connect the WarmlyYours Circuit Check to confirm there are no shorts in the system.
Step 8: Connect the Thermostat
Once you've confirmed that your heating rolls are working correctly, have a professional electrician wire your WarmlyYours thermostat according to the provided instructions.
Step 9: Install the Flooring
Complete the project by installing your chosen flooring. Although it may be tempting to use your radiant heating system immediately, allow the thinset and grout to cure completely before powering it on.
So, Are Heated Floors Worth It?
After weighing the pros and cons, it's clear that heated floors are a worthwhile investment for many homeowners. The initial cost seem high but the long-term benefits of energy efficiency, comfort, and luxury make radiant floor heating an attractive option. With proper installation, heated floors can provide consistent, even warmth for years to come, enhancing the overall comfort and value of your home.
Moreover, the versatility of heated floors allows for installation in various rooms, from bathrooms and kitchens to bedrooms and living spaces. The ability to control the temperature of individual rooms or zones further contributes to energy savings and personalized comfort. When considering the numerous advantages and the potential for increased home value, it's evident that heated floors are a smart choice for those seeking a superior heating solution.
How to Get Started
To find out how much the in-floor heating cost would be for your next remodel, check out WarmlyYours’s Radiant Floor Heating Quote Builder. Does electric floor heat cost a lot per month? You can get a rough idea of how much it will cost to run a system by using the WarmlyYours Operating Cost Calculator. Once you’re ready to move forward with the installation, you can find a list of the contractors in your area that work with radiant floor heating here. Choose a professional to install your floor-heating system, tile, thermostat, etc. Or, do the work yourself if you’re so inclined, and only hire a professional electrician to finish the job by installing the thermostat. The option is yours.
Once you’ve started your project, WarmlyYours will still be there to help. Our technical experts are available by phone 24/7 at 800-875-5285 to help you with any questions that arise during installation.
FAQs
Here are some common questions relating to floor heating that we've gotten over the years.
How much does it cost to install heated floors?
The cost of installing heated floors varies depending on factors such as the size of the room, the type of system chosen (electric or hydronic), and the flooring material. On average, electric radiant floor heating systems cost between $10 to $20 per square foot, while hydronic systems can range from $6 to $20 per square foot. Get a quote here for an accurate estimate.
Can heated floors be the sole heat source for a room?
In many cases, heated floors can serve as the primary heat source for a room, especially in smaller, well-insulated spaces like bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. However, for larger rooms or those with less insulation, radiant floor heating may need to be supplemented with another heating system to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Are heated floors energy-efficient?
Yes, heated floors are energy-efficient because they provide even, consistent heat distribution, reducing the need for high temperatures and minimizing heat loss. Additionally, programmable thermostats and zoned heating options allow for greater control over energy usage, further optimizing efficiency.
Can heated floors be installed under any type of flooring?
Heated floors can be installed under a wide range of flooring materials, including tile, stone, hardwood, laminate, and vinyl. However, some flooring types, such as thick carpets or certain hardwoods, may not be suitable for use with radiant heating systems. It's crucial to consult with our professionals to determine the best flooring options for your specific system.
Can I install heated floors myself, or do I need a professional?
While some electric radiant floor heating systems are designed for DIY installation, it's generally recommended to hire a professional for the best results. A professional installer can ensure that the system is installed correctly, minimize the risk of damage, and verify that the system is working properly before finalizing the flooring installation. For hydronic systems, professional installation is essential due to the complexity of the system and the need for proper boiler and piping setup. Click here and we can try to connect you with an installer in your area.