Thinking about heated floors but worried about electricity costs? You're not alone. After installing radiant heating systems in over 300,000 homes during our 26 years in business, we get these questions daily: "Will my electric bill skyrocket?" and "Is it really worth the investment?" Here are the honest answers based on real customer data.
⚡ Quick Facts: Electric Radiant Floor Heating
💰 Operating Cost:
$0.07-$0.36/hour
($17-29/month typical bathroom)
🔧 Installation Cost:
$11-22 per square foot
(materials + professional install)
⏱️ System Lifespan:
25+ years with warranty
(proven in 300K+ homes)
📈 Energy Savings:
25-30% vs forced-air
+ increased home value
Based on real data from WarmlyYours' 26 years of installations • Updated for 2025 electricity rates
Flexible Heating for Any Space – Free-Forming TempZone™ Adapts to Your Room Layout
What Is Electric Radiant Floor Heating?
Let's start with the basics - what exactly are we talking about when we say "radiant floor heating"?
Simple Answer: Electric radiant floor heating uses thin heating cables or mats installed beneath your flooring to provide even, efficient warmth directly from the ground up, eliminating cold spots and reducing energy costs by 25-30% compared to forced-air systems.
How Electric Floor Heating Works
- Thin heating cables (1/8" thick) install beneath tile, hardwood, vinyl, or carpet
- Systems operate at 9-15 watts per square foot
- Thermostat controls maintain precise temperature
- Heat radiates upward for even warmth distribution
Bottom line: Electric radiant heating uses thin cables under your floor to deliver silent, even warmth that's 25-30% more efficient than traditional heating.
Our Floor Heating Systems work with virtually any flooring type.
Get Free QuoteElectric Floor Heating Pros and Cons
Here's what 300,000+ real installations have taught us about the genuine advantages and drawbacks:
Quick Summary: Based on actual customer data, electric radiant heating offers superior comfort and 25-30% energy savings, but requires higher upfront investment and professional installation for best results.
Pros of Electric Radiant Floor Heating
Let's start with the benefits our customers love most:
Energy Efficiency & Low Operating Costs
Let's talk real numbers, not marketing fluff. Here's what our customers actually pay:
Actual Operating Costs: Customer data from our 26 years shows operating costs range from $0.07 to $0.36 per hour for typical residential installations. A 50 square foot bathroom runs $17-29 per month during winter at current electricity rates ($0.16/kWh average).
Real Customer: "My electric floor heating in our master bath costs about $22/month to run all winter. The comfort is incredible and honestly, the cost is less than I expected when we first looked into it." - Sarah M., Colorado
Want to know your exact costs? Try our operating cost calculator →
Key takeaway: Electric radiant heating costs $0.07-$0.36/hour to operate and delivers 25-30% better efficiency than forced-air systems.
Consistent, Comfortable Heat
Ever notice how some rooms have cold spots while others are stuffy? That's forced-air heating for you.
Radiant heating is completely different:
- Even temperature distribution (no cold spots)
- Silent operation (no fan noise)
- Improved air quality (no dust circulation)
- Instant warmth underfoot
Bottom line: Radiant heating eliminates cold spots and operates silently, providing superior comfort compared to noisy forced-air systems.
Increased Home Value
Here's something most people don't know: homes with radiant floor heating sell 6-8% faster and command premium prices, especially in luxury bathrooms and kitchens.
Why? Buyers recognize quality and comfort when they feel it.
Real results: Homes with radiant heating sell 6-8% faster and command premium prices in today's market.
Cons of Electric Radiant Floor Heating
Now for the honest drawbacks you should consider:
Higher Installation Costs
Yes, radiant heating costs more upfront than basic forced-air. Here's the reality:
- Materials: $8-15 per square foot
- Professional installation: $3-7 per square foot
- Total project cost: $11-22 per square foot
But here's the thing - quality costs money upfront but saves money long-term.
Investment reality: Expect $11-22 per square foot total cost, but long-term energy savings and home value increase justify the investment.
Electricity Dependency
Electric systems have some limitations you should know about:
- Relies on electrical power (no backup during outages)
- Operating costs vary by local electricity rates
- May increase electrical load requirements
Key consideration: Systems depend on electricity and costs vary by local rates, but smart thermostats optimize efficiency.
Installation Complexity
This isn't a weekend DIY project for most people:
- Best installed during flooring renovation
- Requires floor height increase (minimal 1/8")
- Professional installation recommended for optimal performance
Need installation help? Contact us to find installers in your area →
Installation takeaway: Professional installation during renovation ensures optimal performance and protects your 25-year warranty coverage.
Does Electric Underfloor Heating Use a Lot of Electricity?
This is the #1 question we get. The short answer? It depends on your space and usage, but it's probably less than you think.
Quick Answer: Electric radiant floor heating costs $0.07-$0.36 per hour to operate, with a typical 50 sq ft bathroom running $17-29 monthly at current electricity rates ($0.16/kWh average).
Actual Energy Consumption Data
Forget the estimates - here's real data from 26 years of customer installations:
Small Bathroom (50 sq ft):
- Power consumption: 450-750 watts
- Daily usage (8 hours): 3.6-6 kWh
- Monthly cost: $17-29 (at $0.16/kWh)
Large Master Bath (150 sq ft):
- Power consumption: 1,350-2,250 watts
- Daily usage (8 hours): 10.8-18 kWh
- Monthly cost: $52-86 (at $0.16/kWh)
Get your exact usage estimate: Use our energy calculator →
Real costs: A typical bathroom runs $17-29 monthly, based on actual data from 300,000+ WarmlyYours installations.
Factors Affecting Energy Usage
Your actual costs depend on these key factors:
- Room size and layout
- Insulation quality
- Local electricity rates
- Usage patterns and thermostat settings
- Floor covering type
Energy efficiency: Smart thermostat programming and good insulation can reduce operating costs by 15-20%.
What Are the Disadvantages of Electric Underfloor Heating?
We believe in honest answers, so let's talk about the real drawbacks based on 300,000+ installations:
Main Disadvantages: Electric underfloor heating has higher upfront installation costs ($11-22 per sq ft), requires professional installation during renovation, and operating costs depend on local electricity rates.
Cost Considerations
Money matters, so let's be upfront about costs:
- Higher upfront investment than traditional heating
- Operating costs depend on local electricity rates
- May require electrical panel upgrades
Cost reality: Higher upfront investment but 25-30% energy savings and increased home value provide long-term ROI.
Installation Limitations
Timing matters with radiant heating:
- Best installed during new construction or renovation
- Cannot be easily retrofitted in existing floors
- Requires compatible flooring materials
Installation timing: Plan installation during renovation for best results and lowest overall project costs.
Performance Factors
Every heating system has trade-offs:
- Slower response time than forced-air systems
- Less effective as primary heating in very cold climates
- Furniture placement affects heat distribution
Performance note: Slower warm-up than forced-air but provides more consistent, comfortable heat once at temperature.
Is It Cheaper to Leave Electric Underfloor Heating On All the Time?
Great question! The answer depends on your home's insulation and local climate.
Energy Efficiency Answer: For well-insulated spaces, continuous low-level operation is typically 15-20% more efficient than intermittent heating, while poorly insulated areas benefit from scheduled operation using programmable thermostats.
Continuous vs. Intermittent Operation
For well-insulated spaces: Continuous low-level operation is often more efficient
For poorly insulated areas: Scheduled operation saves more energy
Smart Thermostat Benefits
Modern programmable thermostats are game-changers for efficiency:
- Automatic temperature scheduling
- Occupancy sensors
- Energy usage tracking
- Remote control capabilities
Explore smart controls: See our Signature Thermostat →
Smart strategy: Use programmable thermostats to optimize efficiency - can reduce operating costs by 15-20%.
Best Electric Floor Heating Systems for 2025
After testing, supporting and installing hundreds of systems over 26 years, here are our top recommendations:
TempZone™ Cable SystemsBest for: Custom layouts and irregular spaces
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TempZone™ Mat SystemsBest for: Rectangular rooms and quick installation
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Environ Foil Mat SystemBest for: Floating floors and dry installations
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| Browse Environ Mat options → |
TempZone advantage: Custom spacing and 25-year warranty make TempZone Cable and Mats ideal for irregular layouts and long-term reliability.
Real Customer Results and Testimonials
Don't just take our word for it - here's what real customers say about their radiant heating experience:
Bathroom Installations
"After 3 winters with our TempZone system, our heating costs are exactly what WarmlyYours predicted. The comfort level is amazing - no more cold tile floors! My wife loves the warm floors when she gets out of the shower." - Michael R., Minnesota
Kitchen Projects
"We installed radiant heating under our kitchen tile during our renovation. It's been 5 years and the system works perfectly. Our guests always comment on how comfortable the floors feel, especially during winter dinner parties." - Jennifer K., Wisconsin
Whole-Home Applications
"We have radiant heating throughout our main floor - 1,200 square feet. Monthly heating costs average $180 in winter, and the even heat distribution is incredible. No more fighting over the thermostat!" - David L., Michigan
See more success stories: Read 4,000+ customer reviews →
Customer satisfaction: 96.8% customer satisfaction rating from 1,000+ reviews proves consistent performance and reliability.
CUSTOMER PHOTOS: Before/After Installation Gallery
Professional Installation vs. DIY: Making the Right Choice
Wondering if you can install radiant heating yourself? After 26 years and 300,000+ installations, we've seen both approaches work - when done correctly. Here's how to decide what's right for your project:
When to Choose Professional Installation
Best for complex projects and guaranteed results:
- Complex layouts or multiple rooms - Professional spacing and planning expertise
- Electrical work required - New circuits, panel upgrades, or GFCI installation
- Warranty protection critical - Professional installation protects your 25-year warranty
- First-time installation - Avoid costly mistakes on expensive flooring projects
- High-end flooring materials - Marble, natural stone, or luxury tile installations
- Tight project timelines - Contractors complete most jobs in 1-2 days
- Commercial applications - Code compliance and permitting requirements
Professional advantage: Certified installers like Albright Electric (New Jersey) and JD Wieland Incorporated (Illinois) return to WarmlyYours because they know our systems deliver consistent results.
Installation choice: Professional installation ensures warranty protection and optimal performance, while DIY works for simple rectangular layouts with proper guidance and realistic expectations.
DIY-Friendly Options
Perfect for handy homeowners with the right conditions:
- Simple rectangular rooms - Straightforward layouts under 150 sq ft
- Existing electrical capacity adequate - No new circuits needed
- Experience with flooring projects - Comfortable with tile/flooring installation
- TempZone™ Mat systems - Pre-spaced cables make installation easier
- Good planning and patience - Time to follow instructions carefully
- Access to guidance - Our 24/7 tech support at (800) 875-5285
DIY reality check: Most successful DIY installations are bathroom mats under 100 sq ft with existing electrical capacity.
Installation Support Options
Professional Route:
- Contact us to Find certified installers in your area →
- Pre-screened contractors familiar with WarmlyYours systems
- Warranty protection and code compliance guaranteed
DIY Route:
- Download TempZone Mat Check List →
- Download TempZone Cable Check List→
- Watch 200+ installation videos →
- 24/7 technical support during your project
- Circuit Check tool included for installation monitoring
Installation takeaway: Professional installation ensures warranty protection and optimal performance, while DIY works for simple rectangular layouts with proper guidance and realistic expectations.
Conclusion: Is Electric Radiant Floor Heating Worth It in 2025?
After 26 years in business and 300,000+ successful installations, here's our honest assessment:
Yes, electric radiant floor heating is worth it - for the right applications.
Electric radiant floor heating delivers:
Best applications: Bathrooms, kitchens, entryways, and luxury spaces where comfort and home value matter most.
Consider alternatives if: You need primary heating for large spaces in extremely cold climates or have exceptionally high electricity rates (over $0.25/kWh).
Final verdict: Electric radiant heating provides superior comfort, 25-30% energy savings, and increased home value - worth the investment for most applications.
Ready to Experience Radiant Comfort?
Join 300,000+ happy customers who chose WarmlyYours for their radiant heating needs.
Get Free Quote Send Us Your Floor Plan
24/7 Technical Support: (800) 875-5285 • Free shipping on orders over $199
FAQ Section
How much does it cost to run electric floor heating?
Operating Cost: Electric floor heating costs $0.07-$0.36 per hour to operate. A typical 50 sq ft bathroom costs $17-29 per month during winter at current electricity rates ($0.16/kWh average).
Can electric floor heating be the primary heat source?
Primary Heating: Yes, electric radiant floor heating can serve as primary heating in well-insulated homes and moderate climates. We've successfully installed whole-home heating systems in thousands of properties with excellent results.
How long do electric floor heating systems last?
System Lifespan: Quality electric radiant floor heating systems last 25+ years with proper installation. Our TempZone systems come with industry-leading 25-year warranties, backed by proven performance in over 300,000 installations since 1999.
What flooring works with electric radiant heating?
Compatible Flooring: Electric radiant heating works with tile, stone, hardwood, luxury vinyl (LVT/LVP), carpet, and most flooring types. Each flooring material has specific installation requirements for optimal heat transfer and system performance.
Is electric radiant heating energy efficient?
Energy Efficiency: Electric radiant heating is 25-30% more energy efficient than forced-air systems because it heats objects and people directly rather than warming air that rises to the ceiling and creates hot/cold spots.
Do I need an electrician to install radiant floor heating?
Electrical Work: Most installations require basic electrical connections that many DIYers can handle. However, new circuits or electrical panel upgrades require a licensed electrician. Our systems include detailed wiring diagrams and 24/7 technical support.
Will radiant floor heating work with my existing thermostat?
Thermostat Compatibility: Radiant floor heating requires specialized floor heating thermostats with floor sensors. Standard HVAC thermostats won't work properly. We offer programmable and smart thermostat options for optimal efficiency.
How much does professional installation cost?
Installation Cost: Professional installation typically costs $3-7 per square foot, depending on project complexity and local labor rates. Total project cost including materials ranges from $11-22 per square foot.
Technical Specifications Section:
Power Density: 9-15 watts per square foot • Operating Voltage: 120V/240V options • Cable Thickness: 1/8" (3.1mm) • Temperature Rating: Up to 150°C (ETFE insulation) • Warranty: Up to 25 years on heating elements • Certifications: UL Listed, CSA approved • Coverage: Available for 7.5 to 360+ square feet
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Interested to know if retrofitted hydronuc radiant heat will buckle an oak hardwood floor due to expansion. Floor has mostly been in place for several decades with some sections newish (couple of years).
Thanks for the question! We'd need more information to provide you with a concrete answer so please feel free to give our 24/7 technical support team a call at 1-800-875-5285. But with that being said, we can try to provide some help based on the information you've already provided. The good news is that, generally speaking, there are rarely any issues with pairing a properly installed hardwood flooring with a radiant heating system. Overly high moisture content in the wood would be the most likely culprit to cause a hardwood floor to buckle or warp but manufacturers will typically dry their wood to a moisture level so that this isn't an issue--so if possible, you'll want to check the reported moisture content of the wood from the manufacturer and also check the moisture content in your own home. Oak itself, of almost all varieties, is generally pretty compatible as a floor covering with radiant heating. It has relatively low R-Values (meaning it doesn't significantly impede the transfer of heat) and relatively low shrinkage rates compared to other common wood flooring types: https://www.launstein.com/radiant-heating.html. There are a lot of other variables that could impact how radiant heating will interact with your floor (such as installation method, the dimensions of the wood, the grain orientation) but the biggest potential issue with the scenario that you've outlined is that there may be significant differences between the initial floor and the new sections. It's unlikely, but there could be differences in the grain orientation or the installation method that could cause issues where the new and old boards abut (the moisture content between the new and old sections should be relatively similar as they've had years to reach equilibrium with your home). Hope that helps somewhat!
Hi. Can I use rugs on a floor with electric radiant heat?
That's a great question and your answer ultimately depends on what flooring type you're using with radiant heating. We recommend limiting the use of rugs with a radiant heating system if the flooring type is laminate or engineered wood, as the rugs can trap heat and potentially discolor the floor over time. Tile, the most commonly heated flooring type, doesn't typically have this issue but you'll want to make sure the rug you select doesn't have a high degree of insulation or it can prevent the heat from radiating upward into the room efficiently.
I have heated tile in the bathroom, what temperature do you recommend so that it’s warm. I have it on a timer always 73 then 77 when I’m going to be in it. It just seems Luke warm. Is that right? Never had before so not sure. Thanks
Thanks for reading. I'll try to give you some answers based on the information you've provided. It sounds like your floor heating thermostat might be indicating floor temperature and not the room temperature, so you'll need to turn that up to improve the comfort level. Our suggestion would be to try and set that temperature at 82°F and then adjust upwards from there until it reaches the comfort level you desire. I hope that helps but, as always, feel free to call our 24/7 technical support team (1-800-875-5285).
Hello, we’re buying a home w/ a radiant floor heating system. We live in snow country and we’re wondering how much heat we should expect from the floor and how much we should plan on using the wood stove?
That's a great question but unfortunately your answer will depend on a couple of variables, including what kind of radiant heating system is installed and how much heat loss your home is likely to experience. Your best option is give us a call at 1-800-875-5285 and one of our technical support team members can help provide you with an answer. But to get a really rough estimate of how much heat your system will produce, you can take the total heat output of the radiant heating system in watts and then multiply that by 3.41 to get the BTUs per hour. For example, our TempZone Flex Roll provides about 15 watts per sq. ft. So if that's installed in a 40 sq. ft. room, the total wattage for the system would be 600 watts. Then if you multiply that by 3.41, you'll end up with 2,046 BTUs per hour. Hope that helps!
Anyone ever use these in RV's?
Our systems have been used in RVs in the past. If you have the ability to connect your system to a 120V power source, you should have no issues but please don't hesitate to give our technical support team a call at 1-800-875-5285. Using a radiant heating system for an application like adding heat to an RV is beneficial because of the low energy costs.
Do electric floor heating systems work ok in a family/dining/kitchen area, probably around 900 square feet of area?
That's a great question. While that's a large project, there shouldn't be any reason that an electric floor heating system wouldn't be able to provide at least supplemental heat for that application as long as your breaker panel has the required space. With a project that size you'd also need to use a couple of power modules in addition to a master thermostat. But as long as those conditions are met, the heating system itself will provide a consistent heat output for the room. If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to give our technical support team a call at 1-800-875-5285.
I have a bathroom that I will be putting a tile floor in. I only want to heat about half of the floor but not the other half, however I want the floor to stay the same height across. Can this be achieved?
That's a very good question! Yes, the type of installation you've outlined can be achieved by using self-leveling cement/compound (SLC) to completely embed the heating system in (this layer is typically about 3/8" thick). That way, the SLC will create a smooth, even surface (over the half of the floor with the heating system and the half of the floor without it) on which to install your tile.
I building a relatively small home (1000sq ft) in southern Utah. I will have concrete polished floors - is there a way to have zones for warmth with an electric system or is it a central overall control?
You can certainly set up zoned heating with an electric floor heating system. Our typical suggestion for that application is to have a separate thermostat for each zone that controls the heating elements in that zone. Using programmable thermostats for this type of application will allow you to set a similar schedule for each thermostat or to set custom heating levels for each zone.
I am building a 1485sq foot slab house what would be my best option on floor heat
If you haven't poured the slabs yet, our recommendation would be our Slab Heating Cables or Mats. These heating elements are embedded in the slab itself. However, if you're planning to install a floor covering on top of the slab, you may want to consider one of our other floor heating elements (like TempZone or Environ) combined with an insulating underlayment to help prevent heat loss to the slab.
Can radiant heat systems be used with LVT (luxury vinyl tile) flooring?
Absolutely! We always recommend using a heating element from our TempZone product line for warming LVT floors because those heating elements are embedded in a layer of self-leveling compound beneath the floor. This creates a flat, uniform surface that keeps the relatively thin LVT floor covering from conforming to the shape of the heating cables when heated. You can learn more about floor heating for LVT here: https://www.warmlyyours.com/floor-heating/luxury-vinyl-tiles
Can I heat a 1500 square foot home with radiant heat
You absolutely could heat a 1,500 sq. ft. home with radiant heating but that efficacy of that system as a primary heat source would depend on a couple of factors including the typical weather in the area and the heat loss the home experiences. We can help walk you through the process of figuring out if electric floor heating would be right for your project, give us a call at 1-800-875-5285.
Unusual application. I have a 19'x10" wall chase along an exterior wall (frame house) where plumbing will be. The space is prepared with cement board flooring over foil faced rigid foam and insulated wall to an R19-21 rating. Can I use this product imbedded in swift-set to maintain a conditioned space to retard freezing.
Unusual application. I have a 19'x10" wall chase along an exterior wall (frame house) where plumbing will be. The space is prepared with cement board flooring over foil faced rigid foam and insulated wall to an R19-21 rating. Can I use this product imbedded in swift-set to maintain a conditioned space to retard freezing.
We would not recommend installing a floor heating element (even if it's embedded) in your wall. In fact, it's against NEC to put electric floor heating in a wall. However, we do have a self-regulating heating product called "Pipe Freeze Protection" that should be able to help prevent your pipes in that wall. Don't hesitate to give us a call (1-800-875-5285) if you have any further questions!
If I had Hydronic floor heating, and installed vinyl flooring, would the flooring put off a smell when heated?
That's a very interesting question. The new vinyl flooring might have an inherent smell (as many vinyl products do) but it shouldn't be made worse by using floor heating (electric or hydronic). We've been heating vinyl floors for many, many years and we've yet to have a customer lodge that particular complaint so we're reasonably confident that the answer to your question would be no.
We are getting ready to convert a 500 sq ft garage/shop into a small one bedroom apt. Right now there is a concrete slab - would this work well to heat the whole space? or do you also need alternate heat source? We were planning on using ductless wall mounted heat/air units. Would this system work well under a bamboo floated floor and tile in bathroom?
You could absolutely install a floor heating system under bamboo and/or tile (the exact heating elements to use would depend on how the bamboo is installed). But as to whether or not the heating system could be the primary heat source, that would depend on the amount of heat loss the room would experience. We have a tool that you can use to get a rough estimate of whether or not a floor heating system can be the primary heat source. All you have to do is enter some project details and create a WarmlyYours account (if you don't have one already): https://www.warmlyyours.com/floor-heating/heatloss-calculator
I am installing porcelain tile flooring in my N.Y. home. I don’t plan on heating the entire kitchen floor., just the main cooking area. Are there any issues with tile cracking because of differences in temperature of the tiles.
That's a great question! You shouldn't have any issues with your tile cracking from differential temperatures. In fact, we often recommend this type of heating (we call it "spot heating" where you only heat the most used areas of the floor) because it helps cut down on both product and operational costs.
Building a 2000 sq ft house in interior Alaska. The cost of electric is high. Would like to know about radiant heat (water base) price wise and can it be installed under the subfloor (in crawl space) because putting down self leveling cement is going to cost alot also.
That's a very interesting question. I wouldn't completely rule out electricity since there may be options to help reduce operation costs for your project (so please feel free to give us a call at 1-800-875-5285 so we can discuss this in greater detail). However, since you're asking specifically about hydronic systems, we would direct you to try and contact a local rep for either Rehau, Uponor, or Viega since we don't specialize in this type of heating. Those reps should be able to provide some information about cost and installation for your project. Hope that helps!
Are there any reasons that one shouldn't put a freestanding soaking tub on a radiant heat tiled bathroom floor?
As long as the weight of the tub (with water and occupants) doesn't break up the floor, the floor heating system should be fine. Another consideration is if there will be any anchoring elements (like screws) to hold the tub in place on the floor because these could damage the heating cables.
I have gotten different answers from different contractors on this question I have an outside wall where the kitchen is, this will be our primary source of heat in the kitchen (steam in rest of home) almost every contractor told me it would be ok to run a 3 3 or 3 4 configuration just to keep a level of warmth in the cabinets I have read mixed things I am installing quality cabinets that the manufacturer said it not harm if I kept the design to a minimum pattern of heat help
That's a very interesting question but we'll need more information in order to help answer it. Please feel free to give us a call at 1-800-875-5285 and one of our technical support team members may be able to help get you a clear answer.
I need to replace a Kitec in floor heat system and would prefer to do it from the basement below but cannot find what " below the floor system " would be able to penetrate the plywood and grout/ cement above it . The existing Kitec system was installed from above and appears to be a fibrous /grout combination about one half in. thick.? Appreciate help at bcbm41@gmail.com
It sounds like you might be interested in a heating system that we call "between joist floor heating". Essentially it's heating mats that are attached to your subfloor from beneath and they radiate heat upwards into the room. While we don't sell those systems, we can recommend a brand called STEP WarmFloor. They're a great company and they should be able to help.
We have a large single level home in Northern Illinois that is designed to benefit from “solar gain” (sun shining directly onto a floor) during the cool and cold months. We currently have carpet but are researching different options. It seems wood, laminate, and LVT might fade in the long term from the sun exposure. It seems ceramic tile is the only option as we want to move from carpet. Without radiant heating, the floor and home will be ridiculously cold. I like the idea of having walking zones and living zones hooked up to a “smart” control system. The east side is always colder than the west side of the home. I would be interested in knowing what this type of heating would cost and how it can save some of the forced air heating expense. Any thoughts?
We would need more information to give you an accurate estimate of the cost of the system itself however, you could enter in a few details using our Quote Builder tool and it will give you a rough estimate of how much the system would cost: https://www.warmlyyours.com/floor-heating/quote-builder. But we can say that you could certainly set up a system with zoned heating (it would require the use of power modules in addition to a primary thermostat). We'd love to discuss this in greater detail along with going over how an electric floor heating system can help you save money on operating costs, so please feel free to chat us on the site or give us a call at 1-800-875-5285!
Is there any concern of damage with radiant heat under tile in a kitchen with very active children running and jumping around? My husband is concerned this will eventually lead to damaged tubes.
That shouldn't be an issue at all. Floor heating, when properly installed, is designed to withstand the rigors of family life no matter how active your kids are. We specialize in electric floor heating as well so there's even less chances for that to be damaged in the scenario you've outlined. Hope that helps!
I was wanting to have bare concrete floors. Is there something to put in while concrete is being poured to keep from having to install flooring on top?
Absolutely! Check out our Slab Heating Cables and Mats which can be embedded in your finished concrete floor! https://www.warmlyyours.com/floor-heating/concrete Send us an email at info@warmlyyours.com or use the chat tool in the bottom of your screen if you have any questions.
Would electric radiant heat make sense in an unheated sun room. I'm in NJ and was hoping it would allow us the extend the use of the sun room into early spring and late fall.
Generally speaking, electric floor heating can indeed be used to help extend the use of a sunroom by providing supplemental heat. There's a lot of variables to consider (like the size of the room and the level of insulation already in the room) but this is definitely a common use of electric floor heating. We even have a page of our website dedicated to it: https://www.warmlyyours.com/floor-heating/sunroom
I have an electric radiant heat system installed over a tile floor. Is it more or less efficient to keep it at a constant temperature or to schedule it to be low and only increase the temperature for the 4 hours we use it?
It will almost always be more efficient to use a programmable thermostat to turn the floor heating system on and off based on your schedule instead of running it at a constant temperature 24/7. When you use a programmable thermostat in this way, there will be a "warmup" period for a radiant heating system but it's very short for electric systems and is often built into the thermostat's programming. For example, if you want your floor temperature to be a certain temperature at 8 a.m., a good thermostat will actually turn the system on a bit before then to make sure the floor temperature is where it needs to be by the scheduled time.