Good Housekeeping confirms what 300,000+ homeowners already know: heated bathroom floors are worth the investment. Here's everything you need to know about costs, benefits, and installation.
Quick Answer: Are Heated Bathroom Floors Worth It?
Yes, heated bathroom floors are worth the investment. They cost as little as $0.01-$0.15 per hour to operate, add luxury and comfort to your daily routine, work with all major flooring types, and can increase home value. With over 300,000 installations and 26 years of expertise, WarmlyYours has proven that heated floors deliver long-term value and satisfaction.
Good Housekeeping Validates the Heated Bathroom Floor Trend
When a trusted publication like Good Housekeeping declares that heated bathroom flooring is "worth the investment," it's not just a trend piece—it's confirmation of what the radiant heating industry has been championing for decades.
The article quotes four interior designers who all confirm the same thing: heated floors are one of the top smart home requests they're seeing from clients. And the reason is simple—once you experience the comfort of stepping onto warm tile on a cold morning, there's no going back.
WarmlyYours by the Numbers
- 26 years of radiant heating expertise since 1999
- 300,000+ successful installations across North America
- 70% of our projects are bathroom installations
- 40 square feet average heated bathroom area
- $0.01-$0.15/hour typical operating costs
- 101 bathroom floor plans available for exploration
Why Interior Designers Recommend Heated Bathroom Floors
Interior designers aren't recommending heated floors just because they're trendy—they're recommending them because they solve real problems and deliver tangible benefits that clients love.
Comfort That Transforms Your Morning Routine
The most immediate benefit is simple: comfort. Cold tile floors are one of the most common complaints homeowners have about their bathrooms, especially in colder climates. Heated floors eliminate that shock of cold tile and turn your bathroom into a warm, spa-like retreat.
Works Beautifully with Natural Stone and Tile
As the Good Housekeeping article notes, heated floors work exceptionally well with natural stone and tile—the most popular bathroom flooring materials. These materials conduct heat efficiently, making them ideal for radiant heating systems.
Surprisingly Affordable to Operate
One of the biggest misconceptions about heated floors is that they're expensive to run. The reality? Operating costs typically range from just $0.01 to $0.15 per hour. For an average 40 square foot bathroom used 2-3 hours daily, monthly costs range from $0.60 to $13.50—less than your daily coffee.
Best in Larger Primary Bathrooms
While heated floors can be installed in any bathroom, they deliver the most impact in larger primary bathrooms where you spend more time. The Good Housekeeping article specifically highlights this, and our data supports it—70% of our installations are in bathrooms, with an average heated area of 40 square feet.
"I enjoy heated floors so much. This is perfect in my small bathroom. Makes for warm feet in the middle of the night, early morning." — ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
How Much Does It Cost to Install and Run Heated Bathroom Floors?
Let's break down the real costs—both installation and operation—so you can make an informed decision.
Installation Costs: Explore 101 Real Bathroom Floor Plans
Installation costs vary based on bathroom size, layout, and product selection. Rather than giving you generic estimates, we've created something better: 101 actual bathroom floor plans with detailed product costs, running costs, and installation examples.
Visit our Bathroom Floor Plans page to explore layouts similar to yours. Each plan includes:
- Exact product recommendations and costs
- Estimated operating costs per hour
- Visual installation plans showing heating cable or mat placement
- Square footage coverage details
- Compatible flooring types
With 70% of our projects being bathroom installations and an average heated area of 40 square feet, we've seen virtually every bathroom configuration—and we've documented them to help you plan your project.
Average 40 Square Foot Bathroom: Operating Cost Example
Usage: 2-3 hours daily (morning and evening routines)
Hourly Cost: $0.01 - $0.15 per hour
Daily Cost: $0.02 - $0.45
Monthly Cost: $0.60 - $13.50
Annual Cost: $7.20 - $162.00
Actual costs vary by electricity rates, usage patterns, and system size. Use our operating calculator for your specific bathroom.
Energy Efficiency: Watts Per Square Foot
Electric radiant floor heating systems typically use 12-15 watts per square foot. This is remarkably efficient because:
- Heat is delivered directly where you need it (the floor surface)
- No energy is wasted heating air or ductwork
- You only run the system when you're using the bathroom
- Programmable thermostats let you schedule heating around your routine
Installation Is Straightforward with the Right Expertise
One of the key points from the Good Housekeeping article—and one we emphasize with our contractor partners—is that installation is straightforward when you work with experienced professionals.
Two Main Installation Methods
Heating Mats: Pre-spaced heating cables attached to a mesh backing. These are the fastest to install and work perfectly for rectangular bathroom layouts. Simply roll out the mat, secure it, and install your tile on top.
Heating Cables: Flexible cables that can be custom-spaced to fit any bathroom shape, including around toilets, vanities, and irregular layouts. Our PRO-Exclusive TempZone™ Ruler Cable features industry-first ruler markings for precise spacing.
Explore 101 Bathroom Floor Plans
See exactly what your heated bathroom floor will cost—product, installation, and operation.
View Bathroom Floor PlansFrequently Asked Questions About Heated Bathroom Floors
Based on the most common questions homeowners and contractors ask us, here are detailed answers to help you make the right decision.
Is electric radiant floor heating worth it?
Yes, electric radiant floor heating is worth it for most homeowners. The combination of low operating costs ($0.01-$0.15/hour), increased comfort, and potential home value increase makes it a smart investment. With 300,000+ installations over 26 years, WarmlyYours has proven that customer satisfaction remains high long after installation.
Does electric underfloor heating use a lot of electricity?
No, electric underfloor heating is energy efficient. At 10-15 watts per square foot and typical usage of 2-3 hours daily, an average 40 square foot bathroom costs just $0.60-$13.50 per month to operate. Because you're heating only the floor surface (not the entire room's air), energy use is minimal compared to forced-air heating.
What are the disadvantages of electric underfloor heating?
The main considerations are:
- Upfront cost: Installation requires professional work during a remodel or new construction
- Floor height: Systems add minimal height (1/8" for cables), but this must be factored into transitions
- Repair access: Systems are installed under flooring, so repairs require floor removal (though failures are rare with quality systems)
- Flooring compatibility: Some flooring types (like certain luxury vinyl) require temperature limits
However, with proper installation and quality products, these considerations are minimal compared to the benefits.
Is it cheaper to leave electric underfloor heating on all the time?
No, it's not cheaper to leave electric underfloor heating on continuously. Unlike some hydronic (water-based) systems, electric radiant floors heat up quickly—typically within 30-60 minutes. The most cost-effective approach is to use a programmable thermostat to schedule heating around your routine (e.g., mornings from 6-9 AM and evenings from 6-9 PM). This delivers comfort when you need it while minimizing energy costs.
Can you put heated floors under tile?
Yes, tile is the ideal flooring material for radiant floor heating. Tile and natural stone conduct heat efficiently and can handle the temperature ranges of electric floor heating systems. WarmlyYours systems are specifically designed for installation under tile, stone, and other hard surface materials. Our 101 bathroom floor plans show exactly how heating systems integrate with tile installations.
How long do heated bathroom floors last?
Quality electric radiant floor heating systems are designed to last as long as your flooring—typically 20-30+ years. WarmlyYours products include comprehensive warranties and are built with durable materials like ETFE insulation rated to 150°C (compared to standard 90°C). With over 300,000 installations since 1999, our track record demonstrates long-term reliability.
Do heated floors increase home value?
Yes, heated floors can increase home value, particularly in primary bathrooms and luxury homes. They're considered a premium feature that appeals to buyers seeking comfort and modern amenities. While exact ROI varies by market, the Good Housekeeping article's emphasis on heated floors as a top smart home request indicates strong buyer appeal.
Can I install heated bathroom floors myself?
While DIY installation is possible for experienced homeowners comfortable with electrical work, we recommend professional installation for several reasons: proper electrical connections (GFCI protection required), correct thermostat placement and floor sensor installation, proper adhesive selection and application, and warranty protection. Many of our 101 bathroom floor plans include installation guidance, but working with a qualified electrician or contractor ensures safety and optimal performance.
Why Choose WarmlyYours for Your Heated Bathroom Floor?
When Good Housekeeping and interior designers recommend heated bathroom floors, they're validating an investment that requires the right partner to execute properly.
26 Years of Radiant Heating Expertise
Since 1999, we've specialized exclusively in radiant heating solutions. This isn't a side product for us—it's our entire focus. That expertise shows in our product innovation, customer support, and installation resources.
300,000+ Successful Installations
With over 300,000 installations across North America, we've proven our systems deliver long-term performance and customer satisfaction. Our 4,000+ authentic customer testimonials speak to the quality and reliability homeowners experience year after year.
Industry-Leading Product Innovation
Our TempZone™ Ruler Cable features the industry's first ruler markings for precise spacing, superior ETFE insulation rated to 150°C (vs. standard 90°C), backup floor sensors, and Circuit Check technology for installation monitoring. These innovations make installation easier and more reliable.
24/7 Technical Support
Our in-house support team is available around the clock to answer questions, troubleshoot issues, and provide expert guidance. Whether you're a homeowner planning a project or a contractor mid-installation, we're here to help.
101 Bathroom Floor Plans to Guide Your Project
We've documented 101 real bathroom configurations with detailed product costs, operating costs, and installation plans. This resource eliminates guesswork and helps you plan your project with confidence.
Ready to Experience Warm Bathroom Floors?
Explore 101 bathroom floor plans with exact costs, operating expenses, and installation details. Find the perfect solution for your bathroom in minutes.
Explore Bathroom Floor Plans →Or call our experts at 1-800-875-5285 for personalized guidance
The Bottom Line: Heated Bathroom Floors Are Worth It
Good Housekeeping's validation of heated bathroom floors as "worth the investment" aligns perfectly with what we've seen over 26 years and 300,000+ installations. The combination of affordable operating costs, luxurious daily comfort, compatibility with popular flooring materials, and strong homeowner satisfaction makes heated floors one of the smartest bathroom upgrades you can make.
Whether you're remodeling a primary bathroom, building a new home, or simply tired of cold tile floors, electric radiant floor heating delivers value that you'll appreciate every single day.
Start Planning Your Heated Bathroom Today
Browse 101 bathroom floor plans with detailed costs and installation guides
View Floor Plans & Get PricingQuestions? Our experts are here 24/7
📞 1-800-875-5285
Article references: Good Housekeeping - "This Bathroom Flooring Trend Is Worth the Investment, According to Designers"
Like this post? Subscribe for updates
Related Posts
