Electric Radiant Floor Heating Systems
Comfort, Efficiency, and Reliability For Every Room Under Any Flooring Type
Electric floor heating is an energy-efficient, affordable way to add lasting comfort to your home.
From bathrooms and kitchens to bedrooms and basements, radiant floor heating provides a warm surface that traditional air systems can't match. Our electric radiant floor heating systems are easy to install and work with nearly every flooring type, including tile, vinyl, laminate, and hardwood.
Whether you're remodeling a small bathroom or upgrading an entire home, floor heating creates comfort you can feel every day.
Why Radiant Floor Heating
Comfort
Take the chill off tile and stone—step out of bed or the shower onto warm floors with gentle, even heat you can feel every day.
Clean
Electric radiant floor heating is a very clean heat since it doesn't rely on forced air, which can circulate dust and other allergens.
Safety
All of our electric floor heating products have been rigorously tested and are UL/cUL listed.
Low Maintenance
No noisy vents or filters. Floor heating requires virtually no regular maintenance compared to forced air.
Affordable
Low upfront cost when installed during flooring projects. Systems start around $5/sq ft.
Get an instant quote.
Saves Energy
Radiates heat efficiently for cozy rooms at lower air temps—heat the people and objects, not just the air.
Calculate operating costs.
Flexible
Use as primary heat or supplemental warmth for tricky rooms like basements and rooms over garages.
Radiant Floor Heating Cost
Understanding the total cost of electric floor heating—from materials and installation to daily operation—helps you plan your project with confidence.
Material Cost
Floor heating systems typically cost $5–$15 per sq ft depending on the product type. Enter your room details below for an instant personalized quote.
What's Included?
Heating Element
Mat or cable system sized for your room—the core of your heated floor.
Thermostat
WiFi-enabled or manual controls ($150–$350) with floor sensor included.
Underlayment
Insulating layer (CeraZorb or cork) for efficiency over concrete slabs.
Accessories
Cable straps, repair kit, circuit check—everything for a complete install.
Installation Cost
Installation costs vary based on whether you DIY or hire a professional. Most projects are completed during a flooring renovation—when the subfloor is already exposed.
DIY Installation
$0
your labor
- Roll out mat and secure with tape
- Embed in thinset or self-leveling
- Test cable before and after
- 24/7 phone support available
Skill Level: DIY-friendly for most homeowners with basic tile or flooring experience
Tile Installer / Contractor
$3–$8
/sq ft
- Layout and secure heating system
- Embed in thinset or leveler
- Test cable before/after tiling
- Often included in tile install quote
Tip: Ask your tile contractor to include floor heating installation in their bid
Electrician
$150–$400
per project
- Connect thermostat to power
- Install dedicated circuit if needed
- Final wiring and code compliance
- Required by most local codes
Code Requirement: Most jurisdictions require a licensed electrician for final connection
Sample Project: 50 sq ft Bathroom
Materials: $400–$600
(heating mat + thermostat)
(heating mat + thermostat)
Installation: $0–$400
(DIY or included in tile)
(DIY or included in tile)
Electrician: $150–$300
(thermostat connection)
(thermostat connection)
Total: $550–$1,300
for complete heated bathroom floor
Operating Cost
Electric floor heating is highly efficient—typically just $0.07–$0.36 per hour. A standard bathroom (around 40 sq. ft.) running a few hours daily costs about $17–$29 per month.
Operating Cost Calculator for Floor Heating
Estimate your daily and monthly energy costs based on room size and local rates.
ft²
¢/kWh
Estimated Cost
$0.04
per hour
$0.15
per day
$4.50
per month
"Most homeowners are surprised how affordable radiant floor heating is to operate—often just pennies a day for a bathroom. It's the kind of everyday luxury that pays for itself in comfort!"
— Rae RadiantWhat Affects Operating Cost?
Floor Material
Tile and stone have more thermal mass and retain heat longer.
Electricity Rate
U.S. avg is $0.1626/kWh—your local rate may vary.
Shop by Product Type
Whether you're a DIYer looking for an easy installation or a professional who needs maximum flexibility, we have the right floor heating solution for your project.
Which Heating System Works With Your Floor?
Not all heating systems work with every floor type. Use this chart to find the right solution for your flooring and installation method.
| Floor Type | Installation |
TempZone™ Mats (Flex Roll & Easy Mats) 15W/sq ft |
Environ™ Mats 12W/sq ft |
TempZone™ Cable with Grip Strips |
TempZone™ Cable + Prodeso Membrane |
Slab Heat Mat 20W/sq ft |
Slab Heat Cable 15-20W/sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tile, Marble, Stone | Thinset | *1 | *1 | ||||
| Hardwood | Nailed | *4 | *2 | *1 | *1 | ||
| Glued | *5 | *2 | *1 | *1 | |||
| Engineered Wood | Nailed | *4 | *2 | *1 | *1 | ||
| Glued | *5 | *2 | *1 | *1 | |||
| Floating | *3 | *2 | *1 | *1 | |||
| Bamboo | Nailed | *4 | *2 | *1 | *1 | ||
| Glued | *5 | *2 | *1 | *1 | |||
| Floating | *3 | *2 | *1 | *1 | |||
| Laminate | Floating | *3 | *2 | *1 | *1 | ||
| Nailed | *4 | *2 | *1 | *1 | |||
| LVT / Vinyl | Glued | *5 | *2 | *1 | *1 | ||
| Carpet | Stretch-In | *6 | *6 | *3 | *2 | *1 | *1 |
| Glued | *5 | *6 | *6 | *2 | *1 | *1 | |
| Cork | Floating | *3 | *2 | *1 | *1 | ||
| Concrete Slab | In-slab |
*1 Slab Heat systems are embedded in the concrete slab; any finished flooring can be installed over the cured slab.
*2 Prodeso membrane is designed for tile/stone with thinset. Wood/vinyl/carpet floors use Grip Strips instead.
*3 Floating floors and stretch-in carpet require Environ™ mats, or use Slab Heat Cable for in-slab heating.
*4 Nailed floors: Install wood sleepers across subfloor, lay mat between sleepers, cover with self-leveling cement, then nail flooring into sleepers only.
*5 Glued floors: Embed mat in 3/8–½" self-leveling cement, allow to cure, then install flooring with adhesive.
*6 Carpet floor heating is available in the U.S. only.
Not sure which system you need?
Call us at 800-875-5285,
request a free quote, or
get an instant quote with our Instant Quote Builder tool.
Find Floor Plans by Room
Explore floor heating solutions two ways: Browse by Room Type to see all products suited for that space with tips, inspiration, and showcases; or Select a Specific Floor Plan to compare three heating options with pricing, operating costs, and installation plans tailored to that exact layout.
Bathroom
Ideal for tile installations and quick warm-up—our most popular room.
Shower
Warm shower floors and benches for spa-like comfort.
Kitchen
Great under tile or LVP—keep high‑traffic areas comfortably warm.
Living Room
Even heat across large spaces without noisy vents or dust.
Bedroom
Cozy mornings and night-time comfort under carpet, LVP, or wood.
Sunroom
Fight cold slab floors and extend shoulder seasons with gentle radiant heat.
Basement
Warm concrete slabs from the ground up for lasting comfort.
Get Your Own Floorplan
Send us your sketch and receive a free SmartPlan with a custom installation layout and itemized quote.
Featured Floor Heating Projects
Check out these customer-submitted projects to see real world examples of how a floor heating system is installed in a variety of different rooms.
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Basement Kildeer, IL$1.82/hr
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Bathroom Mentor, OH$0.14/hr
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Kitchen Chicago, IL$0.19/hr -
Master Bathroom Chatham, NJ$0.06/hr -
Master Bathroom North York, ON$0.12/hr -
Kitchen Swarthmore, PA$0.30/hr -
Bathroom Oakville, ON$0.01/hr -
Kitchen Richmond Hill, ON$0.20/hr -
Bathroom Wauwatosa, WI$0.10/hr -
Bathroom Hamilton, ON$0.04/hr -
Four Season Room Crystal Lake, IL$0.53/hr -
Basement Lower Sackville, NS$0.64/hr -
Dining Room Idaho Falls, ID$0.70/hr -
Bathroom Abington, PA$0.11/hr
Floor Heating Videos
Documents & Articles
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PDF
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PDF -
PDF -
10 min
Julia Oct 27, 2025
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9 min
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14 min
Stephanie
Dec 19, 2025
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7 min
WarmlyYours
Apr 05, 2024
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6 min
WarmlyYours
Mar 22, 2024
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7 min
Heather
Mar 16, 2022
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5 min
Stephanie
Dec 22, 2017
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6 min
Stephanie
Mar 31, 2017
Electric Floor Heating Frequently Asked Questions
Showing 6 of 10 questions
Yes, radiant floor heating can be used as a primary heat source in well-insulated homes, particularly in moderate climates. However, most North American homes use it as supplemental heating to enhance comfort and reduce reliance on forced-air systems.For primary heating, you need:
- Proper insulation (walls, windows, attic)
- Adequate watt density (typically 15 watts/sq.ft. or higher)
- Coverage across 80%+ of floor area
- Climate-appropriate system design
Not sure if your home qualifies? Use our free Heat Loss Calculator to determine if radiant floor heating can serve as your primary heat source. This tool calculates your room's heat requirements based on insulation, climate, and construction details.WarmlyYours also offers free consultation with our engineering team to assess whether your home is suitable for primary heating. Our 24/7 support and 26 years of experience across 300,000+ installations ensure you get the right system for your needs.
No, radiant floor heating cannot be installed under existing floors without removing them first. The heating cables or mats must be embedded in thinset or self-leveling compound directly above the subfloor and below the finished flooring material.
However, installation during a remodel or new construction is straightforward. WarmlyYours systems are just 1/8" thick and compatible with tile, stone, laminate, engineered hardwood, nailed hardwood, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), concrete and carpet. Our 24/7 support team and free custom floor plans make installation planning easy for both DIYers and professionals.
It depends on your flooring type and heating system. For electric radiant floor heating, underlayment is often beneficial but not always required.When underlayment is recommended:
- Floating floors (laminate, engineered hardwood, LVP): Use ThermalSheet, WarmlyYours' insulating underlayment, to direct heat upward and improve efficiency.
- Cold subfloors (concrete, basements): Insulating underlayment prevents heat loss downward.
When underlayment is not needed:
- Tile and stone installations: Heating cables/mats are embedded directly in thinset or self-leveling compound—no underlayment required.
- Glue-down LVP over concrete: System can be installed in self-leveling compound without additional underlayment.
Important note: WarmlyYours currently offers ThermalSheet as our recommended underlayment solution. While CeraZorb and cork underlayment were previously available and may still be found in older installations, ThermalSheet is now our preferred product for optimal performance and compatibility.Our free SmartPlan service includes underlayment recommendations tailored to your specific flooring and subfloor. With over 600,000 custom floor plans created, we ensure you get the right system configuration.
Yes, radiant floor heating increases home value and marketability. In real estate listings, floor heating is consistently highlighted as a premium feature that makes homes stand out from comparable properties. You'll frequently find radiant heating mentioned in luxury home listings and featured in home tours, as it's viewed as an aspirational upgrade that's within reach for everyday homeowners.
Studies show homes with radiant floor heating can see a return of 50-80% of installation cost at resale. More importantly, it helps homes sell faster by appealing to buyers seeking modern comfort features. With over 300,000 WarmlyYours systems installed and operating costs as low as $0.01-$0.15 per hour, it's an investment that delivers both daily comfort and long-term value.
WarmlyYours radiant floor heating systems last 25-40+ years with proper installation and minimal maintenance. Our heating cables and mats are designed for durability and backed by industry-leading warranties. With no moving parts and corrosion-resistant materials, these systems outlast traditional HVAC equipment, which typically lasts 15-20 years. Over 300,000 installations since 1999 demonstrate long-term reliability.
Radiant floor heating typically takes 30-60 minutes to warm up, depending on floor type, insulation, and room size. Tile and stone floors heat faster (30-45 minutes), while thicker materials like hardwood may take 45-60 minutes.
For optimal efficiency, use a programmable thermostat to schedule heating before you wake up or arrive home. Once warm, the system maintains temperature efficiently. WarmlyYours thermostats include smart scheduling features and floor temperature sensors for precise control. WarmlyYours provides a backup sensor in every order.
Radiant floor heating costs $10–$20 per square foot installed, depending on system type, room size, and labor rates.
Product cost breakdown:
- TempZone Floor Heating Mats: $12–$15/sq.ft. (material only)
- TempZone Floor Heating Cable: $10–$13/sq.ft. (material only)
- Thermostats: $160 to $340
- Installation labor: $3–$8/sq.ft. (varies by region and complexity)
Operating costs: $0.01–$0.15 per hour (far less than forced-air heating for the same space).
WarmlyYours offers free custom floor plans and instant quotes through our online Quote Builder. With 26 years of experience and over 600,000 floor plans created, we help you get accurate pricing for your specific project.
Yes, radiant floor heating is worth it for most homeowners. It provides consistent, comfortable warmth, eliminates cold spots, operates quietly, and costs as little as $0.01–$0.15 per hour to run. With over 300,000 WarmlyYours systems installed across North America since 1999, homeowners report high satisfaction due to energy efficiency, increased home value (50-80% ROI at resale), and improved comfort. It's particularly valuable in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements where cold floors are common.
For a detailed breakdown, see our complete guide: 9 Pros and Cons of Heated Floors.
Both TempZone Floor Heating Mats and Cables deliver excellent results—the choice depends on your project size, layout, experience level, and climate needs.TempZone Floor Heating Mats are pre-spaced at a fixed 3" spacing (15 watts/sq.ft.) and come in standard sizes (6–210 sq.ft.). They're ideal for:
- DIY homeowners and first-time PRO installers
- Straightforward rectangular rooms
- Faster installation (no spacing calculations)
- Smaller to medium projects
- Consistent heat output across all climates
TempZone Floor Heating Cable offers complete flexibility and is preferred by experienced installers:
- Adjustable spacing based on local climate conditions — you control the watt density
- Colder climates (like New York): 3" spacing (15 watts/sq.ft.) for maximum heat output
- Standard climates: 4" spacing (11 watts/sq.ft.) — our default recommendation
- Warmer climates (like California): 5" spacing (9 watts/sq.ft.) for efficient, moderate heating
- Works in any room shape or size
- Ideal for complex layouts, odd-shaped rooms, or climate-optimized designs
The bottom line: Choose mats for simplicity, DIY projects, and standard applications. Choose cable for customization, climate optimization, complex layouts, and experienced installers. Both systems are compatible with thinset and self-leveling compound, backed by our industry-leading warranties, and supported by 24/7 expert guidance.
Pro Tip: Combining Both Systems
Many projects use a combination of both—mats for large open areas and cables for detailed work around fixtures and in tight spaces. Your free SmartPlan™ will recommend the best approach based on your room layout.
The best rooms for radiant floor heating are:
- Bathrooms (most popular—eliminates cold tile)
- Kitchens (comfort during meal prep)
- Basements (solves cold concrete floors)
- Entryways/Mudrooms (melts dragged in snow, dries boots)
- Sunrooms/Three-Season Rooms (extends usability)
- Master Bedrooms (luxury comfort)
Radiant heating works in any room, but it's most valued where you walk barefoot or spend time standing. With over 300,000 installations, WarmlyYours has heated every room type—from small bathrooms (14 sq.ft.) to large open-concept spaces (200+ sq.ft.). Our free SmartPlan service designs custom layouts for any room configuration.