OUR GUIDE TO RADIANT FLOOR HEATING

Expert Insights from Industry Professionals

WHAT IS RADIANT FLOOR HEATING?

Radiant floor heating is a heating system that involves installing a network of water tubes or electric heating cables beneath your floor surface. Unlike traditional forced air heating systems that rely on vents and ducts, radiant floor heating directly warms the floor itself, which then radiates gentle heat upwards, evenly distributing warmth throughout the entire space.

ADVANTAGES OF ELECTRIC RADIANT FLOOR HEAT

Energy Efficient

Electric radiant floor heating systems are generally very efficient and use as much or less energy as other heating systems. Most electric floor heating systems use 12 watts per hour per square foot, meaning a 100-square-foot room would use 1200 watts per hour, or 300 watts less than the average space heater.

A programmable or Wi-Fi thermostat makes managing energy use easy, heating only when needed and adjusting for heat-up times.

Learn How to Estimate Your Energy Cost

Uniform Heating

Radiant floor heating warms the entire floor evenly—no cold spots. Unlike space heaters that heat unevenly, radiant systems deliver consistent warmth throughout the room.

Maintenance Free

Once installed, no maintenance is needed. Systems are controlled by a thermostat and protected by flooring, with warranties ranging from 10 to 25 years.

Easy to Install

No matter what system you choose, they are all simple to install. The cable systems have a membrane option that lets you easily snap the heating wire in place to control the spacing. The heating mat systems are even simpler with wire built into the mat at the recommended spacing for that system. And installing a custom mat is the easiest of all. Simply send us a drawing of your layout, and we will design a custom mat to perfectly fit your floor.

Non-Allergenic

Unlike forced air systems, radiant heat doesn’t circulate dust or allergens.

Quiet

Radiant floor heating runs silently, with no clicks, hums, or fan noise.

Comfort

Radiant floors offer unmatched comfort—enjoyed by everyone, including pets.

ELECTRIC VS HYDRONIC SYSTEMS

Electric Radiant Systems

Electric radiant floor heating systems use electric cables or heating mats to generate heat. These elements are installed beneath the flooring material such as tile, wood or laminate.

Electric Radiant Systems
Hydronic Systems

Hydronic Systems

This type of system uses hot water to heat the floor. The hot water is circulated through a system of pipes or tubes that are embedded in the floor. The warmth from the water then radiates upward. Hydronic systems are difficult to install, have a slower response time than electric systems, and require more maintenance.

POPULAR AREAS TO INSTALL FLOOR HEATING

Electric radiant floor heating systems can be installed in many areas both inside and outside of your home. Here are some of the most common places our customers install floor heating systems:

  • Bathrooms
  • Kitchens
  • Basements
  • Home Office
  • Patios
  • Garages
  • Driveways & Walkways
Electric radiant floor heating systems

DIY VS PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION

Homeowners who enjoy DIY projects may be able to install radiant floor heating systems themselves, especially with the help of detailed instructions and planning. Basic knowledge of electrical systems, subfloor construction, and heating controls is helpful to ensure the system performs at its best.

For those who prefer a hassle-free experience, hiring a professional is a great option. A professional installer ensures the system is set up correctly, meets all safety standards, and maintains warranty protection—giving you peace of mind and long-term performance.

GET YOUR FLOOR HEATING PROJECT STARTED

The easiest way to get started is to fill out our contact form. Our team of floor heating experts is ready to answer any questions you have.

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EXPLORE OUR TOP TIPS & GUIDES

How to Determine Heated Area

Learn how to figure out what size mat or cable you need for your project.

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Electrical Requirements: 120V vs 240V

Having a basic understanding of voltage is important when choosing floor heating products.

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Mat vs Cable Floor Heat Systems

Explore the similarities and differences between mat systems and cable systems.

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Pros & Cons of Heated Driveways and Sidewalks

Discover how snow melting systems can offer safety and convenience over traditional methods.

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Using Radiant Heat Under Wood Floors

Wood is a popular flooring option. Explore the dos and don’ts of heating wood floors.

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How to Install Floor Heat Under Existing Floors

It’s possible to install floor heat without ripping up your floors. Find out how.

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