Radiant Floor Heating Costs

How Much Does Radiant Floor Heating Cost?

In some ways, you can look at the cost of underfloor heating as an umbrella term. There is the overall cost, and then there are the different parts of the cost. This includes:

1. The Cost of the System: there are two main types of systems, and both have different price points.
2. Installation Costs: Installation processes vary by system, and the more complex the job, the more expensive installation can be. You’ll need someone to install the system and the flooring and do any plumbing or electrical work.
3. Operating Costs: Both types of systems offer different operating costs, as they use different power sources. This cost is also affected by your geographical location, with energy costs varying greatly depending on where you live.

Other factors affect the cost of switching to radiant heating:

1. The Size and Scope of the Project: The bigger the project is, the more it will cost. 
2. Your Desired Heat Output: For the optimal heat output, you need to ensure your home is well insulated and as protected as possible from heat loss. Choosing the right flooring is also crucial.
3. How Often you Use the System: The more you use the system, the more you will pay in running costs.

Types of Radiant Heating Systems

The two main radiant, underfloor heating systems to choose from are electric and hydronic. Here’s the difference between the two:

Hydronic Radiant Heating

Hydronic radiant heating is a water-based system in which water heated by a boiler travels through flexible tubing or pipes installed under the flooring material. Because a boiler or heat pump is used to heat the system, the installation process is both expensive and complex, taking more time to set up. 

Hydronic systems are also thicker, which means they raise the height of the floor. This makes them a better option for new construction, where you can more easily change the floor levels without racking up significant renovation costs. 

The boiler or heat pump that goes with the system requires regular maintenance and can sometimes require repairs.

Electric Radiant Heating Systems

The second option is electric radiant floor heating. 

With electric systems, instead of flexible tubing, the system consists of small electrical heating wires installed underneath the floor. While the source of the heat is different, the way it works is the same; the electrical cables heat the floor, and the heat radiates throughout the room, heating objects it comes into contact with to create a consistent and even temperature.

Electrical heating systems do not require any large equipment to run. In fact, all it requires is the appropriate electrical connections and a thermostat to function. Unlike hydronic systems, electrical radiant heating doesn’t raise the floor height, which makes them a good option for both new construction and renovations. They are also easier and less expensive to install and require no maintenance or repairs if installed properly. 

The Factors that Affect the Radiant Floor Heating Cost

As mentioned, there are many factors that go into the underfloor heating price you get quoted. For a deeper look, here is more of a breakdown of some of those factors:

Labor

Labor is a significant cost—though this can vary. When considering labor costs, it is important to do consider:

• The typical labor rates in your area, specifically for this type of project
• The installer’s proximity; if they have to travel further, it can cost more
• The company’s schedule and workload
• The cleanup and disposal, which adds to the labor cost

However, you don’t want to choose the cheapest installer just because it means you can save on the cost of installing radiant floor heating. Get quotes from a few installers and make sure there aren’t any significant differences in cost. 

Then, choose the quote you are most comfortable with. 

Want to know how much radiant floor heating costs in your home? Get a quote from Warmup today!

Size of the Heated Area

Another factor that can impact the cost is the side of the area you want heated. It may be surprising to hear that smaller projects can actually cost more.

This is because—regardless of the size of the heated space—you still need a thermostat and potentially even a transformer to support the system in the case of an electric system. You may even pay more per square foot on smaller projects than you would on larger ones.

Zoning

Zoning needs also affect the cost for underfloor heating. When you install radiant heating throughout your home, you will have areas that require more heat than others. 

This may lead you to want to haze zoning capabilities, which allows you to set different temperatures in different areas of your home. It’s a useful feature that gives you the ability to better control your system and keep energy costs down. But adding it can increase the overall cost of the project.