The image shows bare feet walking on a light-colored floor in a bright room, suggesting comfort and warmth, hinting at the presence of underfloor heating.

There are different types of floor heating systems, but the two most common are electric and hydronic. The first uses heating cables underneath the floor and is better for smaller areas, while the second circulates warm water in tubes under the floor and is excellent for large rooms.

If you plan on installing a heated floor system in your home but still have little idea of the options and how they work, this is the perfect guide for you. Here, you will find details about radiant and hydronic floor heating systems and answer all your doubts.

What Is Electric Radiant Floor Heating?

Image of a professional worker is shown installing an electric radiant underfloor heating system indoors

A cold floor is an annoying but common heating problem in homes. That is why some radiant floor heating systems install electric heating cables beneath the floor. Electric heating is often used in smaller areas like bathrooms or kitchens and provides heat directly through the floor surface. 

The advantages are that they are relatively easy to install, provide even heating across the floor, heat up quickly, and require little maintenance. 

How Does Electric Radiant Heat Work?

This system consists of electric heating cables installed either in mats or as loose wires beneath the floor. The cables are usually embedded in a thin layer of cement or placed under a tile floor. When the system is turned on, electricity flows through the cables, creating heat. 

The heat is then radiated upward through the flooring material, warming the floor surface and the room. A thermostat controls the system, allowing you to adjust the temperature as needed. Some systems also have programmable thermostats for energy efficiency.

Electric radiant heating is often installed in smaller spaces like bathrooms or kitchens because it can be expensive to operate over large areas.

What Is Hydronic Radiant Floor Heating?

The image displays a close-up of a hydronic heating system, featuring flexible tubes arranged in a curved pattern over a prepared surface, ready for installation beneath the floor to provide radiant heat.

A hydronic system uses a network of tubes that circulate heated water under the floor. It is more energy-efficient for heating larger spaces and entire homes, has lower operating costs, and works well with various energy sources.

How Does Hydronic Floor Heating Work?

A network of flexible tubing, often PEX pipes, is installed beneath the floor. A boiler heats water and circulates it through the tubing. The heated water transfers its warmth to the flooring, and the heat radiates upward, evenly heating the room.

The system is divided into zones, each with its thermostat so that different house areas can be set to different temperatures. Hydronic systems can be installed in a slab-on-grade, between floor joists, or within a concrete layer above the subfloor. They are ideal for larger areas or whole-house heating.

What Is The Average Heated Floor Cost? 

Hydronic systems have higher upfront costs but lower ongoing operating costs, while electric radiant systems are cheaper to install but can have higher monthly bills. For a small room, radiant floor heating costs around $30 per month and $800 to $1,500 to install.

A space measuring 100 square feet costs up to $2,000 for the installation but $1.50 to $3 per square foot annually.

Regardless of the floor heating system you choose, hire Wisercosts' heating experts to have it installed and maintained for the best price with the best service!