How Much Does Radiant Floor Heating Cost?

There are many ways for you to insulate your home, however, to create an environment that efficiently saves you money and offers a uniformity for temperature within your living spaces. Besides the amount of coverage that would affect the estimate, homeowners should also think about whether this installation is for a new construction or renovation.

 

Average Range	$10000-$40000
Low-End Cost	$800
High-End Cost	$65000

 

The average range that homeowners should expect to pay for a radiant floor heating installation will probably be about $10000 to $40000. The low-end cost of this project will be around $800 and the high-end cost will probably be about $65000. Although new home constructions will cost about $10000 to $34000 for a radiant floor heating system, there are many different factors that could affect the estimates listed above.

 

There are estimates that are impacted by the type of system you’re considering. You can choose to install either the hydronic, electric, solar, propane, or geothermal heating systems. By knowing which one you’ll want to install, you’ll be able to know the estimates of each one and the respective advantages they provide to your home.

 

 

Radiant Heated Floor Cost Cost

Each of the rooms in your home will have different cost ranges based on the amount of panels you’re trying to install. The whole purpose of installing the radiant heating system is to make sure that your space’s insulation is operating properly. The first choice you’ll make with installing your radiant floor heating system is knowing which system might be most suitable for your rooms.

 

System Types	Cost Per Sq Ft
Hydronic	$7-$17
Propane	$7-$17
Geothermal	$7-$17
Solar	$7-$20
Electric	$8-$25

 

There are three main types of floors for the radiant floor heating systems: hydronic, radiant air, and electric. The installation will utilize either an electric, radiant air, or hydronic arrangement, which is why the majority of these systems have the same cost range. 

 

Hydronic heating uses some kind of variation of the boiler. Like the ventilation systems and water systems that circulate the proper heat to the temperatures and the water in your home, the boiler will heat the water up. Once the water rises in temperature, the water is circumvented underneath your home’s flooring. The hydronic heating will cost about $7 to $17 per square foot.

 

Air-heated radiant flooring is primarily used for solar powered underfloors. They will cost about $14 to $20 per square foot. With solar energy, the installation will heat up the air in your spaces and transfer throughout the floors during the day. The major benefit with using air-heated radiant flooring is how the system doesn’t require fuel. However, since this is solely used with solar power, the heating method doesn’t work during the nighttime. The electric flooring set-ups will cost about $8 to $25 per square foot.    

 

Homeowners will have four choices to choose from: hydronic, electric, solar, propane, or geothermal. Each of these options have their own benefits and disadvantages. The average range that homeowners should expect to spend for hydronic, propane, and geothermal systems is about $7 to $17 per square foot, while the solar system will range around $8 to $15 per square foot. The electric system will range about $8 to $25. 

 

Heat Sources	Cost Range
Propane boiler (propane)	$2800-$7500
Solar water heater	$3000-$9000
Standard boiler (hydronic)	$3200-$9000
Heat pump (geothermal)	$15000-$35000

 

Electric radiant heating systems won’t have boilers installed since the heat is generated through the electricity. The source of energy runs through the embedded or loose cables connected to the mats in the flooring. Geothermal radiant heating systems are connected to heat pumps and will cost the homeowner about $15000 to $35000.

 

Depending on which type of radiant floor heating system you choose, the cost will likely range between $10 to $25 per square foot, including the materials and the labor involved. Homeowners that have radiant floor heating will be able to balance out the temperatures in the air and their flooring, giving homeowners the opportunity to disperse the heat evenly.

 

Although heating ventilation requires the boiler to be warmed at around 120 degrees, using a radiant heating system, the floors will operate at about 85 degrees. The major benefit with using a radiant heating system is the minimal usage of your ventilation system. Professional assistance is required in regards to this kind of project. 

 

Hydronic Floor Heating Cost

Using a boiler to heat water and transfer the heat to the floors, hydronic heating will cost an average of $7 to $17 per square foot. You’ll have to spend an additional estimate of $3200 to $9000 for a standard boiler. If you already have a standard boiler installed, you might not have to worry about this cost range. Homeowners will have the hydronic system installed into larger areas in the home. Since it is the most inexpensive system to purchase and install, most homeowners will opt for the hydronic system for its affordability. 

 

Propane Floor Heating Cost

A propane-powered radiant floor heating system will cost approximately $7 to $17 per square foot. Propane-powered heaters cost an average of $2800 to $7500. There are quite a few installations to consider when arranging a propane radiant heating system. Homeowners may have to install a propane tank, which will cost about $2100 to $4300 for a fuel tank with a 500 gallon capacity. 

 

The tubing that would be set up for the propane tank would typically be for concrete flooring since the reinforced materials would be arranged before any concrete slabs can be included with the project. Doing so will not only be affordable but also easy to organize. Homeowners should know that there are other flooring options beside concrete, like underlayment, suspended flooring, and between joists.  

 

Geothermal Floor Heating Cost

Typically, like the other options that require a hydronic flooring set-up, the geothermal system uses the same application. An in-flooring installation is, on average, about $7 to $17 per square foot, while the total estimate for a heat pump will probably range between $15000 to $35000. Essentially, homeowners will opt for the geothermal heating system because of the natural underground heat that is generated and transferred to the hydronic flooring system. 

 

Solar Floor Heating Cost

The installation involving a solar-powered radiant heating system will cost homeowners about $7 to $20 per square foot. There may be additional costs associated with this kind of installation project, like solar panels or a solar-powered water heater, however, if you already have these two appliances installed, you won’t have to worry. Keep in mind that these two appliances could double the installation cost. Consult with your professional about this matter before the installation begins. A solar water heater will cost the homeowner an average of $3000 to $9000. The solar floor arrangement will use air-heated radiant floors. 

 

Electric Floor Heating Cost

There are several types of equipment that will go into installing an electric system. The project will cost about $8 to $25 per square foot to install. The overall estimate will likely be determined by the floor size, voltage, and upgrades. Electric mats, strips, and heating cables are the applications that are most probable additions to this kind of project. Homeowners should keep in mind that installing mats will be less affordable than installing wires. Although, mats are the simpler alternative to arrange installations.

 

Radiant Heated Floor Cost By Type Of Flooring

There are about seven types of floors that are applicable to install heated flooring: vinyl, carpet, concrete, laminate, tile, hardwood, and marble. The main factors to consider when installing heated floors is how the material will affect the project. Some materials may lead to overheating or even loss of energy. 

 

In certain cases, the flooring may require more tubing to be included, which will result in higher estimates. To avoid such complications, you and your professional should discuss all the different components that might need to be included in the process.

 

Material	Cost Range Per Sq Ft
Vinyl	$2-$15
Carpet	$2-$21
Concrete	$4-$6
Laminate	$8-$15
Tile	$9-$30
Hardwood	$10-$25
Marble	$12-$60

 

Heated Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl is a product that is popular for its water-resistance, its appeal, and the comfort it brings to the space it is installed in. Costing about $2 to $15 per square foot, the application of radiant flooring into heated vinyl floors will range anywhere from $12 to $40 per square foot. One of the major reasons as to why homeowners use radiant heating with their vinyl flooring is because of how many styles they come in. 

 

When it comes to installing vinyl, you’ll have about five different material options to choose from: sheet vinyl, vinyl composite tile, luxury vinyl tile, luxury vinyl plank, and vinyl plank flooring. Homeowners can find an array of options that will provide both the compatibility of customizing the home’s interior spaces and the functionality of your flooring heating project.  

 

Heated Carpet Flooring

Homeowners might find this application somewhat disconcerting since the carpets could be compromised by the effects of the heat, however, homeowners shouldn’t be alarmed if they have professionals handling the project. Typically, the carpets should already be insulated, but it is quite common for the professional to install an insulating pad under your carpets. The average estimate for the heated carpeting is about $2 to $21 per square foot, however, including the material and labor costs, this average could range anywhere from $12 to $46 per square foot.

 

Heated Concrete Flooring

Concrete is probably the most orthodox material for flooring amongst lofts and contemporary homes. The cost range to pour concrete is approximately $4 to $6 per square foot, while the total range to have a heated flooring installed will estimate between $14 and $31 per square foot. One of the major benefits that the heated concrete floors provide is how easy the concrete floors are to polish. They’re also probably the best application for radiant heating since the installation of tubes can be done in a straightforward manner. The tubes can be arranged directly in the concrete giving your flooring the warm temperatures you can easily maintain.

 

Heated Laminate Flooring

Laminate is a stable material that homeowners usually mistake with vinyl flooring due to the affordability that both materials offer. Composed of different layers of material, laminate is a material that is typically processed and laminated from one layer to another. Costing approximately $8 to $15 per square foot, laminate provides a lower humidity and works hand-in-hand with radiant floor heating systems. Overall, heated laminate flooring will cost about $18 to $40 per square foot.

 

Heated Tile Flooring

Tile is a smoother, harder surface that can get cold pretty quickly. With a radiant heating system, the tiles can adjust to warmer temperatures. Ranged between $9 and $30 per square foot, the heated tiles can become the perfect addition to the kitchen but more importantly, the bathroom. Since the moisture in the bathroom can become quite excessive, homeowners enjoy the fact that they can walk in their hygienic spaces with the convenience of not having to worry about slipping without the discomfort of the cold affecting their feet.

 

Heated Hardwood Flooring

The overall estimate of installing heated hardwood flooring will range between $20 to $50 per square foot. Practically one of the more costly flooring options for homeowners, the heated hardwood floors have a huge variety of different species and grains to choose from. While the hardwood could be made through solid or engineered options. Both of these options will be suitable for radiant floor heating.

 

Heated Marble Flooring

Marble is probably the most visually appealing flooring option that homeowners can choose to install. Similar to tile, marble flooring is quite cold when it comes to physical touch. Radiant heating systems can resolve this issue, like tile heated floors. It will cost about $12 to $50 per square foot for the whole installation to be completed. The reason why homeowners choose to install heated marble flooring is due to the comfort that they bring with any of the possible applications that can be done.

 

Photo By Martin Pettitt From Flickr

 

Labor Cost Of Installing Radiant Heated Flooring

Also known as the concrete slab installation, the wet installation is considered the most common method for radiant floor heating systems. The process of heating your floors is easier with concrete since it generates more heat. 

 

Radiant Heated Floor Cost By Room

Depending on which space you’re trying to install the heated flooring, you’ll have to think about the estimated costs according to the coverage. There are many considerations to think upon when homeowners try to make this kind of installation project. Since most of these rooms could have different heights and levels to think about, homeowners will require a professional consultation about what kind of specifications that this project will ultimately need.

 

Rooms	Avg Size	Overall Estimate
Bathrooms	36-40 sq ft	$72-$1200
Kitchens	161-174 sq ft	$322-$2000
Garages	240-624 sq ft	$3360-$19,344
Basements	500-1500 sq ft	$6000-$45000

 

Keep in mind that the average size of the rooms you’re trying to install your radiant heating systems in will depend on the materials you’re using and whether the size of the area is larger or smaller.

 

Radiant Heated Floor Cost For Bathrooms

The average size for bathrooms is about 36 to 40 square feet and the overall estimate will probably range from $72 to $1200. Typically, homeowners will opt for tile installations when it comes to their bathrooms. Adding radiant heating to your bathroom can be a wonderful way to make sure that the comfort and luxury of your space is maximized. 

 

Radiant Heated Floor Cost For Kitchens

Kitchens are typically the spaces for installations with vinyl, tile, or hardwood heated flooring. Costing anywhere from $322 to $10440, the radiant heating system would probably cover the average kitchen size of 161 to 174 square feet. Homeowners will typically install heated flooring to their kitchens to increase the temperature during the winter months. 

 

Radiant Heated Floor Cost For Garages

Costing about $3360 to $19344, the garage will most likely have concrete flooring installed. The average size of a garage, whether it be a single or double vehicle garage, is about 240 to 626 square feet. Knowing how low the temperature could go, the garage is typically the area that homeowners will feel compelled with installing radiant heating to the floors. Homeowners should consider what kind of space they need and knowing which spaces the garage is going to be for will strengthen the need for heated flooring. Since garages don’t have the complete insulation that is required for such coldness, heated flooring can be quite beneficial for any of your garage needs. 

 

Radiant Heated Floor Cost For Basements

Costing around $6000 to $45000, the average basement size is typically 500 to 1500 square feet and the estimate reflects the installation of heated flooring with that much coverage. Basements will commonly be installed with carpeting, laminate, or tile flooring options. Homeowners can perform and finish their basement projects as habitable environments. Radiant heated flooring combines efficacy and ease, especially if the homeowner is making a multi-purpose room, home gym, or guest room.

 

Heated Flooring Operation Cost

To close the gap of losing ten to 30 percent that you’d receive from traditional heating systems, a radiant floor heating system can solve this issue of losing the particular ratio of insulation. Operating these systems will depend on the kind of heat sources that are available for the types of systems that are out in the market. 

 

This is situated to also assist you with any complications that you’re facing with electrical costs. Whether it is the use of hydronic or electric systems, homeowners should be aware of the different equipment that might be required to make the proper professional installations.

 

Hydronic Radiant Floor Heating Operations

The hydronic radiant heating systems will be dependent on the type of boiler you’re considering to connect, the source of energy being used, and the coverage of the floor installation. Typically, homeowners will use a gas boiler for the hydronic systems. Costing about $1 an hour for the operation, a 100000 BTU boiler will help with powering spaces covering up to 2200 square feet. Consult with your professional whether this is the size of boiler required for the amount of installations you’re planning to make.

 

Electric Radiant Floor Heating Operations

Operating the electric radiant floor heating system will be determined the installation coverage, the amount of electricity being used, and the cost of electricity being charged in your town or area. The most common capacity being used for these kinds of systems is 12 watts per square foot per hour. There are different ranges of electricity costs that are charged throughout the many locations in the US, so you should consider your own budget in these proceedings.

 

Radiant Heated Floor System Replacement Cost

If the damages to your heated flooring system are too extensive, you should remind yourself that the replacement cost associated with such circumstances could range between $18000 and $50000. The budgetary calculations will likely come from the coverage size and system type that needs to be refitted into your spaces.

 

Keep in mind that if a portion of your system needs replacing, only a portion of the estimate will be charged. The average range for replacing a portion is typically about $3000 to $10000. One of the most typical replacements that homeowners often have to deal with is purchasing and installing either a new pump or boiler. These replacements are crucial for not only your new flooring system but also your temperature control.

 

Arranging replacement plans might require the homeowner to take out aged pipes, pumps, and various components from the system. The removal process will range between $2000 and $5000 in costs, in addition to the replacement costs you may have to consider. This will certainly be the case for systems that are irreparable, however, the professional will probably notify you if there needs to be major changes to your system.

 

Energy Consumption On Heated Floor Systems

Other than the cost factors that go into installing a heated floor system, homeowners will want to think about the energy bills that might affect their budgets. The primary budgetary concern that will surface comes from the amount of energy and heat being produced by the boiler. The cost will vary by the capacity of the boiler. It will ultimately depend on which fuel source is being used.

 

Insulation is the factor that is regarded with the utmost importance. Subflooring is what really determines the overall performance and optimization of your energy usage. Essentially, concrete subflooring is the best alternative to outputting the maximum amount of heat and energy. Keep in mind that there are certain aspects to reconstructing or renovating a room with the proper methods of insulating the space involved.

 

Benefits And Drawbacks Of Radiant Floor Heating

Like any home improvement project or installation project, there are always advantages that you can utilize or disadvantages that will affect the remaining spaces of your property. Keep in mind that these impacts might not be exactly what you want, so you should consider these cases carefully. Keep in mind that there are various ways to maintain the heat within your home. Essentially, the heat that is radiating from the floor can affect the surrounding furniture or objects standing on the heated floors. 

 

In any case, the simulated process of radiating heat through your flooring is exactly that, a simulated process. Although the floors may help you feel a sensation of warmth, it is only providing heat through one part or several parts of your flooring. The stimulation can be enough for homeowners to feel the warmth, and make up for any loss of heating that might be shifting away from the ventilation you have turned on. 

 

Radiant Heated Ceiling Cost

Other than floors, homeowners can install headed panels for ceilings, costing about $200 to $500 for each panel to be installed. Keep in mind that this kind of installation will minimize your heating costs. Compared to the other heating methods of your home, radiant heating for your home’s ceilings charge monthly costs that are 30 percent lower than the average estimate of those other heating methods.

 

The panels are just as effective as the flooring system with insulation and may actually help you with saving your energy. Your professional will provide you with a quick and simple installation in regards to setting up radiant heating systems for your ceiling. Each panel should range between two to four feet long and about two feet wide.

 

Radiant Floor Heating Maintenance Cost

Homeowners should note that most of the maintenance, like the energy consumption that is derived from the flooring system, will come from the boiler or pump. New pumps won’t require any maintenance and costs regarding the care of these new pumps won’t be much of a concern, but keep in mind that the older models will need lubrication every now and then.

 

Yearly inspections should be scheduled to make sure that your boiler is in good working condition, which will include confirmation on the hygiene of the boiler, the lubrication on its bearings, the cleanliness of the fire tubes, the performance of the burner, and the inspection of the electrical components. Homeowners should also check on the maintenance of their system while performing these tasks.

 

Finding Multiple Estimates Through House Tipster

Whether you’re contacting a contractor or a flooring specialist for a heated flooring project, you should consider all of the estimates that go along with the completion of such an installation. Typically, homeowners will find it necessary to ensure all factors are accounted for when finishing the installation requirements. One of the most common issues with finding the professional for these kinds of projects is whether the professional is right for the jobs that are entailed. 

 

By using House Tipster, you won’t have to worry about whether the professional is qualified or whether they match your affordability. This web tool uses two functions: chat and review. Our chat system allows users to communicate with their interested listings about estimates and inquiries. It saves time and elevates efficiency since the scheduling process is simplified.

 

Our reviews function allows you to confirm whether your professional is who you want or need for the job, according to the satisfaction of previous clients or lack thereof. Using these two key features, you’ll be able to find the right people that fit your project needs and help with completing your projects, whether those projects may be for renovation or construction purposes. Find your listing through House Tipster to make sure your project is fully realized.

 

Featured Image By Todd Lappin From Flickr