The heated floor in the bathroom offers many advantages. Some must-mentions are that this type of floor circulates a sense of luxury, reduces energy costs, offers health benefits, increases property value, and more.
Overall, a heated floor in your bathroom makes a great addition and it will provide a cozy feeling to your feet first thing in the morning and it will also prove to be a great selling feature should you choose to sell your home in the future.
Ultimately, there really are no negatives to installing underfloor heating in your bathroom. It is definitely worth the investment in bathrooms of all sizes.
According to BuildPro, electric underfloor heating can last up to 25 years, while hydronic-heated floors can last up to 50 years—a long time if you're worried about how long in-floor heating lasts.
If you've ever wondered, “Do heated floors use a lot of electricity?”, the answer is: less than you would think. In reality, a radiant heating system for a small bathroom uses about the same amount of energy as a freezer.
Yes, underfloor heating has a few disadvantages, such as higher installation costs, longer warm-up time compared to radiators, and potential restrictions on furniture placement.
Consistent Comfort: If the floor heating is left on all the time you never have to worry about turning it on and off and also don't find yourself walking from cold floors to warm floors. Avoiding Heat-Up Times: Underfloor heating can take time to heat. Depending on your system it can take a couple of hours to warm up.
Because floor heat requires no fans, it eliminates any possibility of dust build-up blowing around the room. As such, radiant floor heating can improve an entire living environment. Such improvements will make your home more attractive to any buyer or renter. Increased demand comes with an increased selling price.
But there is another element that can reduce moisture and humidity in your bathroom and that is a heated floor system installed underneath your floor tiles. Besides the comfort of stepping on warm tiles, heated floors will prevent the buildup of mould as it allows excess water to be dried quickly.
Electric radiant heating can be expensive to operate, depending on local electricity rates. Hydronic systems are expensive to install. Radiant heat is difficult to retrofit and may require major renovations.
On average, professional installation can cost between $500 and $1,500 for an electric system and $1,000 to $2,500 for a hydronic system. Some homeowners may choose to install the system themselves to save on labor costs, but it is essential to have electrical connections handled by a licensed professional.
Installing Underfloor Electric Radiant Heat
Installing loose cable systems can be tricky. While the cable can be routed in a variety of configurations, attaching it to the subfloor requires care and attention. Mats, however, are easy to install and wire.
Bathrooms are unique spaces that often need a warmer setting due to tiled floors, which can feel cold to bare feet. For bathrooms, the best temperature for underfloor heating is around 24-28°C. This range provides the warmth needed for comfort while minimising energy costs.
A thin area rug with no rubber backing is acceptable but be mindful that anything too thick can keep heat from radiating upwards. Rubber backing is NOT RECOMMENDED AT ALL. Avoid using wool rugs.
You will need a dedicated circuit for the electricity if you want to add radiant heat to your bathroom.
They do not require any equipment other than the heating components hidden under the floor, and the thermostat that controls them. Electric systems, once installed, require no real maintenance, though you need to understand how to use them properly to ensure they last a long time and work efficiently.
Heated bathroom floors are safe. They won't burn your feet. Besides, you don't have to worry about sharp corners or the searing surfaces of HVAC units. Along with safety, you can ensure that it brings out good air quality too.
Elevated Energy Bills: An underfloor heating pipe leak could lead to increased utility expenses as the system works harder to sustain the desired indoor temperature. Peculiar Odors: Leaks could give rise to uncommon odours in your home or office, such as musty or damp smells.
Whether you are moving into a new house or planning to do some alterations to your bathroom, underfloor heating (UFH) is a great investment that should be considered thanks to its low running costs. Also, having an underfloor heating system in your wet room brings you comfort and adds value to your property.
Hydronic In Floor Heating
A hydronic heating system provides heat via special flexible “PEX” tubes beneath your flooring. This plastic tubing can last between 30-50 years. However, since water must be heated and travel through the system, a boiler and a pump are also required.
How Much Do Heated Floors Cost to Operate? When you look at the operational cost associated with a radiant heated floor system, you'll see you can save a lot of money when compared to traditional heating systems. Homeowners can expect to pay between $1 to $5 for every 24 hours of use in a 100-square-foot area.
Porcelain and ceramic tile are widely regarded as the best choice for radiant floor heating. These tiles are thin and conduct heat extremely well. This reduces the energy (and time) needed to warm up a room. Tile will also retain the heat longer than other types of flooring, increasing your efficiency even more.
The cost of a heated bathroom floor will typically range from $800 – $1,500 for a small bathroom to $3,000 – $5,000+ for a large bathroom. The average cost of a medium/standard sized bathroom is $1,500 – $3,000.
The floor temperature can reach 75 - 97ºF (24 - 36ºC) depending on the type of sub-floor and floor covering, but the normal comfortable range is 77 - 84ºF (25 - 29ºC).
Benefits of Turning Off Underfloor Heating in the Summer
Moreover, operating your UFH system continuously during the summer may incur higher maintenance costs and strain the system, reducing its lifespan.