What trade installs radiant floor heating?

Author: Mrs. Fiona Considine DDS  |  Last update: Thursday, May 8, 2025

The electrician would be responsible for the final step of connecting the floor-heating system to the thermostat, whereas the floor-heating installer would be responsible for everything else — laying out the radiant heating system and installing the flooring on top.

Who installs radiant floor heat?

Installing Hydronic Radiant Floor Heating

The project requires both a licensed plumber and electrician, so keep this in mind for any hydronic radiant heat options. It can be installed above or below the subfloor, so there are usually many steps involved, depending on your preference and needs.

What trade installs underfloor heating?

We recommend wet underfloor heating be installed by a qualified plumber or heating engineer. If the system is being connected to a boiler, then the final connection must be completed by a certified Gas Safe engineer. There is also some electrical work involved to connect the system to a thermostat and programmer.

What is average cost to install radiant floor heat?

The average cost for purchasing this system and installation will run around $7.1-$21.1 per square foot. This includes the costs for installation plus tubing and labour ($6 to $20 per square foot).

What is the downside of radiant heat?

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.

Radiant Shop Flooring System Overview

What is the life expectancy of radiant floor heating?

The longevity of an underfloor heating system depends on the type of system installed. A well-installed and maintained water-based underfloor heating system can last up to 50 years. Electric systems, while having a shorter lifespan, can still last up to 25 years.

Does radiant heat use a lot of electricity?

Energy efficient

Most electric floor heating systems use 12 watts per hour per square foot, meaning a 100-square-foot room would use 1200 watts in total every hour, or 300 watts less than the average space heater.

Can radiant floor heating heat an entire house?

In most cases, radiant heating can keep a whole home warm. However, whether it's a good fit depends on several factors. The first consideration is house layout and size. Bigger homes might need more carefully designed systems for consistent warmth because they need more heat to stay comfortable inside.

Can you add radiant heat to an existing concrete floor?

You can add radiant heat to existing concrete, boosting comfort and efficiency. Ideally, you have pre-installed hydronic PEX tubing that you simple connect to a boiler.

Does radiant floor heating add value to your home?

Yes, it certainly does. Heated floors are a luxurious feature that not only add comfort for current homeowners but also make a strong impression on future buyers. The warmth, especially in cold climates, is an attractive selling point.

Do electricians install heated floors?

5) The electrician and the tile installer install radiant heat. Installing radiant heat is handled by both the electrician and the tile installer. The electrician will get the circuit set up and provide wiring and conduit from the panel down to the floor.

Do electricians install underfloor heating?

However, Thermogroup's Underfloor heating systems are supplied as a complete wired system it can be installed by any competent DIY person, a professional installer or tradesperson (Including Builder, Tiler or Electrician).

Who fits underfloor heating?

Wet systems should only be installed by a professional underfloor heating specialist. With any job that involves electricity or water, we would always recommend seeking the help of a professional.

How much does radiant heat barrier installation cost?

Installing a radiant barrier costs $1,700 on average, but often ranges between $710 and $2,840 depending on whether your pro uses a foil or spray on type.

What are the electrical requirements for radiant floor heating?

At Warm Your Floor, we recommend 120V systems for heated areas less than 150 square feet (at 12 W/sf), and 240V systems for heated areas more than 150 square feet. The reason for this is a single thermostat can control 15 amps.

Are heated floors worth it?

While seemingly a luxury, heated floors are a practical and affordable way to add warmth and comfort to your home. As already mentioned above, DITRA-HEAT's membranes are also waterproof. This helps to protect the subfloor and any structural elements from moisture damage, making it a great investment for any homeowner.

How much does it cost to add radiant floor heat?

How much do heated floors cost? Radiant floor heating costs about $10 to $15 per square foot. 4 The national average cost of radiant floor heating is $3,800, with a range of $1,700 to $6,000. 4 You'll also need to factor in labor costs from a professional.

Can radiant heating be installed in old construction?

Radiant floor heat is especially conducive to warming the ground floor of older homes because we can often install tubing from underneath the existing floor (with access to basement or crawlspace).

How thick should a concrete slab be for radiant floor heating?

Installing the Pipe and Slab Thickness

The minimum recommended slab (thermal mass) thickness for the radiant panel is: 1-1/4″ for 3/8″ pipe. 1-1/2″ for 1/2″ pipe. 1-5/8″ for 3/4″ pipe.

What is the downside of underfloor heating?

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.

Can you have air conditioning with radiant floor heat?

Adding Separate AC

Radiant heat warms your home from the floors up, distributing heat through hot water in the floor. This means no vents are needed to transport hot air from room to room. The downside? No air vents mean no central system to transport air conditioning from room to room either.

Should I turn off radiant floor heating in summer?

Advantages of turning off UFH for the summer

By using the temperature controls for UFH, users can easily switch off their system for the warmer months of the year and gain from further energy savings. Keeping radiant floor heating activated through June, July and August can be a waste of valuable resources.

What is the best floor for radiant heat?

Ceramic tile is the most common and effective floor covering for radiant floor heating, because it conducts heat well and adds thermal storage.

What are the disadvantages of radiant energy?

Cons:
  • High initial cost: Radiant heating systems can be more expensive to install than traditional heating methods. ...
  • Limited to certain spaces: Radiant heating systems are best suited to spaces with high ceilings or large open spaces, where traditional heating methods can struggle to provide adequate warmth.

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