Radiant floor heating is a great way to warm up rooms on a cold day, and are an increasingly popular addition to modern homes. There’s no bulky fixtures or vents; just a versatile and energy efficient heating system that eliminates cold spots and drafts.
But what’s best for your home: electronic or hydronic? This guide will help you make a decision.
Understanding Electric Floor Heating Systems
Electric floor heating systems generate heat via electricity that passes through heating cables or heating mats installed beneath the floor. This heat then radiates upwards and warms the space above.
A major benefit of electric floor heating is the ease of installation. Homeowners can retrofit spaces and install systems in most floor types: laminate, tile, carpeted etc. They also have fast response times; warming up in as little as 30 minutes.
Electric floor heating is better suited to smaller spaces where operational costs are more economical.
How Hydronic (Water-Based) Floor Heating Systems Function
Hydronic floor heating systems use a network of water-heated tubes to warm rooms. They are typically better for heating entire homes: the process of heating water and circulating it through pipes is more effective than using cables or mats in larger spaces.
While the greater coverage and even heat distribution make hydronic more energy efficient in the long term, it is more expensive to install.
Electronic vs. Hydronic: Which System is Best for Your Home?
Selecting the right floor heating system for your home depends on factors including your property size, budget, and heating requirements.
Electric vs. Hydronic: Costs
Electric systems are generally cheaper in small spaces, but costs increase significantly for larger projects due to the complexity of installation and higher energy consumption.
Hydronic systems are the inverse: higher upfront costs but more energy efficient in the years afterwards.
In British Columbia, homeowners can expect to pay between $8 to $12 per square foot of space to install an electric heating mat floor system. As electric is often used in smaller rooms, the total cost will be cheaper than hydronic.
Hydronic floor systems are usually installed in larger spaces. Homeowners will have to pay around $20 per square foot of space. For a standard 2,600 square foot home, the total cost could be $50,000.
For accurate cost-estimates that match your requirements, please contact us.
Electric vs. Hydronic: Energy Efficiency
Both electric and hydronic floor heating can be energy efficient. It all depends on the scale of the installation. Electric systems heat up rapidly and use electric very efficiently in small areas like bathrooms and other single rooms.
Hydronic is not as cost-efficient in these tighter spaces, but truly shines for larger projects. Once the water is heated, it’s easier to retain that heat and operate for hours. They can also be paired with renewable energy sources like solar; making them even more economical.
Electronic vs. Hydronic: Installation
Electronic floor heating systems can usually be installed in one to two days with minimal disruption to existing flooring. It requires mats or heating cables to be laid and connected to a power supply.
Hydronic floor heating systems are more complex and require up to seven days to be installed. The floor may need to be lifted or replaced to install the tubes, which also need to be connected to a furnace or heat pump.
Making the Right Choice for Your Floor Heating Needs
Heating floors add much-needed warmth to living spaces and make homes more comfortable during the coldest winter months. Both electronic and hydronic systems have their advantages – depending on the project – so it’s a case of selecting a system that’s right for your circumstances.
For more advice and to hire a professional to install a heating system, contact Waywest Mechanical today.