Cool weather means it’s time to turn off the AC and turn on the heat. But are your feet still cold walking around your home?

Is your energy bill too high? A heated flooring system installed under your hardwood, tile, or carpet could be a solution for your household. Here’s what you need to know about heated flooring before you talk to a contractor.

The types of heated floor systems

Before the advent of electricity and heated floor technology, our ancestors heated their floors by drafting smoke through stone trenches. Luckily, we have the luxury of less primitive options today. The two most popular floor heating systems are hydronic and electric, which emit radiant heat through either pipes or wires.

Hydronic

A hydronic system uses your existing broiler or water heater and loops of plastic tubing to run hot water under your flooring. This is the best option if you want to heat your whole home or a large portion of it. This system can be complicated to install, even for experienced DIYers, so it’s recommended that you consult a professional plumber and an electrician to ensure a safe and efficient installation.

Electric

An electric system is perfect for heating the floor in small spaces, such as a bedroom or bathroom. This is the most popular system because of its easy installation process and affordability. It relies on either a mesh mat woven with a continuous heating element installed beneath the flooring, a solid mat with completely embedded heating elements, or exposed cable positioned in an “S” pattern.

The pros and cons of heated floors

You can’t go wrong with either system; however, the one you choose should depend on your budget and timing. Here are some important points to consider.

Pros

In general, a heated floor system can save you up to 15 percent on your energy bill each month. Both systems transfer heat via thermal radiation rather than forced air circulation, which often escapes through the ceiling. Additionally, because heated floors don’t depend on forced air circulation, using an under-floor system reduces the amount of hazardous airborne particles floating through your home. Most systems offer the ability to change the temperature via a smart thermostat, which can be advantageous because you can adjust what time of day the heat turns on and off.

Cons

Both systems can require a lengthy installation process, so be sure to plan your project accordingly. However, hydronic systems require regular maintenance of the pumps and controls, which is a service expense you’ll need to budget for. Plus, a pipe leak could cause extensive damage and be costly to replace. If you have your system installed and maintained properly, this shouldn’t be an issue.

If you decide to install an electric heated floor system yourself, you are still required to have it inspected by a certified electrician. There is always a risk that one of the wires could burn out and need replacing, so it’s important to keep an eye on any cold spots you notice on the floor. 

The cost of heated floors

The cost of installing heated flooring depends on the square footage of the floor area you’re heating and what method of heating you choose. Hydronic systems, including the cost of parts and labor, will cost about $10 to $16 per square foot plus any yearly maintenance costs. Electric systems will cost around $16 to $25 per square foot, which is a larger upfront cost, but they require less upkeep. Because the costs are calculated by square foot, it’s important to measure the installation area accurately. Be sure to skip installing under parts of the floor you don’t walk on.