How Hydronic Radiant Heat Works in Your Home

Radiant floor heating is one of the most comfortable, energy-efficient, and modern ways to heat your home. Whether you’re building a new home, remodeling, or retrofitting an existing space, understanding how radiant floor heating works and choosing the right system is key.

What is Radiant Floor Heating?

Radiant floor heating, also called in-floor heating, works by circulating heat directly under your floors through tubing or electric mats installed under your floors. Warm water or electricity flows through the system, heating the floor and everything above it. This method provides consistent, silent, and comfortable heat without relying on forced air.

 This can be done using:

• Hydronic systems – Warm water runs through tubing installed beneath the floor.

   

• Electric systems – Heating mats or cables embedded in the floor.

   

• Hot water radiant systems – A variation of hydronic heating, ideal for retrofits or new construction.

   

Unlike traditional forced-air heating, radiant floor systems heat objects and surfaces first, giving your home even, silent, and cozy warmth.

Best Flooring for Hydronic Radiant Heat

The type of flooring you choose affects the performance of your radiant heating system. The best options include:

• Tile and stone – Excellent heat conductivity, heats quickly and evenly.
• Engineered wood – Stable and works well with gradual temperature changes.
• Laminate – Some types work well; check manufacturer compatibility.
• Carpet – Can work if the carpet and padding are low thickness, but reduces heat efficiency.

   

Avoid thick solid hardwood or vinyl that isn’t rated for radiant heat, as these can affect performance.

Advantages of Radiant Floor Heating

Radiant floor heating offers many benefits for homeowners:

• Consistent, Uniform Heat: No more cold spots—every corner of your home gets the same cozy warmth.
• Silent Operation: No noisy fans or blowers—just quiet, comfortable heat.
• Improved Air Quality: Because there’s no forced air, dust and allergens aren’t circulated around your home.
• Energy Efficient: Hydronic heating systems are highly efficient, which can lower heating bills and reduce your environmental footprint.
• Safe for Children and Pets: With heat coming from beneath the floor, there’s no risk of burns from radiators or baseboard heaters.
• Low Maintenance: Once installed, radiant floor heating systems are virtually maintenance-free and last for years.
• More Usable Space: No bulky radiators or vents—more room for furniture and open floor plans.

Best Boiler for Radiant Floor Heat

For hydronic floor heating systems, a high-quality boiler is essential for consistent heat. Popular options include:

Gas-fired boilers: Efficient for large homes and full-house systems.

Electric boilers: Suitable for smaller areas or secondary systems.

Tankless water heaters: Provide on-demand hot water for smaller setups.

Contact Butler Plumbing to ensure your boiler capacity is properly matched to your home size and system layout.

Radiant Floor Heating Cost

Costs vary based on home size, system type, and flooring. Butler Plumbing, Heating & Gasfitting can provide a personalized estimate based on your home and requirements.

Why Edmonton Homeowners Choose Butler Plumbing

With over 30 years of experience, we specialize in installing, repairing, and retrofitting radiant floor heating systems. Trusted in Edmonton for delivering efficient, quiet, and low-maintenance hydronic heating solutions, our expertise ensures comfort and reliability in every project.

Ready to Install Radiant Floor Heating in Edmonton?

You don’t have to take up valuable space in your home with bulky, unsightly radiator units. This means you can have more space for furniture or simply more open space for an airier space.

Butler Plumbing, Heating & Gasfitting offers installation, repair, and retrofitting services for all types of radiant in-floor heating systems.

Ready to enjoy cozy, energy-efficient heat in your Edmonton home? Call Butler Plumbing at 1-587-200-1034 to request a quote or schedule installation.

Call now! 780-432-3947