Electric vs. Hydronic Radiant Floor Heating

Radiant floor heating is the heating method of choice for homeowners across the U.S. and Canada. Heated floors offer optimal comfort and energy savings and don't circulate dust and allergens around a home like forced air systems do. While you're probably familiar will all the benefits of radiant floor heating, what you may not know is there are two underfloor heating options to choose from— electric and hydronic. Read on to learn more about these radiant floor heating systems.

Electric

As the name suggests, electric heated floors use electricity to heat your floor. Electric heated floors consist of mats that are wired with resistance electrical cables and deliver an even distribution of heat. This type of radiant floor heating is cheaper and easier to install than the hydronic alternative, as it requires no water heaters, pumps or extra equipment. Electric floors are ideal for heating single rooms, such as the bathroom, kitchen or bedroom. It's also beneficial in spaces that have a large thermal mass and where electricity providers offer time-of-use electricity rates.

Hydronic

A hydronic radiant floor uses water to heat your floor. The water is heated in a boiler and then moves through pipes located under the floor. While hydronic floors can be cheaper to operate than electric radiant floors, they do not provide the same level of comfort, and they are more costly and difficult to install. Since the water has to move through a series of pipes after it is heated, water near the end of the pipe is cooler compared to the water at the beginning. Also, hydronic floors involve multiple mechanical parts, which put it at a higher risk for ruptures and malfunction. 

At ThermoSoft, we offer the industry's best radiant floor heating products. Our heated flooring solutions are ideal for all types of flooring, including ceramic, hardwood, laminate, carpet and vinyl. For more information about our heated floors, contact 800-308-8057.