How much does it cost to install radiant floor heat?
You may choose to install radiant heating in a smaller area of your home or individual room which costs between $1,717 and $6,047 on average, or from $6 to $20 per square foot for a hydronic system and $8 to $15 per square foot for electric versions. The operating price for both systems is $1 to $5 for 24 hours. Let's calculate cost data for you.
How to install a radiant heat system underneath flooring?
Wiring
- Install conduit connectors to both ends of two pieces of 58-inch long, 1/2-in. electrical metal tubing (EMT). ...
- Secure the two lengths of conduit to a 4 x 4-in. metal electrical box. ...
- Install the wiring from the area of the main circuit breaker panel (or nearby outlet) to the area of the wall cavity where the thermostat will be located. ...
What kind of flooring can be installed over radiant heat?
Tile and hardwood flooring work best when installed over a radiant heating system, since these types of flooring feel cold in winter. Installing radiant heating under carpeting, on the other hand, is not as effective. Watch this video to find out more.
Can I install hardwood over radiant heat?
Thanks to the advances made in the heated floor industry, it is now possible to confidently install hardwood floors over radiant heat. This means homeowners can now enjoy the natural beauty of hickory, oak, cherry, walnut, maple, ash, and any other fine hardwood, plus the efficiency and luxurious comfort provided by radiant heating.
Can you put in floor heating under hardwood floors?
Can I use Underfloor Heating with Hardwood Floors? Electric underfloor heating systems work well with hardwood floors, as wood conducts and holds the warmth produced by the floor heater and radiates this into the room.
How do you install electric radiant heat under hardwood floors?
7:2710:58Installing Warmup Electric Radiat Heat Under Hardwood flooring - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou want to install your sleepers. Using wood strips of sleepers from 1/4 inch to 3/4 inch thick. 2MoreYou want to install your sleepers. Using wood strips of sleepers from 1/4 inch to 3/4 inch thick. 2 to 3 inch wide 12 of 16 inches on center.
What type of wood flooring is best for radiant heat?
Quartersawn wood flooring is always more stable under conditions of extreme moisture or heat, and is always a good choice over radiant heat, especially when going with flooring wider than 4 inches. Plainsawn wood will move more than quartersawn especially when it is over 4 inches wide.
How can I make my hardwood floors warmer?
How to Keep Wood Floors Warm in the WinterConsider Radiant Floor Heat. ... Use Area Rugs in Key Locations. ... Add Weatherstripping to Doors and Windows. ... Use Ceiling Fans. ... Wear Warmer Clothing.
How do you install radiant floor heating between joists?
11:1112:39Installing Radiant Heat Between Joists. Retrofit radiant heat ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt into three equal sections. And cut with a table saw or sharp hacksaw staple this barrier betweenMoreIt into three equal sections. And cut with a table saw or sharp hacksaw staple this barrier between the joists one to two inches down from the tubing in place creating a hot air pocket.
How do you install radiant heat in an existing floor?
0:162:17How to Retrofit Radiant Heat | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTrack system the track gets attached to the underside of the subfloor. And you can see the tubingMoreTrack system the track gets attached to the underside of the subfloor. And you can see the tubing snaps right in right yeah like that.
Can you install heated floors yourself?
Electric floor-heating systems are so easy to install that a handy DIYer can even do it.
Can you put radiant heat under laminate flooring?
Radiant heating systems can be installed under nearly every flooring type — including more sensitive ones such as laminate. Laminate flooring is becoming more and more competitive with hardwood flooring thanks to its high-quality look and budget-friendly price.
What Is Radiant Heat?
Floors that utilize radiant electric heat have cables built into them. There are also systems that utilize electrical matting, and this is mounted to the subfloor that’s directly below the floor.
Electric Radiant Heat Alternatives
There are three main kinds of radiant heat: electric, air-heated, and hydronic. Knowing how these other two kinds of radiant heat relate to electric radiant heat is important.
Can Radiant Heat Go Under Hardwood Floors?
For a while, radiant heat floors were thought of as merely a fad, but time has shown that these floors have staying power. Radiant heat floors can reach 85°F, though most system manufacturers say their systems should be kept between 70°F and 80°F.
Installing Electric Radiant Heat
The first step in the installation process is, of course, finding out which system is best for your home. You’ll likely choose between electric heat and hydro heat, and which is better for you depends on your preferences.
Related Questions
For an electric radiant heat floor to be effective and efficient, wood sleepers must be used. Sleepers are strips of wood that are between 1″ and 2″ wide and 3/8″ to 1/2″ high.
What kind of flooring is best for radiant floors?
Ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone are the most common flooring materials for radiant floors. But if you have your heart set on heated wood floors, you don’t have to settle for anything less. If you live in the Chicagoland area, our electricians for underfloor heating can install radiant heat under your wood floors to keep your feet warm on cold ...
What are the properties of radiant heat?
When deciding between flooring options, you’ll want to think about four properties to determine the materials’ suitability for radiant heat: Thickness. Thermal conductivity (ability to transfer heat) Tendency to contract or expand.
Can radiant heat damage wood floors?
Adding radiant heat to beneath some floors will void their warranty, strongly suggesting that radiant heat could damage them. Always check with the manufacturer of the wood flooring system to ensure it is compatible with radiant heat. Ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone are the most common flooring materials for radiant floors.
Can you put bamboo over radiant heat?
Yes, you can put bamboo flooring over radiant heat. But you’ll want to make sure to select bamboo flooring that’s specifically designed for the task. Although bamboo is a hardwood, it doesn’t swell or contract like other hardwoods.
Can you use nail down wood for underfloor heating?
Also, nail-down wood flooring is not compatible with most underfloor heating systems so look for a floating or glue-down wood flooring solution. If you plan on installing radiant heat under an existing floor, you’ll need to make sure that the flooring isn’t nailed down.
Can wood floors contract?
Wood floors conduct heat efficiently and have come in a wide variety of thicknesses. But temperature changes can cause them to expand and contract, and they can be damaged by water.
Is nail down wood flooring compatible with underfloor heating?
Whatever kind of wood you use, make sure to get quarter-sawn boards. Their grain runs vertically, limiting their expansion to the sides, which helps prevent gaps between boards. Also, nail-down wood flooring is not compatible with most underfloor heating systems so look for a floating or glue-down wood flooring solution.
Engineered Wood Versus Solid HardWood with Radiant Heat
Today, you have a choice of engineered wood or solid wood when you install wood flooring. Solid wood is made from solid pieces of wood, and it is in its natural wood form. Engineered wood is made with plywood or fiberwood at the core, and it has a veneer of solid wood on top.
What to Consider When You Install Electric Heat Under Hardwood Floors
Wood is a natural material that is affected by its environment. As such, it is actually a good conductor of thermal heat. It warms up quickly with radiant heat, and it holds the heat better than other materials. It is energy efficient when you use it with radiant heat.
How Does Radiant Heat Work?
Your HVAC heating works by warming the air, and then the air warms up the objects and people in the room. Radiant heating works differently. It warms the floor, which warms the objects that have contact with it.
Pros and Cons of Radiant Heat
There are benefits and drawbacks to installing radiant heat. Take a look at the following:
Can You Install Radiant Heat Under Existing Floorboards?
Unfortunately, you need to take up any flooring and replace it after you install the radiant heat. However, you don’t need to change out your subfloor material. You will pull up the existing flooring, install the radiant heat, and then lay the new floor.
Final Words
You can install electric radiant heat under wood floors. Wood is actually a good conductor of heat, so it does a great job of warming the floor. However, you need to keep it at 80 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. It is difficult to install it under existing flooring, so try to coordinate this project with a floor replacement.
What is radiant heating?
The two most popular radiant heating systems are electric and hydronic. In an electric system, floors have built-in electric cables or conductive plastic that transfers heat. Electric systems are cost-effective only in a house that retains heat well. In other words, buildings with concrete floors can “store” heat so the system can shut off during the day. However, houses that lose heat quickly will overspend on an electric system.
What is engineered wood?
Engineered wood is constructed of plywood with a wood veneer. This construction is more stable and therefore more resistant to temperature changes than solid wood. Thus, engineered wood is typically preferred for use in houses with radiant heating.
Is radiant heating a good option?
While radiant heating is a popular option, its feasibility depends on the type of system, proper installation and maintenance of hardwood floors, and type of flooring. Missing the mark on these can be detrimental to an entire project – and thus very costly.
Can you use narrow boards for radiant heat?
While solid wood flooring might shrink or crack easily, some remodelers prefer it. When choosing solid wood, homeowners should use narrow boards to minimize temperature effects.
Can radiant heat be used on floors?
Your floors should be enjoyed and with radiant heat you can do just that!
Is hydronic water heater more efficient than electric water heater?
Due to its low electricity usage, the hydronic system is more cost-effective than the electric. The system simply pumps water from a heater through tubing under the floor. Energy sources can include solar water heaters, boilers fired by oil, gas, or wood, or a combination of the two.
Does Elite Hardwood Flooring install radiant heat?
While Elite Hardwood Flooring does not install radiant heating systems, they provide premium hardwood flooring options. Need to install quality hardwood flooring? Contact Elite Hardwood Flooring today to view hardwoods.
Which is better for radiant heat flooring: engineered wood or solid wood?
For the installation of hardwood flooring over radiant heat, engineered woods make the better choice. The arrangement of thin plies of wood is made such that the wood grains end up running in opposite directions. As a result of cross-ply construction, the planks are consequently more dimensionally stable, offering less movement, and withstand moisture as well as variations in temperatures far better compared to the solid woods.
How long does radiant heat last?
In-floor radiant heating systems are quite reliable and durable, plus they provide evenly distributed and set temperatures, which consequently assists in the preservation of hardwood floors and offer the possibility of lasting for up to 35 years.
Can you heat solid wood floors?
Radiant Heating and Solid Hardwood Floors. Radiant heat is usually not recommended for application with solid woods since being a natural material, exposure to high levels of moisture and extensive fluctuations in temperature result in contractions and expansions. The presence of dry heat directly under solid wood floorings can, therefore, ...
Can you use hardwood flooring over radiant heat?
Most of the flooring materials can fruitfully be used over radiant heat when properly installed, although as we might all be aware, hardwood flooring offers the best comfort levels in addition to the highest aesthetic value.
Can radiant heat be installed over concrete?
The installation of radiant heat tubing within a plywood underlayment system, either over an existing slab of concrete or directly over a current wood subfloor is another option. It is, however, a strong recommendation to incorporate the traditional closed-cell foam insulation developed for utilization in damp areas.
Can wood floors be used for radiant heat?
Wood floors are additionally ideal for radiant heating because of the possibility to reduce extra noise, mainly due to muffling characteristic, though radiant heating does not use a blower and usually produces very minimal sounds.
Is radiant heat a sole or supplementary heat source?
Depending on where you reside, radiant heating offers the possibility of application as either the sole or as a supplementary heat source in your home.
What is radiant heating?
Radiant heating means that a hot element, either electric and hydronic, is installed under the floor. Usually, the element is thin slats or tubing and may involve a barrier mat. It’s easy to install, providing you know what type of heating element you need. We’ll talk about that below.
What is under joist radiant heating?
Under-joist radiant heating in most electric systems consists of thin panels that are installed up between the floor joists. Electric mat radiant heat can also be used, and it’s great for installing between the subfloor and the actual floor.
Is hydronic radiant heating good for existing flooring?
There’s no question radiant heat is a great option for homeowners (provi ded you understand your options) and in most cases, very energy-friendly! Radiant heating is an investment worth considering if you’re going to be in your home for any length of time.
Is radiant heat better than forced air?
Radiant heating is more efficient than forced-air heaters because energy isn’t wasted blowing through the ducts — this is a boon for people with allergies, too, because there aren’t dust particles being flung around the room. Even better is that radiant heat can run off different energy sources like gas, oil, solar, and wood — or even a combination of those. Radiant heating systems that are paired with energy efficient thermostats can take you even further in your money saving efforts.
Is it in-floor heating energy and cost efficient?
You know all the energy that it takes to force or blow air into a room? It just isn’t needed for radiant floor heating, so yes, it’s very energy efficient. Furthermore, our feet are more sensitive to temperature so heat through the floor will warm us up even if the air is cold in the house. So it’ll take a lot less energy and time to maintain a specific temperature on the floor, and you’ll feel plenty cozy.
What temperature should hardwood floors be heated to?
It is typically recommended that a maximum floor surface temperature of 27°C should not be exceeded for hardwood flooring but this not strictly accurate. This temperate instruction is based on historic research exploring growth and shrinkage rates of hardwood floors and it was at 27°C that the expansion of hardwood tested was deemed ‘invisible’ to the naked eye. This temperature is now an industry-wide recommendation, but hardwood floors can be heated to a higher level if necessary, however, if your flooring supplier recommends a maximum surface temperature of 27°C then you should follow this advice.
What is the best flooring for underfloor heating?
Hardwood flooring is a popular floor finish in both contemporary home design and home restoration projects and it is an ideal material to use with an underfloor heating system.
How does moisture affect hardwood floors?
All wood is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from around it and this moisture causes both hardwood and engineered wood to naturally expand and contract over time. This moisture content can vary depending on what kind of timber you choose and the environment of where your floor-heating project is located. With the changing seasons, a hardwood floor will grow and shrink minutely as the indoor humidity changes. If installed incorrectly, this swelling and contraction of a timber floor can impact on the responsiveness of a floor heater.
What is hardwood flooring?
When we refer to hardwood, we generally mean natural timber– that is wood that has been cut and treated specifically for flooring and most commonly produced as floorboards. When considering installing floor heating with a hardwood floor finish, the quality of the wood is very important.
How long does it take for a floor to acclimate to the heat?
After installation, the floor should acclimate for at least 48 hours before turning the system back on. The floor temperature should be limited to 15°C and increased by 1°C a day until the desired floor temperature is achieved. It is advisable to check the temperature restrictions with your floor manufacturer as the ambient temperature will depend on the season. Always check with the flooring manufacturer the suitability of the flooring for use with the heating system.
What is floor heating?
Floor heating is the modern heating solution – creating the perfect temperature, making you feel warm and comfortable from the moment you enter the room.
Can you install hardwood floors with underfloor heating?
If you are installing a new hardwood floor with an underfloor heating system, there are a couple of key things to think about to guarantee a successful first-time installation.
