Many people assume that radiant floor heating is a fairly new concept, but it’s actually one of the oldest ways to heat a home. Floor heating goes as far back as 5,000 BC. in China and Korea. The ancient Romans perfected the system around the third century BC.

For small spaces, mats embedded with the wires can be laid in a thin layer of mortar, with the mats cut to fit the area. In larger spaces, the wires themselves are usually looped about 3 inches apart throughout the space, also embedded in a thin layer of mortar.

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For hydronic systems, all that’s necessary is a water heater or boiler, the in-floor pipes, which are usually made of PEX tubing, and the plumbing manifold, including any required valves and fittings, which runs the hot water from the boiler to the floor.

This type of system can be installed beneath any type of flooring, and you can route the pipes as a loop or make a larger network. It uses less energy than a traditional furnace, and since water keeps heat very well, you may not have to turn your thermostat as high. That could save you up to 30% on electric bills over time.

Roman floor heating worked by assembling layers of tile and concrete, and an extra layer of tile was raised on pillars so hot air could circulate more freely. This system disappeared with Rome, however, and wasn’t revived until around the 17th century in Europe, when Sir John Stone used heated water in pipes for greenhouses and commercial spaces. Sir Stone’s invention led to some of the first research into how radiant heat transfer worked.

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In an open-loop system, the water gets pulled from a source like a well, heated, and pumped once through the system before being discarded.

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Air-heated systems are descendants of the oldest systems used in China, Korea, and Rome. They’re a little less energy efficient than the other types and are, therefore, less common for homes. You may see them used in large commercial or industrial settings.

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Matt Greenfield is an experienced writer specializing in home improvement topics. He has a passion for educating and empowering homeowners to make informed decisions about their properties. Matt's writing focuses on a range of topics, including windows, flooring, HVAC, and construction materials. With a background in construction and home renovation, Matt is well-versed in the latest trends and techniques in the industry. His articles offer practical advice and expert insights that help readers tackle their home improvement projects with confidence. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a seasoned professional, Matt's writing is sure to provide valuable guidance and inspiration.

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Radiant heating first came to America during the Civil War, when hot air warmed hospital tents using a mechanism resembling the oldest Chinese systems. In 1907, it was discovered that small hot water pipes could be embedded in concrete or plaster, but this technique wasn’t widely used until Frank Lloyd Wright started adopting it for his buildings.

The cost to install a hydronic system is among the lowest of the three types. According to Angi, a whole-home system costs between $19,000 and $48,000. That’s about $10 per square foot for dry installations and $14 a foot for wet installations. This doesn’t include the cost of the finished flooring for a dry installation or the concrete for a wet installation.

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Rather than pumping air directly beneath the floor, with these systems, the heated air is circulated through a series of tubes resembling water pipes. Since air is lighter and easier to push through the tubes, you can get warmth quickly.

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Imagine stepping from a warm bed or shower to a warm floor when it’s cold outside. That’s the magic of radiant floor heating.

There are few problems with most hydronic systems, and the most common are associated with the valves and the circulator pumps. They do need to be repaired or replaced on occasion. Another common issue is airlock, which is what happens when air gets introduced into the system and prevents the water from circulating. Allowing the air to escape at specific valves can help fix this issue.

For electric systems, you’ll need a heated floor mat, which is wired to your home’s electric panel, and in all systems, you’ll need a thermostat for radiant heat to control the system and the heat.

In an electric radiant floor heating system, wires, cables, and sometimes mats are installed either wet or dry beneath the flooring. The wires are directly connected to your home’s electrical system, and the floor is controlled by a thermostat. A heat-conducting plastic layer helps to transfer the heat from the cables to the floor above.

Radiant floor heating systems keep you warm directly through infrared radiation. It’s a much more efficient and comfortable heating method compared to forced air systems, and with no cold spots or drafts, room temperature will feel much more consistent. Learn more about how electric, water-based, and air floor heating work in this guide.

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You can install an electric radiant floor heating system under any type of flooring without issues, and the cables won’t end up raising the floor like a thicker system can. However, it will also be more expensive. According to Angi, you can expect to pay around $19,000 to $36,000 for a whole-home system.

In a closed-loop system, a heat exchanger constantly heats the water, which runs in a loop through the floor. Since the water is fully contained, there’s less contamination risk.

While the various systems mostly operate the same way, they can come in a few different types. These can include mesh mats, solid mats, and loose wires, as well as infrared heating. Infrared heating uses a system of carbon fiber strips attached to silver bus bars connected to copper electrical strips.

Air-heated systems must be wet installed for best results, so they’re closed. The heaters are housed in boxes that make access for repairs easy.

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There are two basic styles of installing radiant floor heating — wet and dry installations. With wet systems, the tubing and wires are embedded in concrete or other material that can transmit heat. Dry systems have tubing in a cavity below the floor. Both systems can use either water or electricity to heat the floor.

Depending on the type of system you choose, there are only a few key components you need to make the system operational.

Hydronic systems use water heated in a boiler and piping beneath the floor to warm your home. The system is completely closed and can be installed either wet or dry. The materials are also commonly available, so it’s a perfect candidate if you’re looking to retrofit.