electric radiant floor heating cost to operate calculator

Electric radiant floor heating cost to operate calculator install#

Electric radiant floor heating cost to operate calculator install#

While its possible to install radiant heating pretty much under any type of flooring, some floors will be much better at retaining a pleasant warm temperature than others. If you are replacing old flooring, you might as well as spend a little extra and add in radiant heat. Initial time to heat up the floor after installation Yes, easy with a programmable thermostant Possible, but the system is usually on all the time Turn system on/off at different times of day Use in a single room, such as bathroom or kitchenīest case scenario that saves on labor costs Typically not done as an exclusive install $9,000 – 12,750 if the rest of the system is already in placeĬost per square foot (materials and installation)Ĭost to install radiant heat in an 8×10 bathroom Total Cost (materials and installation) for 1,500 sq.ft. Here is a chart that compares the main differences between electric and hydronic heated flooring. Consider your personal preferences when it comes to comfort and warmth as well as budget. There are distinct pros and cons to both electric and hydronic in-floor heating systems. – Fitted inside specially designed subfloor panels – this is the most expensive but also the most effective type of installation that is best at preventing potential leaks. – Embedded in a slab of concrete subfloor These mats are simply taped in place under the floating floor, which makes the installation very fast and simple. The electric heating mats work well under floating floors, such as bamboo, engineered wood, or laminate. This type of electric radiant heat is most effective in the bathrooms or kitchens. Then, the floors are typically finished with tile either ceramic or stone. The mats need to be set in place with a layer of thin-set mortar. These electric cables are installed over the subfloor. Another big downside is that the cables can cost 2-2.5 times more to operate than electric mats.Įlectric resistance cables attached to a mat: Overall, the biggest downside is a very consuming, labor intensive installation, which may negate the savings on the materials. Then, they need to be embedded either onto a tile backer board ( cover with thin-set) or installed directly onto the subfloor with self-leveling compound poured over it, to achieve a smooth surface. The cables need to be fastened either by hot glue or staples. The closer they are the faster the area will heat up and the warmer it will be. The cables come in a spool, and you can choose how close or far apart you want to set them. This is the cheapest way to heat your floors. There are few installation options available, depending on your needs and type of floors: Rather the floors will feel “neutral” to the touch, which is very pleasant. Its important to note that electric heating mats will not make the floor feel “warm” or “hot” during the cold winter months. Electric heated floors are typically not installed throughout the entire house, or used as a primary heat source.īecause electricity operating costs are high, radiant electric flooring comes with programmable thermostats, which you can turn on/off to save on heating costs. Reported operating electricity costs for heated floors in the bathroom are equal to the operating cost of 3 100W light bulbs – not expensive! Electric Floor Heating Installation OptionsĪn electric radiant flooring system is designed to be a complementary source of heat in a particular small space, ( a room or a bathroom). This electric mat can be controlled by a thermostat, so it doesn’t have to be on all the time. Pricing for tile floor heating runs $5-8 per square foot Typically, electric mats are installed, as this is the easiest retrofit to complete, if the house is not already equipped with a boiler. These cost as little as $5-6 per square foot, and can also be custom configured based on your needs. Yet a cheaper electric floor heating option is to install electric cables with fixing strips. Another advantage is that a DIY savvy homeowner can easily install these as well. These can be strategically placed in specific areas, instead of through out the house, thus significantly cutting total costs.Įlectric heating mats and flex rolls range is price from $10-12 per square foot, and can be customized to fit the room’s configuration and size. The most economical way to add in-floor heat is by installing an electric heated floor mat, flex roll, or cables. On average, homeowners spend $650-800 to install subfloor heating in small room or a bathroom. It really depends on the size of the space, and whether you want to have an electric or hydronic system installed. There is a very wide price range when it comes to the cost of installing subfloor heating. While heated flooring is considered a luxury feature of high-end homes, its actually surprisingly affordable.