Had a job last winter where a couple wanted underfloor heating in their 70s bungalow. They were convinced it would save them a fortune, but honestly, the main thing they noticed was how nice it felt underfoot—especially in the mornings. Their old radiators were clunky and patchy, so the even heat was a big upgrade for comfort, but as far as bills go... not much difference. Maybe a bit less, but nothing dramatic.
This bit from above rings true:
If you’re after pure efficiency savings, might not be worth the hassle unless you’re already renovating. For comfort though... hard to beat that warm floor feeling when you step out of bed.
One thing I’d add—if your place is already well insulated and you’re happy with your current setup, ripping up floors just for underfloor heating can be a headache. It’s messy work, and the cost adds up fast. On new builds or major renos though? Makes much more sense. The wet systems (pipes in screed) are great with tile or stone, but I’ve seen folks disappointed when they try to pair it with thick carpet or laminate. You end up with lukewarm floors at best.
Another thing people don’t always realize is the lag time. Radiators can get toasty pretty quick, but underfloor heating takes its sweet time—think hours, not minutes. If you’re someone who likes to turn the heat on and off as needed, that can be a pain. But if you want that steady, background warmth all day? It’s hard to beat.
Had one customer who put it in their kitchen during a remodel and now swears by it—said it didn’t change their bills much but made winter breakfasts way more pleasant.
At the end of the day, if you’re chasing lower energy bills alone, there are probably easier wins (insulation upgrades, smart thermostats). But if comfort’s your main goal and you’re already doing up the floors anyway... yeah, worth considering for sure.
Couldn’t agree more about the comfort factor—there’s just something about stepping onto a warm floor on a cold morning that makes winter a bit less grim. I put electric underfloor heating in our bathroom during a reno, and honestly, it’s my favorite upgrade even if the bills didn’t really budge. The lag time is real though, and I do miss the instant blast from radiators sometimes. Still, if you’re already tearing things up, it’s hard to beat for sheer coziness.
The lag time is real though, and I do miss the instant blast from radiators sometimes.
Yeah, the delayed heat-up is probably the biggest trade-off. I put in a hydronic system under tile in the kitchen during our remodel. It’s super even, no cold spots, but you really have to plan ahead—set the timer way before you want it warm. On the plus side, no more dust from radiators and it’s dead silent. For me, worth it if you’re already redoing the floors, but not sure I’d rip up a perfectly good room just for it.
- Totally agree on the planning-ahead part. I set mine to kick on at 5am just so the bathroom isn’t an icebox by 7.
- The even heat is nice, but yeah, you lose that “instant toast” feeling from old radiators.
- I did electric mats under laminate in one room—honestly, install was a pain, but no regrets now.
- Energy bills didn’t change much for me, but it’s definitely more comfortable walking barefoot.
- Wouldn’t tear up good floors for it, either. But if you’re remodeling anyway... hard to resist.
Wouldn’t tear up good floors for it, either. But if you’re remodeling anyway... hard to resist.
That’s exactly how I ended up with it—total gut reno of the main bath, figured if I was already down to the joists, might as well try underfloor heat. I went with hydronic tubes instead of electric mats, mostly because I’m a sucker for overengineering and wanted to tie it into the boiler. Install was a bit of a saga (lots of crawling around, endless PEX loops), but now in winter, stepping out of the shower is actually pleasant.
I do miss that “blast” from old-school radiators though. The floor heat is subtle—almost sneaky. Sometimes I wonder if it’s even on until my feet remind me. As for bills, mine barely budged, but I think that’s because I insulated like crazy during the remodel.
If you’re not already ripping things out, I’d probably pass too. But if you’ve got a project going... it’s one of those upgrades you end up appreciating every single day.
