If you have already decided that installing radiant floor heating in your home is what you want to do, now you need to decide which system would be more convenient and cost-effective; hydronic or electric? You should consider all the advantages and disadvantages each system presents. Hydronic and electric radiant floor heating systems are installed more or less in the same way; the biggest difference is that they each require a different type of fuel.
Electric systems obviously use electricity to produce the heat required. Hydronic systems –on the other hand –, may use different fuels to heat up the water. Hydronic radiant floor heating can use electricity, oil, and gas to heat the pipes under the floor. If you are planning on installing hydronic radiant floor heating, you will need to know that you must first buy a good combi boiler in order for the heating system to work correctly. Boilers tend to be somewhat expensive, make sure to consider these factors. Unless you are building your new house, you may have to remodel the whole floor in order to install the pipes. This is quite costly and requires professional expertise, but the end result is a good heated house and little maintenance work.
Electric radiant floor heating on the other hand, only requires electricity and you do not need to purchase any boilers. So, installing electric radiant floor heating would be a much cheaper choice, sure, you will have to pay for the electricity but it will be cheaper in the long run, especially if you use solar energy to power your home. Now, you will need to find someone to install the system for you. You can follow DIY instructions online, but most people are not comfortable with installing it alone. It is recommended to hire a professional who can get the job done quickly and effectively. Installing radiant floor heating will create a nice, healthy and cozy in-door temperature.