How To Install Hydronic Heating And What It Costs

Radiant Flooring

If you’re planning on using radiant flooring, here’s a look at what the installation will look like. There are two processes for installing hydronic radiant flooring by contractors.

Wet Installation Of Hydronic Radiant Flooring

A so-called “wet installation” will involve installing the radiant tubes into the concrete when it’s being poured (or wet). It’s an efficient way to do it because once the concrete cures, it protects the radiant tubing from damage. The concrete also provides a thermal mass that can help radiate the heat evenly in your home.

For slab on grade foundations, the tubing is attached to the rebar within the slab to hold it in place before the concrete is poured.

For thin slab installations, the radiant tubes are secured to the subfloor. A thin layer of self-leveling concrete is added to the top. This will raise the height of the floor and also requires adequate support for the weight of the concrete. This method is often used to retrofit homes or add hydronic radiant heat to second-floor rooms.

Dry Installation Of Hydronic Radiant Flooring

The second method, called “dry installation,” uses panels that have been fabricated with tracks for the radiant tubing. The tubes are looped through the track before any floor covering is put over the top. If you’re not pouring concrete in a slab or a thin layer, this is the preferred option for radiant flooring. Without the concrete to provide thermal mass, however, a dry installation may require additional insulation and heat reflectors to ensure proper and even heating.

Hydronic Radiators And Baseboard Heaters

Hydronic radiators or hydronic baseboard heaters are easier to install since there are fewer concerns about concrete and less piping required. Pipes can be placed inside a wall or floor joists to connect a boiler with radiators or baseboard heaters. Pipes will be insulated to mitigate energy loss as it travels to the heating unit and then returns to the boiler to be reheated.

What’s It Cost To Install Radiant Heating?

The total cost of installing radiant heating will vary depending on the type of system you’re installing and the size of your home. It can also be difficult to estimate because of other factors, such as whether it’s a wet or dry installation, whether floors need reinforcement, or whether multiple types of installations must be used.

Typical installation costs for hydronic radiant floors can range from $10 to $25 per square foot. If you’re installing radiant flooring in an entire 2,000 square foot home, the range is between $20,000 and $40,000 with the average install costing $28,000. Single story homes using slab on grade wet methods will cost less since it doesn’t require prefab panels, heat reflectors, additional installation, or multiple trips from concrete pours.

There are plenty of options, that also impact price. Some homeowners choose to install radiant heat on only the first floor, or in the master bedroom and bathroom and then use baseboard heaters or radiators in other areas.

The cost to install hydronic baseboard heaters will vary as well. You may choose to hide the pipes in wall or floor joists or run them along the bottom of the wall. Typical costs can range from $5,000 to $10,000 depending on the size of the home, the installation method, and the number of hydronic units required.

Hydronic heating is more expensive to install than other methods. It’s also significantly more energy-efficient. You can expect to save as much as 40% in energy use compared to forced-air systems or heat pumps. Much of the energy savings comes from the liquid used to heat the system - which is a more efficient conductor of heat and doesn’t lose as much heat energy as air during delivery.