Like clockwork, those chilly Pittsburgh winter mornings are setting in. You wake up, yawn, and stretch your arms. Your feet swing over the side of the bed and then it hits you: ice-cold floors. Radiant floor heating has quickly become a must-have for a warm and cozy winter, especially for homeowners in northern latitudes like Pittsburgh.
While a heated floor installation may seem like a luxury splurge, it’s worth asking: Are heated floors worth it? For many homeowners, the answer is yes—thanks to the practical benefits of this winter home upgrade. Not only do radiant heated floors provide lasting comfort from “toe-to-head,” but they also help combat the inefficiency of hot air rising and cold air sinking, especially in larger homes with high ceilings. Curious about how much heated floors cost? The price varies based on the system and size of your space, but the comfort and energy savings often make it a worthwhile investment.
How Does Radiant Floor Heat Work?
Whether installing electric heating coils or water-heated tubing beneath the floors of your home, your heat will emanate from the floor and warm your surroundings. Unlike traditional duct-based heating (which can remain if you choose), heated floors create a radiating effect that warms any room from the ground up, while also creating an additional concurrent through objects in the room. Similar to your HVAC, heated floors can be controlled and programmed via a smart thermostat and integrated into an app for added convenience.
Many types of flooring can accommodate radiant heating such as stone, marble, and ceramic, to wood, laminates, vinyl, and carpet. A variety of options are available so you don’t have to sacrifice design aesthetics when choosing this luxury upgrade.
Is Radiant Floor Heat Energy Efficient?
Sustainability is an increasing concern among homeowners, and creating a more energy-efficient space is a wise investment for yourself and your family. Are heated floors worth it in terms of energy savings? For larger homes, where heat loss is more apparent due to high ceilings and multiple rooms with doors and windows, radiant heated floors can help maintain a consistent temperature while reducing energy waste, making them a smart choice for eco-conscious homeowners.
Even a small 2-degree change in temperature is enough to feel the difference—and can lead to extra costs from constantly adjusting the thermostat. Why battle fluctuations when heated flooring technology is now at the forefront of maintaining temperature consistency? Studies show that heated flooring offers a 20-25% energy efficiency increase, and with the ability to control multiple rooms, you will no longer waste heat on remodeling rooms.
For those “off the grid” luxury cabins, Hydronic (liquid) System options can be heated through other means, such as oil, wood, natural gas, geothermal, or solar.
Additional Benefits of Heated Flooring
In addition to energy efficiency, a heated floor upgrade offers health benefits as well. While also inefficient, traditional ductwork circulates dirt, dander, and other allergens throughout the home, potentially worsening allergies, triggering asthma symptoms, and reducing indoor air quality. Breath easy, as heated floors generate comfort and consistent heat from below, rather than through the air.
Once your heated floors are installed, you’ll enjoy the cost-saving benefit of no longer needing to make maintenance calls to the HVAC technician. Radiant floor heating systems don’t have moving parts that can break, so they’re low-maintenance and don’t require regular repairs or cleaning. Your ears will also thank you, as heated flooring turns on and off without the clunky noise of furnaces and forced air through the ductwork.
How Much Do Heated Floors Cost?
The one thing that every existing home requires to install heated floors is the removal and remodel of the floor. As sheets of radiant floor coiling are added, the cost varies depending on the size and square footage of the rooms, as well as the materials used for the flooring itself.
Fortunately, the cost-benefit and savings will pay for themselves over time. On average, a radiant heated floor costs $1-$5 per day as opposed to the $20 per day average of a traditional heating system. Many homeowners report a 10-30% decrease in their home energy bills. Additionally, tax credits may be available for the upgrade in energy efficiency.
Are Heated Floors Worth It For Pittsburgh Area Homeowners?
So, do we think heated floors are worth it for Pittsburgh area homeowners? The answer is a resounding yes! Ready to enjoy a warmer, cozier winter? While you may have joked about moving to someplace warmer, you can skip the expense and hassle of relocating by upgrading your home with radiant floor heating. Heated floors are not only energy-efficient and low-maintenance but also a game-changer for cold Pittsburgh winters. Contact Master Remodelers today to discuss how we can help transform your space with this incredible upgrade. Let us help you bring the comfort of a warm home to life—so you can enjoy “Walking On Sunshine” from the comfort of the home you love.
