A Contractor’s Guide: Selling Floor Heat Installs for Any Home

Electric radiant floor heating is a high-value solution contractors can offer in both new construction and retrofit projects. These systems provide consistent, even warmth and can be installed under a variety of flooring types. In new builds, they integrate seamlessly into the design, while in retrofits, ultra-thin mats allow for quick installation with minimal disruption.

With growing interest in modern heating solutions, offering electric radiant floor heating can set your business apart and provide clients with a premium comfort upgrade.

Electrical Planning & Requirements

Whether you’re installing radiant floor heating in new construction or a remodel, the first thing to consider is the electrical system.

New Construction

In new builds, electrical planning for radiant heating is straightforward. Since construction is starting from scratch, circuits can be designed specifically for the heating system, ensuring proper load distribution and thermostat placement. Contractors can work with electricians to integrate the system efficiently into the overall electrical plan, allowing for seamless installation and compliance with electrical codes.

Retrofit

Proper electrical planning is important when installing retrofit radiant floor heating to ensure safety, performance, and code compliance. Contractors must assess the existing electrical system to determine if it can handle the additional load, as each heating zone requires a dedicated circuit. Wiring should be planned to accommodate the system’s voltage requirements, typically 120V or 240V, with appropriate breakers and controls.

Thermostat placement is also important for optimal operation, and GFCI protection may be required to meet local electrical codes. Coordinating with an electrician early in the project can help simplify installation and avoid the need for modifications later.

Many homeowners don’t realize that retrofit heating can be added long after a home is built. If a homeowner has recently built or remodeled a bathroom or kitchen, this is a great opportunity for contractors to offer retrofit-heated flooring in living spaces throughout the home.

Subfloor Considerations

A well-prepared subfloor is important for the proper installation and performance of radiant floor heating.

New Construction

New construction provides an opportunity to install radiant heating directly into the subfloor. Whether embedding heating cables in freshly poured concrete or installing heating mats on a wood subfloor before the final flooring layer is added, contractors have full control over the design and integration of the system. This approach eliminates the need for additional height adjustments and ensures maximum efficiency.

Retrofit

Retrofitting radiant heating is a great way to add warmth without having to replace flooring. Many homeowners think floor heating can only be installed during new construction or full renovations, but modern retrofit systems allow for installation under the existing floor without major disruption.

As long as you have access to the floor joists, retrofit joist heating mats can be installed from below, in between the floor joists, using an open basement or crawl space. If access from below isn’t available, a low-profile heating system can be installed under a new flooring layer without significantly raising floor height.

Flooring Compatibility

The type of flooring used also plays a significant role in the effectiveness of radiant heating. While some flooring materials work well in both new construction and retrofit projects, others may require special considerations.

New Construction

Since the heating system is installed before flooring selection, there is more flexibility in choosing materials. Tile, hardwood, engineered wood, and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) can all be installed over radiant heating without major concerns. Contractors can plan for proper insulation and underlayment to improve the system’s efficiency and heat distribution.

Retrofit

For retrofit projects, radiant heating can be installed under most existing floors without replacement as long as there is access to floor joists from below.

Installation Process

The installation process for radiant floor heating differs between new construction and retrofit projects due to accessibility, subfloor preparation, and structural limitations.

New Construction

Installing radiant floor heating in new construction is a simple process. Heating cables or mats can be placed before the final flooring is installed, either embedded in concrete or secured onto a subfloor. Because contractors have full access to the subfloor during construction, the installation process is efficient and doesn’t require many adjustments.

Retrofit

Retrofitting floor heat requires working within existing builds, so the installation process could be more complex. Retrofit joist mats are typically placed under the existing subfloor pending access to the floor joists below. The mats are then secured between floor joists and additional insulation is often installed to prevent heat loss.

Cost Considerations

The cost of installing radiant floor heating also varies depending on whether it is being integrated into a new build or added to an existing space.

New Construction

New construction installations are more cost-effective in general because radiant heating can be incorporated into the overall build process. There is no need for demolition, flooring removal, or subfloor modifications, which helps keep costs lower.

Retrofit

Retrofit radiant heating offers homeowners the ability to add warmth without replacing flooring, saving money. While costs vary depending on room size, retrofit systems are affordable, efficient, and require minimal disruption.

If a homeowner has already installed radiant heating in one room, suggest expanding it to other spaces with retrofit solutions. This is a great way to upsell your services.

How Contractors Can Take Advantage of Radiant Floor Heating Installation

Offering radiant floor heating allows contractors to expand their services, attract high-end projects, and meet the growing demand for added comfort in homes. Whether for new construction or retrofit installations, understanding the key differences between these approaches enables contractors to provide expert recommendations and stay ahead of the competition while increasing profitability.