Hydronic Radiant Floor Heating
Professional hydronic radiant floor heating installation throughout Muskoka. Hot water floor heating systems with boilers for efficient, comfortable whole-home heating. The ultimate in comfort and energy efficiency.
Get Free ConsultationThe Gold Standard of Floor Heating
Hydronic radiant floor heating uses a network of PEX tubing installed beneath your floors, circulating warm water (typically 35-45°C) from a boiler or water heater. This gentle, even heat radiates upward, warming objects and people directly rather than just heating air.
It's the most comfortable and energy-efficient heating method available. Popular in Europe for decades, hydronic systems are becoming the preferred choice for new homes and major renovations in Muskoka. Once you experience radiant heat, you'll never want to go back to forced air.
Why Choose Hydronic Radiant Heat?
Superior comfort and efficiency for Muskoka homes
Energy Efficiency
30-40% more efficient than forced air systems. Lower operating temperatures mean lower energy costs. In Muskoka winters, this adds up to significant savings.
Even Heat Distribution
No cold spots or hot spots. Entire floor becomes gentle heat source. Room temperatures are consistent from floor to ceiling.
Silent Operation
Absolutely no noise. No furnace rumble, no air rushing through ducts, no radiator clanking. Just peaceful warmth.
Improved Air Quality
No forced air means no dust circulation, no dry air, no allergen distribution. Better for allergies and respiratory health.
Zoned Heating
Each room or zone has individual temperature control. Bedrooms cooler, living areas warmer. Ultimate comfort and efficiency.
Property Value
Radiant heat is a premium feature that increases home value significantly. Buyers love the comfort and efficiency.
Perfect for Muskoka
Handles cold winters efficiently. Works beautifully with tile, stone, and concrete - materials common in cottage and modern home design.
Multiple Heat Sources
Can use boiler, water heater, geothermal, solar thermal, or heat pump. Flexibility in energy source selection.
Long Lifespan
PEX tubing lasts 50+ years with no maintenance. Boilers last 20-30 years. One-time installation provides decades of comfort.
Hydronic System Components
Heat Source (Boiler)
Boiler heats water to desired temperature. Can be dedicated radiant boiler or combination system (space heating + domestic hot water).
Boiler options:
- • Natural gas or propane boilers
- • Electric boilers
- • Oil-fired boilers (less common)
- • Combination systems with domestic hot water
- • High-efficiency condensing boilers recommended
PEX Tubing
Flexible cross-linked polyethylene tubing (typically 1/2" or 5/8" diameter) installed in serpentine patterns beneath flooring. Tubing carries heated water throughout the floor.
PEX specifications:
- • Oxygen-barrier PEX required (prevents corrosion)
- • Spacing: 6-12" on center typical
- • No joints or connections under floor
- • 50+ year lifespan
- • Resistant to corrosion and scale
Manifold System
Distribution manifold splits heated water into individual zone circuits. Each zone can be controlled independently with flow meters and valves.
Features:
- • Individual zone valves
- • Flow meters for balancing
- • Air vents and drain valves
- • Temperature gauges
- • Typically mounted in mechanical room
Circulation Pump
Circulator pumps move heated water through the tubing loops. Variable speed pumps adjust to demand for maximum efficiency.
Thermostats & Controls
Individual thermostats for each zone. Can be programmable, Wi-Fi enabled, or smart home integrated. Controls communicate with zone valves and boiler.
Mixing Valve & Controls
Mixes hot water from boiler with return water to achieve desired floor temperature. Radiant heat requires lower temperatures (35-45°C) than radiators. Mixing ensures optimal efficiency.
Installation Methods
Different applications require different installation approaches
In-Slab Installation (Most Common)
PEX tubing embedded directly in concrete slab during pour. Best for new construction or when pouring new floors.
Process:
- 1. Install insulation under slab
- 2. Lay rebar or wire mesh
- 3. Install PEX tubing in pattern
- 4. Pressure test tubing
- 5. Pour concrete with tubing filled
- 6. Cure 21-28 days before heating
Advantages:
- ✓ Excellent thermal mass
- ✓ Most efficient operation
- ✓ Lowest profile (no floor buildup)
- ✓ Works with any floor finish
- ✓ Ideal for new construction
Above-Slab with Sleeper System
PEX tubing installed above existing slab between sleeper strips, then topped with plywood subfloor and finish flooring. Good for retrofits.
Best for:
- • Existing concrete slabs
- • Renovations
- • When slab pour not possible
- • Wood or laminate finish floors
Considerations:
- • Raises floor 1.5-3"
- • May need door adjustments
- • Slightly less efficient than in-slab
- • Requires insulation underneath
Staple-Up (Under Subfloor)
Tubing stapled to underside of wood subfloor from below (basement or crawl space). Heat radiates up through floor.
Best for:
- • Existing homes with access below
- • Retrofit installations
- • Wood subfloor over basement
- • When floor height can't increase
Requirements:
- • Must have access from below
- • Reflective insulation essential
- • Heat transfer plates recommended
- • Less efficient than in-slab
Professional Installation Process
Heat Loss Calculation & Design
Calculate heat loss for each room, design tubing layouts, determine zone requirements, size boiler and pumps, plan manifold locations. Proper design is critical for comfort and efficiency.
Insulation Installation
Install rigid foam insulation under tubing. Essential to direct heat upward into living space rather than downward into ground or basement. Typically R-10 to R-20 depending on application.
PEX Tubing Installation
Lay out tubing in designed pattern, secure with staples or clips, maintain proper spacing (6-12" typical), avoid kinks or sharp bends, leave excess at manifold for connections.
Pressure Testing
Pressure test all tubing loops before covering with concrete or floor. Test at 80-100 PSI for 24 hours minimum. Ensures no leaks before tubing is permanently enclosed.
Concrete Pour or Subfloor Installation
Pour concrete (keeping tubing pressurized during pour) OR install plywood subfloor over tubing. Protect tubing during construction. Allow proper curing time.
Boiler & Control Installation
Install boiler, manifolds, circulators, mixing valves, and all controls. Connect PEX loops to manifold. Install thermostats in each zone.
System Startup & Balancing
Fill system, purge air from all loops, test for leaks, start boiler, balance flow to each zone, program thermostats, verify proper operation in all zones.
Commissioning & Training
Run system through heating cycles, make final adjustments, train homeowner on operation, provide all documentation, set up seasonal maintenance schedule.
Investment & Timeline
Typical Costs:
$8-15/sq ft
Materials & installation per square foot
$4,000-8,000
Boiler system (if needed)
$15,000-35,000+
Typical whole-home system
Costs vary widely based on square footage, installation method, boiler selection, and complexity. New construction is most cost-effective.
Installation Timeline:
- • Design & Planning: 1-2 weeks
- • Tubing Installation: 3-5 days for average home
- • Concrete Cure (if in-slab): 21-28 days
- • Boiler & Controls: 2-3 days
- • System Startup: 1 day
- • Total Project: 4-8 weeks depending on scope and curing time
Operating Costs & Efficiency
Typical Savings vs Forced Air:
Hydronic radiant heat typically saves 25-40% on heating costs compared to forced air systems due to:
- • Lower operating temperatures (more efficient)
- • No ductwork heat loss
- • Even distribution (no wasted heat on ceiling)
- • Better building envelope efficiency
- • Zoned control reduces waste
Example Savings: 2,000 sq ft Muskoka home heating 6 months/year
- • Forced air system: $2,500-3,500/year heating costs
- • Hydronic radiant: $1,800-2,500/year heating costs
- • Annual savings: $700-1,000+
System pays for itself over time through reduced energy costs and increased property value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our plumbing services
Request Hydronic Radiant Heating Quote
Ready for the Ultimate in Comfort?
Professional hydronic radiant floor heating installation throughout Muskoka. Experience the luxury of warm floors and efficient heating.