Starting your day on a chilly, winter morning is easier because you don’t need to step onto cold tiles. Without a doubt, underfloor heating adds a different kind of luxury and comfort to any bathroom. Having radiant floor heating in your bathroom contributes to a spa-like atmosphere in your home.
Unlike other home heating systems, radiant floor heating is energy-efficient and does not blow dust around the air. This is why the installation of heated bathroom floors has become popular among homeowners.
How Do Heated Bathroom Floors Work?
Radiant floor heating involves installing electric heating coils underneath your flooring. The heat could be provided by an electric heating element or hydronic heating. With a radiant heat floor, the heat is transferred into the floor and upward. So, the temperature of the bathroom is uniform from top to bottom.
Pros of Heated Bathroom Floors
Energy Efficiency
Radiant floor heating has two types: electric and water-based systems. No matter what type you choose, you can save extra utility costs. Compared to traditional HVAC units, radiant heat for bathroom floors is 25% more energy efficient. It only takes less than an hour to warm your bathroom space.
Uniform Heating
With a heated bathroom floor, there are no cold spots. Since it features uniform heating, you can enjoy a comfortable ambient temperature. It also allows you to set your ideal temperature and switch the coils on and off.
Optimum Comfort
Since all surfaces in the bathroom are heated, you can indulge in the soothing warmth of your bathroom floor. Radiant heat does not constantly cycle on and off, so you won’t feel too hot and too cool. Moreover, it reduces dust transmission and increases thermal comfort.
Ease of Customization
Not all bathrooms are wide and spacious. So, radiant floor heating is perfect if you have a small bathroom space. There are no large heating radiators on the wall that interfere with your design aesthetic. Heated floor systems will keep your toes warm and cozy while allowing you to customize your bathroom layout and design.
Safety
Heated bathroom floors are safe because they won’t burn your toes and feet. Your floor won’t be too hot to touch even for kids and younger family members.
When you choose radiant heat, you are also improving the air quality in your home. There’s no blowing of air that can potentially stir up dust and allergens. So, it is recommended for people with asthma and other allergies.
Maintenance-Free
Another benefit that radiant heat brings is minimal maintenance. You don’t have to spend too much on keeping your heated floors in tip-top condition. Once it is installed properly, there’s no need to keep up with maintenance schedules.
Higher Resale Value
Having a heated bathroom floor is a big plus to potential homebuyers and real estate agents. It adds value to your home because heated floors exude luxury. Undeniably, heated floors can become an in-demand feature in your home.
Cons of Heated Bathroom Floors
Installation Process
Whether you want electric or hydronic heating for your bathroom, the installation can take a long time. The installation process is complicated and labor-intensive since you need to remove the existing bathroom flooring.
To avoid any serious issues, you need to hire a professional bathroom remodeler instead of going down the DIY route. A certified bathroom contractor will ensure that the installation process is done smoothly and properly.
Repairs
Yes, heated bathroom floors are maintenance-free. But it doesn’t mean that they won’t break down. Occasional repairs may be necessary when the radiant floor heating system is no longer operating
Feel free to reach out to a professional if you need help with your heated bathroom floors. They can use a thermal camera to find the issue and fix the problem immediately.
Cost
Luxury and comfort both come with a price. No matter what type of heated flooring you choose, the entire project can cost quite a lot. Heated bathroom floors are an investment that you need to prepare for.
If you have a 100-square-foot bathroom, the average cost for installing radiant floor heating is around $600. The cost typically ranges from $5 to $8 per square foot.
Electric floor heating is cheaper during installation, but the operating costs will continue to increase over time. On the other hand, hydronic floor heating is more expensive up front, but the operation cost will be very low.
Floor Height Issue
Another disadvantage of having heated bathroom flooring is the floor height issue. In general, floor heating systems increase the floor height by less than 1/2 inch. Insulation boards are also installed to maximize efficiency potential. These insulation boards will increase the height a little further by an inch. This can be a tripping hazard if you have a low-ceiling bathroom.
Are Heated Bathroom Floors Worth It?
If you’re only tackling a minor bathroom remodeling, radiant heating is worth the investment. You will get to enjoy luxury, comfort, and energy efficiency—all in one heating system. Moreover, you will see an increase in resale value when you plan to sell your home in the future. Be sure to weigh the pros and cons of heated bathroom floors before you make your final decision.
Need help with your bathroom remodel? Get in touch with Erie Bathroom Remodeling today! We can upgrade your bathroom flooring, install modern sinks, and bring you your dream custom bathroom remodels. Our team will guide you throughout the whole process and give you the relaxing space you need. Call us now to get a free quote!