Imagine this – you come back after one hell of a day from work. And, as soon as you set the first step in your home, the toasty warm air inside rejuvenates you completely. Sounds nice, right?
That’s what a radiant floor heating system can do for you. In fact, a radiant floor heating system can be your go-to solution if you live in areas that experience chilly, harsh winters. And what’s more, it costs a lot less than those extravagant furnaces you use to heat up your rooms.
However, buying a radiant floor heating system that suits all your requirements is a lot easier said than done. The market is flooded with mediocre options, and more often than not, we fall for false gimmicks and end up buying one that proves to be a total waste of our investment.
So, to help you out with this challenge, we have reviewed some of the high-rated floor heating systems available in the market right now.
But in case, they don’t meet all your fundamental requirements, you will also find a comprehensive buyer’s guide at the end. It will take you on a comprehensive tour to explain each useful feature of the eleven top radiant floor heating systems.
So, without any further ado, let’s get started, shall we?
Best Radiant Floor Heating Systems
Here is the list of the 8 best radiant floor heating systems that you can use to keep your home warm and cozy during those cold winter months.
1. 25 Sq Ft Electric Floor Heating System By HeatWave – Best for Versatile Flooring
We have saved the numero uno position for one of the best floor heating systems from the brand Heatwave. It is one of the renowned American electrical companies that has maintained a stellar reputation for more than two decades. We recently got the opportunity to test its 25sqft model, and we’re quite thrilled with its thin-profile mat that comes within such an affordable price range.
We were more than excited when Heatizon sent us this floor heating system for review, and the very first aspect that got our attention was its thin-profile electric floor heating mat. Well, as expected, it is not only suitable for all kinds of tile/stone flooring but also adheres to the floor smoothly. This is mainly because, these mats come designed with a sticky backing that can be easily attached, detached, and repositioned as needed on top of a subflooring.
Besides that, unlike most products on the market, the heating mats of this model do not bulge out. It needs only palm pressure to be secured to any clean and smooth flooring surface. This unique feature not only saves time but also significantly simplifies the overall installation process.
What’s more, it has been tested and rated for use in both wet and dry areas. So, if you are looking for a sole solution for all the rooms of your house, then you can consider giving this model a try.
Furthermore, this heating system can warm up any room of your house in less than half an hour and can be left ON for as long as you need. But, what really puts it ahead of its competitors is its complementary thermostat that you can program as per your requirements. And, did we mention a limited lifetime warranty that allows you to warm your house peacefully?
The only aspect that disappointed us a bit about this otherwise exceptional model is the fact that it can be quite tricky to install. Some customers reportedly said to have faced countless problems as they had to deal with more wires during installation than they expected
What We Like
- Programmable thermostat with a clear display
- Can be used for weeks/months at a go without switching it off
- Suitable for multiple floor covering options
What We Don’t Like
2. 120 V Electric Radiant Floor Heating System By HeatTech – Best for Rectangular Rooms
When it comes to choosing a model for typical rectangular-shaped rooms, HeatTech can be considered one of the most trusted brands. We tested the 120V HeatTech Electric Floor Radiating system, and we are so glad to share with you the deets of our fantastic experience.
To begin with, we want to draw your attention to the ⅛ inch thickness of this mat which makes it an ideal choice for underfloor use. This unique aspect prevents a substantial rising of the floor height and ensures keeping it within the normal parameters, unlike most of the products in this price range. In fact, this is one of those significant features that caught our attention in the first place.
Besides that, there is also no need to use a stapler or any other means to keep the mat in place. With its adhesive back panel, you can now lay the heating system successfully like a pro.
Moreover, it also comes with a branded Aube TH115-AF-120S digital programmable floor-sensing thermostat and sensor, which is far superior to any other trending model of recent times. You need to just set it up once, and relish the warmth of your house without worrying about controlling it.
Apart from a quality design, this reputed brand also provides a 120-day return policy and fast shipping that makes it one of the must-buy products on our list.
Despite being one of the most affordable and exciting options, it has certain flaws in it. First, the sticky matting only works on clean surfaces. Second, the mat we ordered failed to cover the entire floor space. We hope that the manufacturers take care of this situation and increase the length of the mat in future models.
What We Like
- Adhesive back panel
- Thin profile mat
- Digital programmable floor sensing thermostat
What We Don’t Like
3. 25 Sq Ft Mat Radiant Floor Heating Mat – Best for Energy Efficiency
If you want a product that not only warms up your space but also adds some elegance to it, then go for this mat from Warming Systems. Out of the box, this 25- square feet big mat designed with highly durable materials stands out to be well-capable in providing the respite you need from cold floors. Let’s dive deep into its core functionality and see what it brings to the table.
Since this product is quite similar in terms of its features to our enlisted HeatTeach product, perhaps having a close look at the comparative analysis will provide you with a comprehensive idea.
Though it is almost similar to the floor heating mat from the renowned brand HeatTech, what sets it apart is the quality of its wire and mesh. While testing, when we used the thin-set to cover the wirings, it heated up much more quickly in comparison to other mats. This feature reduced not only the power consumption but also the total heating-up time considerably.
What we’ve loved the most about this product is that the instructions are extremely easy for any householder to follow. All in all, we believe, it can be safe to say that Warming Systems did a great job in putting full value to this heat mat that works wonders than those priced at a higher range.
Though this floor heating system makes cold floors a thing of the dreaded past, it’s not without certain flaws. However, the only ‘off’ thing we noticed about this heating system is the glaring green backlighting of the thermostat. Although this is not a major downside, we hope the manufacturers will look into this issue and improve their future models.
What We Like
- Mat built with a quality wire and mesh
- Reduces power consumption
- Easy-to-follow installation instructions
What We Don’t Like
4. QuietWarmth 30 Sq Ft Electric Floor System
Speaking of top-rated radiant floor heating systems, we cannot ignore this high-tech model from QuietWarmth. This device comes equipped with advanced ink technology that is suitable for all kinds of floating floors. And, this unique feature makes it crucial to incorporate the product on our must-buy list. Read on to know more about its noteworthy features-.
Undoubtedly, this QuietWarmth Electric System is a high-performance machine loaded with a wide array of unique features you will find under a considerable price range. Coming directly at one of its most premium features, this system also comes equipped with advanced ink technology. This makes it 100% perfect for all kinds of modern floorings such as engineered wood, floating laminate, floating tile floors, cork, vinyl, bamboo, and the like.
Furthermore, this model comes with a ‘no-brainer’ installation process. All you need to do is to follow four simple steps- install the underlay, roll out the radiant heat film, hook wires together, and install the final floor covering. And, the floor heating system is installed- it’s as simple as that!
As a bonus, the film of this radiant floor heating mat only uses 12 watts to raise the floor temperature to comfortable levels. This means, it not only guarantees warm floors at a small fraction of the cost of other systems but will also go light on your electricity bills.
Although it comes with advanced technology that no other models in our list possess, it comes at the cost of defective designs in some cases. But so far, we haven’t noticed any considerable damage other than the complementary thermostat was a tad outdated.
What We Like
- Presence of advanced ink technology
- Plug-and-play feature
- Low power consumption
- Value-for-money
What We Don’t Like
5. Heatwave Floor Heating Cable
This list would have remained incomplete without this efficient and affordable unit from Heatwave. If you want nothing but a reliable and functional unit that boasts remarkable performance and durability, then this cable from Heatwave is definitely worth a look. Although it isn’t the best radiant floor heating cable we have come across, it still offers decent performance.
Like we mentioned before, this Heatwave floor heating cable is a low-cost alternative to a mat that is super-easy to install and maintain. It incorporates all the dings that you would require in a heating system. In addition, it is also equipped with cable strapping that will help you achieve a more secure installation.
Perhaps the best thing about this product is that this kit has an impressive cable length of 362 feet. This provides a lot of leeway in aspects of accuracy and measurement. Even if you make a mistake, there is no need to go out and buy more- you will still have enough to work with.
All in all, if you are confident enough to install a cable kit correctly without the ease of mat backing, this affordable all-rounder kit can be the perfect choice for you. Furthermore, it comes with an impressive limited lifetime warranty to back it up greatly.
Although Heatwave did a fantastic job of bringing something new to the table, it could not get everything right. We found that the thermostat is not so user-intuitive. The digital display can be quite hard to read sometimes. So, we recommend getting a spare thermostat and connecting them both for better usage.
What We Like
- Easy to install and maintain
- 362 feet cable
- Limited lifetime warranty
What We Don’t Like
6. SunTouch WarmWire Floor Heat Kit
Globally acclaimed brand SunTouch returns to our list with another unique product, the SunTouch Warmwire floor heat kit. After testing this product, we can say that it features quality wires and a fully programmable thermostat that makes it one of the top-value products on our list. Let’s check out what more this heating kit has to offer.
Apart from that, with this kit, you need not worry about overheating the rooms anymore. The product comes with a thermostat that switches ON and OFF automatically to make sure you get perfect warmth- be it in the bathroom or living room.
Not to forget, the product also offers 70 square feet of cables. A couple of these will be adequate to cover large spaces effectively. Also, like the Seal heating mat, this also comes equipped with a dual wire technology that reduces the electromagnetic fields to ultra-low levels by a great deal.
To be honest, this product is a little too pricey to be a semi-professional radiant floor heating system. Most of its competitors are providing higher efficiency at a comparatively low price, which is a bummer.
What We Like
- 70 square feet cables
- Dual wire technology
- Automatic programmable thermostat
- Suitable for both dry and wet floors
What We Don’t Like
7. Warming Systems Electric Tile Radiant Floor
Warming Systems is a brand that is quite popular in every household now. We recently came across its heating cable and decided to give it a try. We were impressed by its seamless performance and thought of sharing our experience with you. If you are looking for a strong-performance product on a limited budget that wouldn’t disappoint, we couldn’t have a better suggestion than this cable kit.
To begin with, this heating cable does what it is supposed to do, and in all the best ways possible. This heating kit takes about 20 minutes to heat. And, can warm up every nook and corner of your house without overwhelming the budget.
We appreciated the fact that, unlike other heating cable models, this one is more durable. Instead of stickers, this kit comes with plastic cable guides that can be used to secure wiring onto the subfloor. We tested this out in our workshop and found it to improve the finishing significantly compared to other cable kits.
Furthermore, it comes with a complementary Aube Thermostat #TH115-AF-GA that is easy to install and operate. Apart from that, this high-tech precision thermostat gives you the ability to control the floor temperature accurately for maximum comfort and energy savings. To cut it short, all of these premium features make this heating cable one of the best floor heating systems in recent times. The “Made In USA” mark definitely plays a huge role in making this a crowd favorite.
Although it is one of the best radiant floor heating cable kits out there, we believe that it takes a little longer to warm up compared to other heating systems. Apart from that, this product doesn’t give us much to complain about.
What We Like
- Aube thermostat
- Plastic cable guides
- Made in USA mark
What We Don’t Like
8. HeatTech Electric Radiant In-Floor Warming System
The ultimate recommendation on our list is none other than this in-floor heating cable from HeatTech. The feature that had our attention from the beginning is its high heat density and dissipation powers. Let’s explore what this heating system has to offer, and what makes it one of the final recommendations on our must-buy list.
Frankly speaking, this HeatTech model is affordable, has the usual rings and bells, and comes with a 25-year warranty to back it up greatly. For all those who are first-timers and are just playing around with a debut floor heating system, then this can be one of the best options for you.
Although it comes in an inexpensive range, this is also one of those models that advanced hobbyists hugely rely on. This is mainly due to its heat density and dissipation powers. Besides that, this kit even comes with a single armored 10ft cold lead wire, which is strong enough to carry these powers with ease.
You will also appreciate the 120V system of this in-floor heating system that allows for the installation of up to 600ft of cable on a single thermostat. In this price range, what more could we have asked for?
It is perhaps the only model on our list that takes the most time to heat up your room as per your desire. In fact, you are looking at around a full hour to achieve the room temperature you want. On top of that, this model comes with an 11-program thermostat that made it challenging for us to operate it. These are the only aspects that disappoint us, but other than that, this product has an outstanding value for money.
What We Like
- Supports high density of heat dissipation
- 25-year warranty
- 120V in-floor heating system
What We Don’t Like
Best Radiant Floor Heating System Comparison Table
| Product | Size | Power Source | Voltage | With Programmable Thermostat | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HeatWave Heating System | 25Sq Ft | Electric | 120V | Yes | 20 Years |
| HeatTech Heating System | 20Sq Ft | Hardwire | 120V | Yes | 25 Years |
| Warming Systems Heating Mat | 25Sq Ft | Corded Electric | 120V | Yes | 25 Years |
| QuietWarmth Electric Floor System | 30Sq Ft | Corded electric | 120V | Yes | 25 Years |
| Heatwave Floor Heating Cable | 8Sq Ft – 15Sq Ft | N/A | 120V | Yes | 20 Years |
| SunTouch WarmWire | 70Sq Ft | Corded Electric | 120V | Yes | 25 Years |
| Warming Systems Heating Cable | 25Sq Ft | Corded Electric | 120V | Yes | 25 Years |
| HeatTech In-Floor Warming System | 30Sq Ft | Corded Electric | 120V | Yes | 25 Years |
Buying Guide For The Best Radiant Floor Heating System
Radiant floor heating systems are a luxurious home feature and a popular trend in new housing. In fact, with the passing days, it has become a basic necessity that can help you lead a comfortable, clean, and designed life. But, to get the right results, it is essential to choose a product that works best for your needs.
Undeniably, the journey to find the perfect one becomes quite a bit overwhelming for many. But, there is no need to worry. We are here to help you choose an ideal product as per your needs and relish the warmth that you deserve in peace.
On that note, here are a few things that you should consider before going on your next shopping spree.
Types of Radiant Floor Heating
If you are new to using radiant floor heating systems, it is crucial to understand that there are primarily two kinds of radiating heating systems from which you can take your pick. These are the electric and hydronic systems. You will need to choose one that will be most suitable for your room type.
Now, if you already have a hydronic system in your house, it certainly makes sense to choose the hydronic radiant floor heaters for your home. These systems are super cheap and easy to install. As these systems are usually maintenance-free, they can also provide years of reliable use with ease.
On the other hand, you could also select an electric radiant floor heating system. But, one of the major setbacks about this kind of heating system is that they are extremely expensive to install. In addition, if there are any problems with the heating mats, you would have to take up the entire floor to fix them.
Room Size
The second aspect you need to consider while installing the heating system is the size of the room. Understand that these systems cover the entire floor area to heat the room effectively. Therefore, it is always wise to purchase a heater that matches the size of the flooring. In the case of an irregularly shaped room, we always recommend buying an electric heating kit.
Heat Controllers
Most people tend to ignore this aspect, but it is essential to purchasing a floor heating system that comes with a heat controller. Most systems these days come with a thermostat so that the mat can be automatically turned off if the floor or the surrounding area becomes too hot. Alternatively, we suggest purchasing a system with a programmable thermostat. This provides the provision to set different temperatures throughout the day or week, which provides you with ultimate control.
Warranty
Unlike any other product, a floor heating system is challenging to maintain. Neither you can dust it off, nor can you take it apart. This is why the long-term warranty matters a lot. A product with a 2-3 year warranty isn’t going to be enough, and frankly, it’s not worth the risk. Hence, always remember to purchase a product that comes with a limited lifetime warranty, or at least, a 20-year warranty. Anything short of that would be a complete waste of your investment.
What is the best radiant floor heating system?
The best radiant floor heating system depends on a variety of factors, such as the size of the area to be heated, the insulation of the building, and your budget.
How much does a radiant floor heating system cost?
The cost of a radiant floor heating system varies depending on the size of the area to be heated, the insulation of the building, and the type of system chosen.
What types of flooring are compatible with radiant floor heating systems?
Most types of flooring are compatible with radiant floor heating systems, but it is important to consult a professional to ensure it is installed correctly.
Can I install a radiant floor heating system myself?
Generally, it is recommended that a professional install a radiant floor heating system, as it requires special knowledge and tools.
How long does it take to install a radiant floor heating system?
The installation time varies depending on the size of the area being heated, the type of system, and the existing conditions. On average, it can take between 2-4 days to install.
How long do radiant floor heating systems last?
On average, radiant floor heating systems can last up to 25 years with proper maintenance.
Conclusion
As you finalize your decision on which radiant floor heating system to invest in, consider these top three expert recommendations from our list of the 8 Best Radiant Floor Heating Systems.
The 25 Sq Ft Electric Floor Heating System by HeatWave is an ideal option for those who appreciate the programmable thermostat feature and the compatibility with multiple floor covering options, despite its tricky installation.
The 120 V Electric Radiant Floor Heating System by HeatTech is a good option for individuals seeking a thin-profile mat with great adhesive backing and a programmable floor-sensing thermostat.
Lastly, the 25 Sq Ft Mat Radiant Floor Heating Mat by Warming Systems is the right choice for those looking for a high-quality wire mesh mat that reduces power consumption and offers easy-to-follow installation instructions.
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