Question 1

How much does radiant floor heating cost to install?

Accepted Answer

The cost of radiant floor heating varies based on your home's size, the type of system (hydronic vs. electric), and the complexity of the installation. For a typical Orange County home, hydronic radiant floor heating ranges from $10–$16 per square foot installed. Electric systems can start lower at $6–$12 per square foot. We provide free, detailed estimates after an in-home consultation so you know exactly what to expect.

Question 2

Will radiant heating lower my energy bills?

Accepted Answer

Yes — most homeowners see energy savings of 20–40% compared to traditional forced-air systems. Radiant heat is more efficient because it warms objects and people directly rather than heating air that rises to the ceiling. There's also no energy lost through ductwork. Many of our Orange County clients report that their system pays for itself within 5–8 years through energy savings alone.

Question 3

Do you offer financing options?

Accepted Answer

We work with several financing partners to offer flexible payment plans that fit your budget. During your free consultation, we'll discuss all available options including manufacturer rebates and any applicable energy efficiency tax credits.

Question 4

How long does installation take?

Accepted Answer

Installation timelines depend on the scope of your project. A single-zone bathroom radiant floor can be completed in 2–3 days. A whole-home hydronic radiant system for new construction typically takes 1–2 weeks. Retrofit installations in existing homes may take slightly longer.

Question 5

Can radiant heating be installed in an existing home?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. While it's easiest to install during new construction or a major renovation, we have extensive experience retrofitting radiant heating into existing Orange County homes. Options include installing tubing in thin-slab overlays, stapling it beneath existing subfloors, or using electric radiant mats under tile.

Question 6

What flooring works with radiant heat?

Accepted Answer

Radiant floor heating works beautifully with most flooring types. Tile and stone are the most efficient conductors of heat, but engineered hardwood, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), laminate, and even carpet (with the right pad) all work well.

Question 7

How long does a radiant heating system last?

Accepted Answer

A properly installed hydronic radiant heating system can last 30–50 years or more — significantly longer than a traditional forced-air furnace (15–20 years). The PEX tubing used in modern systems is rated for well over 100 years. This longevity makes radiant heating one of the best long-term investments you can make in your home.

Question 8

What maintenance does radiant heating require?

Accepted Answer

One of the great advantages of radiant heating is its minimal maintenance requirements. There are no filters to change, no ducts to clean, and no moving parts in the floor system. We recommend an annual boiler inspection and system check to ensure optimal performance.

Question 9

What happens if a pipe leaks under the floor?

Accepted Answer

Modern PEX tubing is extremely durable and leaks are exceptionally rare. The tubing is a single continuous loop with no joints under the floor, eliminating the most common failure points. In the unlikely event of damage, we can locate and repair the issue with minimal disruption.

Feature	Forced-Air	Radiant Floor
Response time	Minutes	30–60+ minutes
Sensor type	Air temperature	Floor + air temperature
Overshoot risk	Low	High (thermal mass)
Setback recovery	Fast	Slow

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