Electric and hydronic radiant floor heating offers efficient, even warmth for bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and whole-home systems. Below is a quick comparison of selected kits and control panels to help match system type, coverage, and key features.
| Product | Type | Coverage / Zones | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| LuxHeat 180sqft Electric Radiant Floor Heating System | Electric cable + membrane | 180 sq ft | Uncoupling membrane + Wi‑Fi thermostat |
| LuxHeat 20sqft Floor Heating Mat Kit | Electric mat | 20 sq ft | Self-adhesive mat + programmable thermostat |
| Warming Systems 15 Sqft Electric Mat | Electric mat | 15 sq ft | Installation monitor + UL listing |
| Floorheat Hydronic Radiant Heat Control Panel – 1 Zone | Hydronic distribution panel | 1 zone | Preassembled distribution for water-based systems |
| Warming Systems Hydronic 3-Zone Control Panel | Hydronic distribution panel | Up to 3 zones | Preassembled with pumps, expansion tank, air separator |
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LuxHeat 180sqft Electric Radiant Floor Heating System
This kit combines a 240V heating cable with a Prova Flex-Heat uncoupling membrane to provide heated floors, crack prevention, and waterproofing under tile. The package includes an OJ Microline UWG5 touchscreen Wi‑Fi programmable thermostat with GFCI, a floor sensor, alarm, and installation accessories. The thermostat offers dual sensing (air & floor), app connection, voice control, and up to 10 schedules.
Design notes: the uncoupling membrane enables layout flexibility and protects tile installations. Installation requires embedding the heating wires in a self-leveler or thinset; the heater wire must not be cut or shortened. The thermostat includes Class A GFCI protection and cULus approval.
LuxHeat 20sqft Floor Heating Mat Kit
This compact 120V self-adhesive heating mat is aimed at small areas such as bathroom sections or spot heating under tile and laminate. The kit includes a programmable UDG thermostat with built-in GFCI, a floor sensor, and an installation alarm/monitor. The mat uses 3″ spacing and can be cut and turned (not cutting the heating wire) for custom layouts.
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Installation notes: the mat adheres to the subfloor and is intended to be embedded in thinset or self-leveling underlayment for tile applications. LuxHeat provides a 25-year limited warranty and positions this kit for straightforward do-it-yourself or professional installations.
Warming Systems 15 Sqft 120V Electric Radiant Floor Heating Mat
This 15 sq ft electric heating mat operates at 120V and is UL listed for wet areas. The kit includes a programmable thermostat (TH115-AF-120S), a floor sensor, and an installation warning monitor that alarms if the wire is damaged during placement. The mat is 1/8″ thick and rated at approximately 12 W/sq ft.
Installation flexibility: the mat can be flipped, turned, and adhered with double-sided tape for irregularly shaped areas. The inclusion of a wire-damage alarm provides an extra verification step before covering the mat with thinset or tile, which is particularly useful for professional installers and careful DIYers.
Hydronic Radiant Heat Control Panel – 1 Zone
This preassembled hydronic distribution panel is a central component for water-based radiant floor systems. It arrives assembled for quicker installation and includes primary distribution components sized for a single zone. The vendor notes the need for a direct phone number for delivery coordination due to crate handling requirements.
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Use case: suitable for homeowners or contractors wanting a compact, ready-made control panel to connect a boiler or water heater, simplifying piping, pump, and valve layout. This option is aimed at users who prefer hydronic systems due to their compatibility with boilers, heat pumps, or high-efficiency water heaters.
Hydronic Radiant Heat Control Panel 3-Zone
The 3-zone hydronic panel ships with all necessary components assembled, including pumps, expansion tank, air separator, and connections to simplify hook-up to a boiler and manifolds. It supports control of multiple zones and is compatible with glycol systems, making it suitable for cold-climate or in-floor snow-melt applications where freeze protection is required.
Manufacturer support and serviceability are emphasized; components are standard name-brands to ease future servicing. The assembled layout helps reduce field plumbing complexity and can save on installation time for larger hydronic projects where multiple zones are needed.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Radiant Floor Heater
Deciding between electric and hydronic radiant floor heating depends on project scale, existing mechanical systems, and long-term operating costs. Below are key considerations for buyers comparing the products above.
System Type And Application
- Electric Cable Or Mat Systems — Best For Small Areas And Retrofit Projects. Electric mats and cables are simpler to install in single rooms, bathrooms, or when adding heat under tile or laminate floors without major mechanical work.
- Hydronic Systems — Better For Whole-House Or Large Areas. Hydronic panels connect to a boiler or water heater and offer lower operating costs on larger loads, but require more complex plumbing and mechanical integration.
Coverage And Sizing
- Match kit coverage (sq ft) to the heated area. Electric mat kits list square footage; cable kits list cable length or recommended area. Under-sizing reduces performance; oversizing increases cost and possible installation complexity.
- Hydronic panels are specified by zone capacity; choose a panel that supports the number of manifolds/zones you plan to run.
Controls And Sensors
- Floor Sensors measure surface temperature for accurate control and protection of floor coverings.
- Programmable Thermostats with daily/weekly schedules reduce runtime and raise efficiency. Wi‑Fi enabled units add remote control and monitoring.
- Look for integrated GFCI or Class A ground-fault protection in electric thermostats for safety in wet areas.
Installation Considerations
- Electric mats/cables typically require embedding in thinset or self-leveler before tile installation.
- Uncoupling membranes reduce tile cracking risk and simplify transitions over different substrates.
- Hydronic panels require piping to manifolds, venting/air separators, and space for pumps and expansion tanks; preassembled panels reduce field labor.
- Verify UL/cULus listings and local electrical/plumbing code compliance. Some products include installation alarm monitors to detect wire damage prior to covering.
Flooring Compatibility
- Tile, stone, and some engineered floors are ideal for electric floor heat. Verify manufacturer guidance for wood, vinyl, or laminate to avoid damage from sustained surface temperatures.
- Hydronic heat can be paired with a wider variety of floor coverings due to lower surface temperature profiles but check maximum floor temperature recommendations.
Safety And Warranty
- Choose products with GFCI protection on electric thermostats and UL listing for wet area use when installing in bathrooms or similar spaces.
- Check warranty coverage (components such as thermostat, mat, and membrane may have different terms). Longer warranties and manufacturer support improve post-installation peace of mind.
Cost And Long-Term Operation
- Electric systems have lower upfront mechanical costs and simpler installs but can be more expensive to operate on large areas.
- Hydronic systems typically have higher initial installation costs but can be more efficient for whole-house heating or large square footage when paired with high-efficiency boilers or heat pumps.
Installation Skill And Professional Support
- DIY-friendly kits are available for small electric mat installs, but electrical connections often require a qualified electrician.
- Hydronic systems normally require a licensed plumber or HVAC contractor for boiler integration, pump selection, and system balancing.
Comparison Perspectives
- Performance: Electric systems heat faster on small footprints; hydronic systems provide greater thermal mass and steadier long-term heat on larger areas.
- Flexibility: Mat systems are easy to shape for small spaces; membrane and cable systems allow flexible layout under tile. Hydronic panels support expansion via additional zones.
- Maintenance: Electric mats are low maintenance once installed. Hydronic systems include pumps and valves that require periodic inspection and potential service.
Use the considerations above to match the product type and features to your project size, existing heating infrastructure, and installer capabilities. For small bathroom retrofits, an electric mat or cable kit with a programmable thermostat and floor sensor often provides the most straightforward solution. For multi-room or whole-house radiant heat, a preassembled hydronic control panel simplifies plumbing and zoning for a scalable solution.
Tips for Getting the Best HVAC Prices
- Prioritize Quality Over Cost
The most critical factor in any HVAC project is the quality of the installation. Don’t compromise on contractor expertise just to save money. - Check for Rebates
Always research current rebates and incentives — they can significantly reduce your overall cost. - Compare Multiple Quotes
Request at least three estimates before making your choice. You can click here to get three free quotes from local professionals. These quotes include available rebates and tax credits and automatically exclude unqualified contractors. - Negotiate Smartly
Once you've chosen a contractor, use the proven strategies from our guide — How Homeowners Can Negotiate with HVAC Dealers — to get the best possible final price.