I’m Josie, the Remodeling Designer and Office Manager here at AP. At 21, I’ve grown up around construction and design, and now I have the privilege of leading our creative process and connecting with clients to bring their dream spaces to life. I also create 3D renderings for our client projects to help them visualize the finished design before we even begin. On top of that, I manage our marketing and social presence—so if you’ve seen our work online, I probably had a hand in sharing it!
My roots run deep in Jacksonville, but my story is also shaped by my family’s journey. My parents immigrated from Albania and now work alongside me every day. Together, we’ve built more than just beautiful homes—we’ve built a company grounded in hard work, integrity, and a genuine love for what we do.
Homeowners seeking enhanced comfort and energy efficiency often explore modern heating solutions during renovations. Remodeling a house presents an ideal opportunity to incorporate radiant floor heating. Unlike forced-air systems, radiant heating distributes warmth evenly from the ground up, providing a quiet and consistent indoor climate.
This radiant floor heating design guide helps you understand how to approach retrofitting your home with radiant systems. It addresses layout planning, system options, installation logistics, and critical cost considerations for existing structures.
Evaluating Your Existing Structure Before Installation
Before diving into radiant floor heating design, assess the architectural limitations and material composition of your current floors. Identify the subfloor materials, ceiling heights, insulation levels, and the availability of crawl space or basement access. These factors determine feasibility, affect heating efficiency, and inform your final layout choices.
Older homes with poor insulation or uneven subfloors might require preparatory upgrades to optimize thermal performance. Homes with low ceiling clearances will benefit more from ultra-thin electric systems compared to thicker hydronic designs.
Selecting the Appropriate Radiant Floor Heating System
Several types of radiant floor heating systems are available for retrofits, but they differ in terms of cost, energy source, and installation complexity.
- Electric radiant heating: The best electric floor heating systems use heating cables or mats embedded beneath the flooring. These systems are suitable for single-room retrofits, such as bathrooms or kitchens, and are easy to install without requiring plumbing modifications.
- Hydronic radiant heating: This water-based system circulates heated fluid through tubing embedded in a thermal mass, typically concrete or dry panels. While more complex, it provides lower operating costs for whole-house retrofits when paired with a high-efficiency boiler.
- Air-heated systems: These are rare in retrofits due to inefficiency. Air holds less heat and struggles to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.
The radiant floor heat design guide always emphasizes selecting a system that aligns with your space constraints, climate, and energy goals.
Optimizing Radiant Floor Heating Design in a Retrofit Scenario
Designing for radiant floor heating in an existing structure demands creativity and precision. Follow these strategic steps to ensure optimal performance:
- Room-by-room heat load calculations: Tailor your design to the specific thermal needs of each room. Use software or consult HVAC specialists to determine the necessary BTU output, based on window area, insulation levels, and room orientation.
- Zoning and controls: Break your system into independently controlled zones. Bathrooms, bedrooms, and living areas often require different temperatures. Digital thermostats and smart controls maximize comfort and energy savings.
- Flooring material compatibility: Choose floor coverings that conduct heat efficiently. Ceramic tile, stone, and engineered wood outperform carpets or thick vinyl in thermal conductivity.
- Insulation layering: Retrofit installations must include high-R-value insulation below the heating elements to prevent heat loss to lower levels and improve system responsiveness.
- Panel or mat layout design: Avoid placing heating elements under built-ins, appliances, or permanent furniture. Detailed layout drawings ensure maximum coverage and prevent overheating risks.
Installation Techniques and Integration into Existing Homes
Retrofitting radiant heating into a finished home requires minimal disruption if planned methodically. Three primary installation approaches suit remodels:
- Over-the-subfloor systems: These low-profile mats or panels lay directly over the existing subfloor. They’re ideal for electric systems in rooms where elevation changes are acceptable.
- Under-the-floor joist installations: For homes with basement or crawl space access, tubing or wires can be installed between joists beneath the finished floor. Reflective insulation boosts upward heat radiation.
- Floating floor systems: These combine insulation, heat elements, and subfloor in modular panels. Suitable for projects that require rapid installation with minimal demolition and disruption.
Coordinate with licensed professionals to ensure compliance with local building codes, electrical standards, and fire safety regulations.
Estimating Radiant Floor Heating Cost for Retrofits
Understanding the cost of radiant floor heating is critical to budgeting your upgrade. The total investment depends on system type, coverage area, labor rates, and energy source.
- Electric systems: Expect to spend $8 to $15 per square foot, including materials and installation. Ideal for smaller areas due to higher operational costs.
- Hydronic systems: Costs range from $12 to $25 per square foot, particularly when retrofitting multiple rooms or floors. Although installation is more costly, long-term utility savings can offset the upfront expenses.
- Operational costs: Electric systems incur higher energy costs, while hydronic setups powered by gas boilers or solar assist offer greater economy.
Include additional budget lines for subfloor prep, insulation, and control systems. Energy-efficient upgrades, such as new windows or enhanced insulation, can further improve cost efficiency.
Long-Term Benefits of Radiant Floor Heating in Older Homes
Choosing to retrofit radiant systems offers substantial advantages beyond mere comfort. The benefits of radiant floor heating span health, efficiency, and real estate value:
- Uniform comfort: No cold spots or drafts; heat rises evenly from the floor, ideal for families with children or seniors.
- Silent operation: Unlike forced-air systems, radiant heating operates quietly without blowing dust or allergens.
- Energy efficiency: Systems can operate at lower ambient temperatures while maintaining comfort, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.
- Design flexibility: Eliminate bulky radiators and vents, freeing up wall and ceiling space for design freedom.
- Increased property appeal: Homes with radiant floor heating often attract buyers looking for luxury and long-term energy savings.
These benefits elevate comfort and utility while extending the home’s functional life.
Comparing the Best Floor Heating Systems for Retrofit Projects
When evaluating the best floor heating systems, consider ease of installation, compatibility with energy sources, and the system’s lifespan.
- Warmboard-R: A top hydronic solution with pre-routed panels that deliver quick response times. Suitable for major remodels with access to joists.
- Schluter-DITRA-HEAT: A popular electric system with integrated waterproofing, excellent for tiled bathrooms or kitchens.
- SunTouch TapeMat: A thin, versatile electric system that installs easily under laminate or engineered wood.
- Uponor Quik Trak: A low-profile hydronic option designed for retrofits with minimal elevation changes.
Selecting among the best electric floor heating systems and top hydronic alternatives depends on specific retrofit goals and thermal needs.
Upgrade with Confidence: Radiant Floor Heating Solutions by AP Advanced
At AP Advanced, we specialize in transforming homes into modern, energy-efficient living spaces—starting from the ground up. The AP Advanced team understands that every retrofit project presents unique structural challenges and design objectives. That’s why we offer customized radiant floor heating solutions that blend seamlessly into your lifestyle and architecture.
Serving Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Amelia Island, AP Advanced brings local know-how and top-tier service to every project. We help you choose the right system for your layout, flooring type, and energy goals—then install it with precision and accuracy.
Want radiant heat in the bathroom, kitchen, or throughout the entire house? We’ve got you covered. Our team ensures that your system fits your lifestyle and budget, while adding significant comfort and long-term value to your home.
Visit our Jacksonville showroom or contact us to schedule a consultation for radiant floor heating. Let’s upgrade your space into something truly warm, bright, and modern—starting today.
Maximizing Retrofit Success with Smart Planning and Professional Input
A well-executed radiant floor heating design delivers decades of comfort, but successful retrofitting hinges on detailed planning and expert collaboration. Work closely with designers, HVAC professionals, and certified installers to strike a balance between functionality, cost, and efficiency.
Use this radiant floor heating design guide as your foundation, but tailor each decision to your home’s unique architecture and your family’s daily routines. Modern heating should fit seamlessly into your lifestyle while enhancing indoor comfort and reducing energy demand.
With the right design, retrofitting radiant floor heating transforms an aging home into a comfortable, energy-efficient sanctuary built for modern living.