Radiant Floors

Is there anything better than stepping onto a warm floor on a freezing Wisconsin morning? Radiant floor heating gives you that cozy, even warmth from the ground up: without noisy vents, cold spots, or blasts of dusty air.

At Midwest Heating & Cooling, we design, install, repair, and maintain radiant floor heating systems for homeowners in Mukwonago and the surrounding Milwaukee area. Whether you’re remodeling a bathroom, finishing a basement, or planning a whole-home floor installation, our experts can help you choose the right system and floor covering for your space.

What Is Radiant Floor Heating?

Radiant floor heating is a heating system installed beneath your floors that gently warms the entire room. Instead of blowing hot air through ductwork like a furnace, radiant floors use either electric heating cables or hot water tubing to create heat under the floor surface.

The result is:

• Warm floors you can walk on barefoot
• More even temperatures from wall to wall
• Quiet, draft-free comfort throughout the room
  

Because radiant floors warm the surfaces and objects in the space, the room often feels comfortable at a lower thermostat setting. That can improve energy efficiency and help reduce your heating costs over time.

How Radiant Floor Heating Works

All radiant floor systems follow the same simple idea: warm the floor, and the floor warms everything else.

Heat source

• Electric systems use heating cables or mats powered by your home’s electrical system.
• Hydronic systems use hot water supplied by a boiler or high-efficiency water heater.
  

Heat distribution

• The cables or tubing are installed below the floor covering, usually in or under a thin layer of mortar or panels designed for radiant heat.
• As the system runs, the floor surface warms, and heat radiates evenly into the room.
  

Control

• A smart thermostat or zone control lets you set the temperature in each room or zone, so you can keep bathrooms extra warm while using cooler settings elsewhere.
  

Because there’s no fan pushing air around, dust and allergens stay more settled, which can help improve indoor air quality for sensitive family members.

Types of Radiant Floor Heating Systems

There are two main radiant floor heating systems we install in Mukwonago homes: electric radiant and hydronic (hot water) radiant.

Electric Radiant Floor Heating

Electric radiant systems use thin electric heating cables or mesh mats installed beneath your flooring. They are especially popular for:

• Bathroom and kitchen remodels
• Basement floors
• Small additions or sunrooms
• Targeted comfort zones rather than whole-home heating
  

Benefits of electric radiant floors:

• Ideal for smaller floor installations or single rooms
• No boiler required: runs off your electrical system
• Fast response time and precise thermostatic control
• Great match with tile, stone, or luxury vinyl floor coverings

Electric radiant is usually used as a supplemental heating system, adding extra comfort in the rooms you use most, while a furnace, boiler, or heat pump handles the bulk of your home’s heating.

Hydronic (Hot Water) Radiant Floor Heating

Hydronic radiant floors circulate hot water through flexible tubing installed beneath the floor. The hot water comes from a boiler or compatible water heater, and the heat spreads evenly through the room.

Hydronic systems are a great choice if you:

• Want radiant floor heating throughout most or all of your home
• Already have a boiler heating system
• Are building a new home or doing a major renovation
• Want very high efficiency and low operating costs over time

Benefits of hydronic radiant floors:

• Excellent for whole-home heating
• Very efficient, especially when paired with modern high-efficiency boilers or water heaters
• Works well with a variety of floor coverings, including tile, engineered wood, and some carpet systems designed for radiant heat
• Can be zoned so different areas of the home run at different temperatures
  

Our team will help you decide whether an electric or hydronic system, or a combination of both, is right for your home, budget, and comfort goals.

Best Rooms and Floor Coverings for Radiant Floor Heating

Radiant flooring works beautifully in many areas of a Wisconsin home:

• Bathrooms: No more cold tile first thing in the morning
• Kitchens: Warm, comfortable floors where you stand the most
• Basements: Take the chill off concrete slabs and make the space feel finished
• Bedrooms: Gentle, even warmth without noisy vents
• Living rooms and family rooms: Create a cozy gathering space for long winters
  

Most floor coverings can work with radiant floor heating when installed correctly, including:

• Ceramic or porcelain tile
• Natural stone
• Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and tile
• Engineered wood
• Some low-profile carpets designed for radiant systems
  

During your estimate, we’ll review your existing floors and any planned floor installations to make sure your chosen materials and radiant floor heating system are a safe, efficient match.

Is Radiant Floor Heating Energy Efficient?

Radiant floor heating is known for its energy efficiency, especially in a cold climate like Wisconsin. Here’s why:

• Heat stays low in the room, where people are, instead of gathering at the ceiling
• You often feel comfortable at lower thermostat settings, which can reduce energy usage
• Zoned controls allow you to heat only the rooms you’re using
• Hydronic systems can be paired with high-efficiency boilers, heat pumps, or water heaters
  

While every home is different, many homeowners see lower heating expenses after switching part or all of their home to radiant heat, especially when replacing older, less efficient systems.

Radiant Floor Heating vs Forced-Air Heating

Most homes in Mukwonago rely on forced-air furnaces. So how does radiant floor heating compare?

Forced-air heating:

• Uses ductwork and vents to push warm air through your home
• Can create hot and cold spots and noticeable temperature swings
• May stir up dust, pet dander, and allergens
• Can feel drafty and noisy when the blower runs
  

Radiant floor heating:

• Provides even, consistent heat from your floors
• Keeps surfaces warm and comfortable, not just the air
• Reduces air movement, which can help improve indoor air quality
• Operates quietly with no fan noise
  

You don’t have to choose one or the other. Many homeowners use radiant floor heating in key areas of comfort and keep a furnace or boiler for the rest of the home. We’ll walk you through the options so you can design a system that balances comfort, energy efficiency, and upfront cost.

Cost of Installing Radiant Floor Heating

One of the first questions we hear is, “What does it cost to install radiant floor heating?”

The exact cost of installing a system in your Mukwonago home depends on several factors:

• Electric vs hydronic radiant floor heating system
• Total square footage of the floor installation
• Number of rooms or zones
• Type of floor covering (tile, engineered wood, carpet, etc.)
• Whether this is new construction, a remodel, or a retrofit
• Existing heating equipment (boiler, water heater, furnace)
  

Electric radiant systems for a single bathroom or small room typically cost less upfront than a whole-home hydronic system. Hydronic systems usually have higher installation costs but can offer lower operating costs over the life of the system.

During your in-home estimate, we’ll provide:

• A clear, written proposal
• Options where available (electric vs hydronic)
• Any current heating offers or promotions we can apply to your project

Radiant Floor Heating Installation and Floor Retrofits

When you’re ready for radiant floor heating installation, our team manages the whole process:

1. In-home evaluation
   • We inspect your current heating system, floor structure, and floor coverings.
   • We confirm whether electric or hydronic radiant, or a combination, fits your needs best.
2. System design
   • We design a radiant floor layout to avoid cold spots and ensure even heat.
   • We coordinate with any ongoing floor installation or remodeling work.
3. Professional installation
   • Our technicians install the heating cables or hot water tubing to manufacturer standards.
   • We work carefully around existing finishes to minimize disruption.
4. Testing and setup
   • We thoroughly test your new radiant floor heating system.
   • We set up thermostats or zone controls and show you how to use them.
     

Whether you’re tackling one bathroom or planning a whole-home upgrade, you’ll get honest recommendations, transparent pricing, and quality workmanship from local experts who understand Wisconsin winters.

Radiant Floor Heating Repairs

If your radiant floors:

• Have cold patches
• Take much longer than normal to warm up
• Don’t respond to thermostat adjustments
• Drive energy bills higher than expected
  

…it’s time to schedule a repair visit.

Our team has the tools and experience to diagnose issues with both electric radiant and hydronic radiant floor heating systems, including:

• Thermostat or control problems
• Circulator pump or mixing valve issues on hydronic systems
• Damaged wiring, heating cables, or mats
• Air lock or flow problems in hot water tubing
  

We’ll arrive on time, explain our findings in clear language, and review all options with you before any work begins.

Radiant Floor Heating Maintenance

Regular maintenance keeps your radiant floor heating system running safely and efficiently for years to come.

• Hydronic radiant systems benefit from annual boiler or water heater maintenance, as well as inspections of pumps, valves, and controls.
• Electric radiant systems should be checked if you notice any performance changes or suspect damage.
  

Joining our Maintenance Care Plan is a simple way to stay on top of service. You’ll enjoy:

• Scheduled tune-ups
• Discounts on repairs and parts
• Priority service when you need us most
  

Ask us how our maintenance plans can help protect both your radiant floors and your other heating and cooling equipment.

Why Mukwonago Homeowners Trust Midwest Heating & Cooling

When you choose Midwest Heating & Cooling for your radiant floor heating project, you get:

• Local experience with Wisconsin homes, codes, and climates
• Highly trained technicians who specialize in both radiant and traditional HVAC systems
• Straightforward recommendations tailored to your home and budget
• Respect for your home: clean work areas and clear communication
  

From the first estimate to the final walkthrough, we’re focused on one thing: making your home more comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable all year round.

Schedule Radiant Floor Heating Service in Mukwonago, WI

Ready to enjoy warm, comfortable floors and more even heating in your home?

Midwest Heating & Cooling provides:

• Radiant floor heating installation and replacement
• Electric and hydronic radiant system design
• Radiant floor heating repairs
• Ongoing maintenance and care plans
  

Call us today at 414-209-4668 or request service online to schedule your radiant floor heating estimate in Mukwonago, WI and the surrounding area.

Frequently Asked Questions About Radiant Floor Heating

Is radiant floor heating enough to heat my whole home?

In many homes, yes, especially with a properly designed hydronic radiant system. Radiant floors provide even, gentle heat that can serve as the primary heat source. In other homes, homeowners choose radiant heating for key areas like bathrooms and kitchens while keeping a furnace or boiler for the rest of the home. We’ll evaluate your space, insulation, and existing equipment to recommend the best setup.

What is the difference between electric radiant and hydronic radiant floor heating?

Electric radiant systems use heating cables or mats powered by electricity and are typically used for smaller areas or remodeling projects. Hydronic systems use hot water from a boiler or water heater and are better suited for larger areas or whole-home heating. Electric radiant usually costs less to install in a single room, while hydronic radiant often offers lower operating costs over time in bigger spaces.

How much does it cost to install radiant floor heating in Mukwonago, WI?

The cost of installing radiant floor heating depends on the size of the project, electric vs hydronic design, existing floor coverings, and the condition of your current heating equipment. Small bathroom installations cost much less than a full-home hydronic system. During your free estimate, we’ll provide a clear, written price and review any current heating offers or financing options available.

Can radiant floor heating be added under my existing floors?

In many cases, yes. Radiant floor heating can often be added during floor installations or remodels, especially under tile, stone, luxury vinyl, or engineered wood. Some projects may require removing and replacing the floor covering or adding a thin layer above the existing subfloor. We’ll inspect your current flooring and structure to confirm the best approach.

Is radiant floor heating safe and low maintenance?

When installed by qualified professionals, radiant floor heating is safe, reliable, and low maintenance. Electric systems have no open flames or moving parts under the floor, and hydronic systems rely on proven boiler and pump technology. Routine system checks and proper boiler or water heater maintenance will keep everything running smoothly for many years.

How long does radiant floor installation usually take?

Most single-room electric radiant projects can be completed in a day or two, especially when coordinated with your flooring contractor. Larger hydronic projects and whole-home installations take longer and may be part of a broader remodeling or construction timeline. We’ll provide a realistic schedule with your estimate so you know what to expect.