The heating system is an essential component of any residential property.
And the underfloor heating option has certainly been in vogue in recent years! Electric and hydronic floor heating systems are becoming increasingly affordable and efficient, which is why more and more homeowners are choosing them as their main heating system.
Soumissions Plancher is here to help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of radiant flooring in Quebec.
So we’ve compared all the features and prices of such a floor model right here to help you.
All you have to do to compare prices is fill in the form at the bottom of the page to get 3 free, no-obligation quotes.
What are the underfloor heating options in Quebec?
Not all floor heating systems are created equal! And in la Belle Province, there are two systems to consider: electric radiant floor heating and glycol floor heating!
Here are the differences between these two underfloor heating models:
1) Electric underfloor heating
The electric underfloor heating system consists of heating wires. Designed in the form of “rolls”, this system is installed on the floor before being covered with a floor covering. Through the effect of radiation, heat passes through the floor covering and dissipates into the room.
2) Hydronic underfloor heating
Glycol floor heating consists of pipes buried in the concrete floor of a house. With the help of a furnace, a solution of water and glycol is heated and conveyed through these same pipes to heat the room by radiation. The principle of these two floor systems is therefore the same, but the operation, installation features and price of these models vary enormously.
That’s why it’s essential to know the difference between these models so you can make an informed choice!
Why consider underfloor heating? Pros and cons!
A house can be heated by electric baseboard heaters, convectors, a heat pump or even a wood-burning stove. Underfloor heating is just one of many options, and since it’s not the most affordable, it’s worth thinking twice before choosing it.
Thinking of opting for floor heating as a residential heating system? Soumissions Plancher helps you weigh the pros and cons!
Advantages of an in-floor heating system
- Provides very comfortable warmth
- Saves energy
- Increases the value of a home
- Facilitates drying of water on the floor (bathroom, kitchen, etc.).
Disadvantages of an in-floor heating system
- Expensive prices
- Limits flooring choices
- Limited by part constraints
- Difficult and costly to repair
- May be damaged during floor renovation
Another factor to consider when renovating a floor is the price!
And Soumissions Plancher offers you the opportunity to compare 3 free quotes for your floor heating project, whatever the model. All you have to do is fill out a short form, and we’ll get you a price comparison!
Quebec floor heating installation prices at a glance!
Underfloor heating represents a significant investment.
Compared to simple electric baseboard heaters, the cost may seem high, and once you understand the complexity of such a system, you’ll quickly see why. However, the price doesn’t detract from the many advantages of radiant floor heating.
Here’s an overview of the costs involved in purchasing and installing underfloor heating in Quebec in 2024!
|
Underfloor heating model |
Average price |
|
ELECTRIC underfloor heating |
Up to $10 / ft2 |
|
HYDRONIC underfloor heating |
5 to $7 / ft2 |
What factors need to be taken into account when calculating the price of an underfloor heating system?
- Floor area
- Installer's hourly rate
- Type of floor covering
- The underfloor heating model
Why do prices vary between hydronic and electric flooring?
Because their installation method is completely different! Hydronic floor heating consists of pipes buried in the concrete floor of a house, and is powered by an electric furnace.
Electric underfloor heating, on the other hand, consists of “carpet” in which serpentine heating wires are installed. The work required to install such systems is therefore completely different, and this explains the cost discrepancies.
Renovation vs. new construction: a major difference for underfloor heating!
Installing a glycol floor is a realistic and affordable option when building a new home, since the concrete floor has not yet been poured. However, installing a hot-water system becomes considerably more expensive and complex in a renovation project.
Since the electric floor is simply inserted under the floor covering, it’s generally a more affordable solution for a renovation project.
How to choose the right floor covering for underfloor heating?
When installing underfloor heating, the choice of floor covering is an essential consideration. Why is this?
This is because some coatings have thermal properties that contribute to heat diffusion, while others are incapable of ensuring such energy transfer. As you can see, choosing the right coating for your heating system has a direct impact on its performance.
Here are the main floor coverings suitable for electric and hydronic underfloor heating systems:
Ceramics
Ceramic flooring – and any other natural stone covering – has virtues that contribute to the diffusion of warmth in a room through the effect of heat radiation.
That’s why ceramic flooring is generally the best option for covering a heating system, whether electric or glycol.
Concrete
Like ceramic tiles, concrete floors have natural qualities that facilitate heat transfer. Epoxy-treated floors therefore offer optimum performance for radiant heating. What’s more, concrete is a very trendy floor design.
Engineered wood
Engineered wood is a floor covering glued to the floor, and is highly resistant to heat and water. That’s why many choose to install it in kitchen floors, and why it’s recommended as a covering for heating systems.
WARNING Certain floor coverings must be avoided for underfloor heating!
Wood, laminate and carpet floors, to name but a few, are completely unsuitable for underfloor heating systems. Their characteristics make them very poor conductors of heat, which limits the floor’s ability to function.
Which professional should you hire for underfloor heating?
Installing underfloor heating requires a certain amount of expertise.
And to ensure proper, compliant installation, you need to turn to the right professionals in the field. Electricians, plumbers and tilers are the main contractors called upon to help you when installing underfloor heating:
An electrician
An electrician is needed to connect the electric floor heating system! He will also be needed to connect the furnace and the glycol floor heating control panel. No matter which model you choose, you’ll need an electrician to operate your radiant floor.
A plumber
Opting for a glycol floor? Plumbers are the professionals best placed to install the hot water pipes that run through the floor! The slightest installation error can compromise the floor’s integrity, so make sure you hire a competent professional!
A tiler
Ceramic tiles are a popular choice for underfloor heating. And ceramic installation necessarily means tiling services!
Indeed, this professional is a true specialist in ceramic installation, and it’s an expertise you can’t do without to optimize your underfloor heating.
Would you rather install an engineered or vinyl floor?
In this case, you’ll need a qualified carpenter to install your floor covering properly! And no matter what type of covering you choose, Soumissions Plancher is THE resource to help you find the best deal.
Compare 3 free quotes for your floor heating system!
There’s no point in hiding it: underfloor heating comes at a price!
However, the cost of installing such a system pays for itself over the years, and gives you a level of comfort that no other heating system can provide.
Curious to learn more and compare customized quotes?
Fill out our short form at the bottom of the page, and Soumissions Plancher will compare 3 quotes from floor heating installation contractors in your area.
