How Radiant Heating Works

As radiant heating professionals with over 35 years of experience, we’ve seen firsthand how transformative this heating method is. It’s more than comfort — it’s smarter, healthier, and more efficient. Here’s how it works and why it’s changing the way people heat their homes and buildings.

Heat That Follows You

Unlike forced-air systems that rely on air currents, radiant heating warms the objects in a room — including you. This means heat is consistent and doesn’t rise quickly to the ceiling or escape through drafts.

Consistent, Even Warmth

Radiant heat works by delivering warmth directly from the floor, eliminating cold spots and reducing the need to adjust the thermostat. Every step you take is comfortable and evenly heated.

No Ducts, No Dust

Because there’s no air being blown through ducts, there’s less dust, fewer allergens, and cleaner indoor air — a major benefit for families and individuals with allergies or respiratory issues.

Energy Efficiency

Hydronic radiant heating systems can reduce energy use by up to 40% when compared to traditional forced-air systems. Water is an excellent conductor of heat and requires less energy to maintain warmth.

Comfort in Every Room

No more stepping onto cold tile in the bathroom or worrying about underheated basements. Radiant systems allow for room-by-room zoning for maximum comfort and efficiency.

Custom for Every Project

Whether you’re building a custom home, retrofitting an office, or adding radiant zones to a multi-family dwelling, we’ll design a system that fits your needs and your budget.

Radiant Heating FAQ

How does a hydronic radiant heating system work? +
Hydronic radiant systems circulate warm water through a series of tubes embedded beneath the floor. This radiant heat warms the floor, furniture, and people — not the air. It provides consistent, energy-efficient heating throughout the space without noisy ductwork or airborne dust.
Can radiant heating work under any type of flooring? +
Yes. Radiant floor heating is compatible with tile, hardwood, engineered wood, laminate, vinyl, and even some carpeting. Each flooring type may require a specific installation method or underlayment, which we customize based on your project.
Is radiant heating more efficient than forced-air systems? +
Absolutely. Radiant systems can reduce energy use by up to 40% because water carries heat more efficiently than air. Plus, since the warmth is evenly distributed and retained longer, less energy is needed to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.
Can radiant heat be installed in an existing home? +
Yes. While in-floor systems are ideal for new construction, retrofits can be done using under-joist installations or low-profile overlays. Our team can assess your home’s structure and recommend the best approach.
Is radiant floor heating safe? +
Radiant heating is extremely safe. It uses closed-loop systems with durable PEX tubing and modern boilers with built-in safety controls. There’s no risk of burns or exposed hot surfaces, making it perfect for families and children.
How long does radiant floor heating last? +
A well-designed hydronic system can last 30–50 years with minimal maintenance. The tubing is designed to last the lifetime of your floor, while the boiler may require replacement after 15–25 years, depending on usage.

Radiant floor heating uses a network of tubing embedded beneath your flooring to circulate warm water. This hydronic system is connected to a high-efficiency boiler or water heater, and depending on your design, it can be zoned to target specific areas of the home.

The radiant process works through infrared energy — similar to how the sun warms the ground. Instead of blowing hot air, we heat surfaces. The result? A space that feels naturally warm, without the noise and inconsistency of traditional HVAC systems.

Installation can happen in a variety of ways: tubing embedded in a concrete slab, stapled to the subfloor with a thin Gyp-Crete pour, or mounted between joists in a retrofit situation. Each method is tailored to the building type and project scope. We’ll work with you to determine the best method based on your layout, flooring materials, and energy goals.

From tile and hardwood to luxury vinyl and engineered wood, radiant heat is compatible with nearly any flooring. Plus, you won’t have to plan your furniture around bulky floor vents or baseboard radiators.

Over time, homeowners report lower utility bills and fewer service calls. Radiant systems require minimal maintenance and tend to outlast conventional forced-air units by years. The long-term benefits of radiant heating go far beyond comfort — they include health, savings, and durability.

If you’re tired of cold floors, high energy bills, and inconsistent temperatures — radiant heating is the answer. Our team at Janes Radiant Heating has been designing and installing custom systems across Western Washington for over three decades. We understand the climate, the codes, and the concerns — and we know how to deliver comfort that lasts.

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