If you’re building a new home, now is the perfect time to plan your heating system. Why? Because the best floor heating systems aren’t added at the last minute—they’re carefully designed as part of the overall construction process to ensure maximum comfort, efficiency, and long-term savings.
Too often, homeowners leave heating decisions until too late, only to realize that retrofitting floor heating later is more expensive, more complicated, or even impossible without major modifications.
To help you avoid these mistakes, we’ll walk you through:
✔ When to start planning floor heating in a new build
✔ What needs to be considered during construction
✔ The key mistakes to avoid
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to ensure your home is warm, comfortable, and energy-efficient from day one.
When Should You Plan Floor Heating in a New Build?
The simple answer? As early as possible.
Unlike ducted or split-system heating, which can be installed at the last minute, hydronic floor heating needs to be incorporated into the design and construction process.
Key Planning Stages for Floor Heating:
1️⃣ Architectural Design Stage → Work with your builder to allow for the heating system in your plans.
2️⃣ Pre-Slab Stage → Pipes need to be installed before the concrete slab is poured.
3️⃣ Construction Stage → The heat source (heat pump or gas boiler) is installed and connected.
4️⃣ Final Finishing → Flooring and thermostats are installed, and the system is tested.
🚨 What happens if you leave it too late?
- If the slab is already poured, it’s much harder (and more expensive) to install a system later.
- You may have to settle for less efficient heating alternatives (like radiators or electric underfloor heating).
- You could end up with higher long-term energy costs because key insulation and heat loss considerations weren’t factored in.
✅ The solution? Talk to a hydronic heating specialist before construction begins—so your system is seamlessly integrated into your home’s design.
What Needs to Be Considered During Construction?
A properly designed floor heating system isn’t just about laying pipes—it involves several key construction elements that need to be coordinated with your builder.
1. Insulation: The Key to Lower Running Costs
One of the biggest mistakes in floor heating installation is not including proper insulation under the slab. Without it, up to 80% of your heat can be lost into the ground, making your system far more expensive to run.
✅ What’s needed?
✔ Slab insulation – A rigid insulation board is placed under the pipes to keep heat from escaping downward.
✔ Edge insulation – Prevents heat from leaking out through the sides of the slab.
🔥 Why it matters:
With proper insulation, your home heats up faster and costs 50% less to run compared to systems without it.
2. Pipe Layout & Spacing – Ensuring Even Heat Distribution
Floor heating isn’t just about laying pipes randomly—the spacing and layout must be custom-designed based on the size of each room, window areas, and insulation levels.
🚨 Common mistake: Some installers use the same pipe spacing everywhere, leading to rooms that heat unevenly—some too hot, some too cold.
✅ What’s needed?
✔ Closer pipe spacing in high heat-loss areas (like bathrooms and rooms with large windows).
✔ Larger loops in low-heat-loss areas (like bedrooms) to prevent overheating.
✔ Separate heating zones for different areas of the home (so you can control temperatures in living areas vs. bedrooms).
🔥 Why it matters:
A well-planned layout ensures your home is warm and consistent, with no cold spots and no overheating.
3. Choosing the Right Heat Source – Gas or Heat Pump?
Hydronic floor heating works by circulating warm water through pipes, and that water needs to be heated by a gas boiler or a heat pump.
🚨 Common mistake: Homeowners choose a low-cost boiler instead of a high-efficiency heat pump, only to regret it later when energy bills are higher than expected.
✅ What’s needed?
✔ Heat pumps are the most efficient option (up to 75% lower running costs vs. gas).
✔ If using gas, choose a condensing boiler (more efficient than standard gas boilers).
✔ For maximum savings, integrate with solar panels to run a heat pump on free electricity.
🔥 Why it matters:
The heat source determines how much your system will cost to run for decades—so choosing the right one now can save you thousands in the long run.
What Flooring Works Best with Floor Heating?
Not all flooring materials conduct heat equally. Some materials allow heat to rise quickly and efficiently, while others trap heat and slow down the system.
Best Flooring for Hydronic Heating:
✔ Tiles & polished concrete – Best heat transfer, fastest warm-up time.
✔ Engineered timber – Works well if kept at the right thickness.
✔ Vinyl & laminate – Can be used if rated for underfloor heating.
🚨 Worst Choices:
❌ Thick carpets – Traps heat, making the system less effective.
❌ Solid hardwood – Expands and contracts too much with heat changes.
✅ The solution? If you love timber or carpet, consider using tile or concrete in key areas like bathrooms and living spaces, where floor heating is most effective.
Avoiding the Most Common Floor Heating Mistakes
Many homeowners regret not thinking about their heating system early enough. Here’s how to avoid the biggest mistakes:
🚫 Waiting until after the slab is poured → You’ll either miss out on floor heating or have to pay much more to retrofit it.
🚫 Skipping insulation to save money → Your system will cost thousands more to run over the years.
🚫 Choosing the cheapest quote without checking details → If the installer cuts corners, your system might not heat properly.
🚫 Not zoning different areas of the home → You’ll end up heating rooms you don’t use, wasting energy.
✅ The solution? Work with an expert who specializes in designing, installing, and engineering hydronic heating systems properly—so you get it right the first time.
Final Thoughts – Get It Right from Day One
If you’re building a new home, floor heating is one of the best investments you can make. But to get the full benefits, it needs to be planned early, designed correctly, and installed properly.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Start planning floor heating before construction begins.
✔ Make sure insulation is included for lower running costs.
✔ Choose the right heat source (heat pump for best efficiency).
✔ Work with an experienced installer to avoid costly mistakes.
At Euroheat Australia, we specialize in high-quality, energy-efficient floor heating systems that keep your home warm, comfortable, and cost-effective for decades.
If you’re building a new home and want to get your heating system right from the start, get in touch with us today for a custom design and consultation.
📞 Call us now or request a quote online!
