Many homeowners love the idea of hydronic floor heating—but what if the same system could also cool your home in summer?
The short answer? Yes, hydronic systems can provide cooling, but it’s not as simple as just running cold water through the pipes. There are a few important things to consider before deciding if floor cooling is right for your home.
Let’s break it all down so you can see how it works, what the limitations are, and whether it’s a good option for your home in WA.
How Does Floor Cooling Work? 🏡❄️
Hydronic cooling works the opposite way of heating—instead of warm water circulating under the floor, cool water (typically 16–20°C) is pumped through the pipes, absorbing heat from the room and lowering the temperature.
✅ The benefits of hydronic cooling:
✔ Silent operation—no noisy fans or air blowing around
✔ Lower energy use compared to ducted air conditioning
✔ No hot or cold spots—cooling is evenly distributed
🚨 But here’s the catch: Unlike floor heating, which works in any home, floor cooling only works effectively under specific conditions—otherwise, it won’t provide enough cooling to keep you comfortable.
The Biggest Limitation: Humidity & Condensation 💦
One of the main challenges with floor cooling is condensation. If the floor temperature drops too low, moisture in the air will condense on the surface, making the floor wet and slippery.
❌ This is a big issue in humid climates—which is why floor cooling is rarely used in places with high humidity.
✅ How to prevent condensation:
✔ Keep water temperature above the dew point (typically 16–20°C)
✔ Use a humidity sensor to prevent excessive cooling
✔ Combine with dehumidifiers or air ventilation systems
How Effective is Floor Cooling? 🌡️
While floor heating provides powerful, efficient warmth, floor cooling doesn’t provide the same level of cooling as air conditioning.
✅ Works best in:
✔ Well-insulated homes with good passive cooling design
✔ Homes where you only need gentle cooling, not extreme temperature drops
✔ Areas with dry summers, where humidity isn’t a major issue
🚫 Does NOT work well in:
❌ Very humid climates (condensation issues)
❌ Homes with thick carpets (which block heat exchange)
❌ High-heat load homes with large windows and poor insulation
Should You Use Floor Cooling or an Alternative? 🤔
If you’re looking for the best cooling option for your home, here’s how floor cooling compares to other systems:
🔥 Reverse-Cycle Ducted Air Conditioning
✔ Powerful cooling, even in extreme heat
✔ Can also be used for heating
🚫 Noisy, expensive to run, and blows air around
❄️ Hydronic Floor Cooling
✔ Silent, energy-efficient, and comfortable
✔ Works well in dry climates with mild summers
🚫 Limited cooling capacity—not effective for high-heat homes
💨 Chilled Ceiling or Wall Cooling (Alternative Hydronic Cooling)
✔ Works better than floor cooling—cold water runs through ceiling panels instead
✔ No condensation issues, more effective cooling
🚫 More expensive to install
The Best Setup for Cooling & Heating in WA ✅
If you want both heating and cooling, the best combination for WA homes is:
🔥 Hydronic floor heating for winter (cheapest to run)
❄️ Reverse-cycle or ceiling panel cooling for summer (more effective than floor cooling)
☀️ Pairing everything with solar panels (to cut energy bills to almost zero)
Final Thoughts – Is Floor Cooling Right for You?
Hydronic floor cooling can work, but it’s not the best option for every home. If you live in WA and want efficient, powerful cooling, you’re usually better off pairing hydronic heating with another cooling system.
📞 Want expert advice on heating and cooling for your home? Contact Euroheat Australia today to find the perfect system for your needs!
