If you’re living in an existing home and dreaming of warm, toasty floors in winter, you might be wondering:
🛠 Can I add floor heating without ripping up my floors?
💰 How much will it cost to retrofit?
⚡ Will it increase my energy bills?
The good news? Yes, floor heating can be retrofitted into existing homes! The key is choosing the right system for your floor type and renovation plans.
Let’s break down your best options, the costs involved, and whether it’s worth doing in your home.
What Are the Best Floor Heating Options for Existing Homes? 🏡🔥
Unlike new builds, where heating pipes are embedded in a concrete slab, existing homes require a different approach.
✅ Option 1: Low-Profile Hydronic Floor Heating (Best for Homes Keeping Their Floors)
✔ Thin heating panels installed directly over existing floors (adds only 15–25mm height).
✔ Works with timber, laminate, vinyl, and engineered flooring.
✔ Fast heat-up times compared to in-slab systems.
🚨 Not suitable for thick carpets or solid hardwood floors.
✅ Option 2: In-Screed Heating (Best for Homes Changing Their Floors)
✔ Pipes embedded in a thin 30–50mm screed layer over the existing floor.
✔ Works best with tiles, polished concrete, and engineered timber.
✔ Provides better heat retention than low-profile systems.
🚨 Slight floor height increase, so door adjustments may be needed.
✅ Option 3: Radiator Panels (Alternative to Floor Heating)
✔ Wall-mounted radiators circulate warm water, heating rooms without floor modifications.
✔ Ideal for homes where floor heating isn’t possible (thick carpets, heritage homes).
✔ Works with the same heat pump or boiler as floor heating.
How Much Does It Cost to Retrofit Floor Heating? 💰🛠
The cost depends on which system you choose and how much of your home you want to heat.
💡 Typical retrofit installation costs:
| Floor Heating Type | Installation Cost (200m² home) |
|---|---|
| Low-Profile Hydronic Floor Heating | $50,000 – $60,000 |
| In-Screed Hydronic Floor Heating | $45,000 – $55,000 |
| Radiator Panel System | $20,000 – $30,000 |
🚨 Why does retrofitting cost more than new-build installations?
✔ Requires extra floor preparation.
✔ May need door height adjustments.
✔ More labour-intensive than installing pipes in a new concrete slab.
How Much Does Retrofitted Floor Heating Cost to Run? ⚡💡
💰 Running costs depend on:
✔ Your heat source (heat pump or gas boiler).
✔ The amount of insulation under your floors.
✔ Whether you heat the whole house or just key areas.
💡 Typical daily running costs for a retrofitted system (200m² home):
| Heat Source | Daily Cost | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ducted Reverse-Cycle Heating | $5 – $7 | $150 – $210 | $1,800 – $2,500 |
| Gas Boiler Hydronic Heating | $3 – $5 | $90 – $150 | $1,000 – $1,800 |
| Heat Pump Hydronic Heating | $1 – $2 | $30 – $60 | $400 – $700 |
🚀 Why is hydronic floor heating cheaper to run?
✔ Water transfers heat more efficiently than air.
✔ Heat stays in the floor, reducing the need for constant heating.
✔ Paired with solar panels, it can run for almost free.
Is Retrofitting Floor Heating Worth It? 🤔
💡 Best reasons to retrofit:
✔ You’re already planning a flooring upgrade—perfect time to add heating.
✔ You want an energy-efficient alternative to ducted heating.
✔ You have solar panels and want to maximize savings.
🚨 When it might not be worth it:
❌ If you don’t want to modify your floors (radiator panels might be a better option).
❌ If you have thick carpet flooring, which reduces heating efficiency.
Final Thoughts – Should You Retrofit Floor Heating?
🚀 Yes—if you’re planning renovations or want lower energy bills.
Hydronic floor heating adds comfort, value, and efficiency to your home—but it’s important to choose the right system for your existing floors.
📞 Want expert advice on retrofitting floor heating? Contact Euroheat Australia today for a custom consultation and quote!
