Open-plan homes are popular in WA, offering spacious, modern living areas with fewer walls. But with all that open space, many homeowners wonder:
❓ Can floor heating warm a large open-plan space effectively?
💰 Will it cost too much to run?
🌡️ Will heat escape too quickly in a big area?
The short answer? Yes—hydronic floor heating is one of the best heating solutions for open-plan homes. It provides even warmth across large areas without the issues that come with ducted or split-system heating.
Let’s break down:
✔ How floor heating works in open-plan spaces
✔ Why it’s better than ducted heating for large rooms
✔ How to maximize efficiency and comfort
Why Is Floor Heating Ideal for Open-Plan Homes? 🏡🔥
Large, open spaces can be challenging to heat because warm air rises and spreads unevenly. Traditional heating systems, like ducted or split systems, struggle to keep big rooms consistently warm.
🚀 Why hydronic floor heating works better:
✔ Even warmth from the ground up—no hot or cold spots.
✔ No air movement—traditional heating pushes warm air around, but floor heating radiates heat gently.
✔ No heat loss through ducts—ducted systems lose up to 30% of their heat in roof cavities.
✔ Heat retention in the slab—keeps warmth inside for hours, even after the system turns off.
💡 The result? A large, open-plan space that stays warm without high energy bills or uneven heating.
How to Design Floor Heating for Open-Plan Homes 🏗️✅
For maximum comfort and efficiency in large spaces, a floor heating system should include:
✅ 1. A High-Efficiency Heat Pump
✔ Heat pumps are 400–500% efficient—they produce 4–5x more heat than the electricity they consume.
✔ Far cheaper to run than gas or electric heating.
✔ Works perfectly with solar panels for ultra-low running costs.
✅ 2. Proper Slab Insulation
✔ Under-slab insulation prevents heat from escaping into the ground.
✔ Edge insulation stops heat from leaking out at the slab perimeter.
✔ Better insulation = faster heat-up times & lower energy use.
✅ 3. Smart Thermostat & Zoning Controls
✔ Set different temperatures for different areas—kitchen, dining, and lounge zones.
✔ Program schedules to warm the space before you wake up or come home.
✔ Remote control via an app—adjust heating from anywhere.
✅ 4. Large, Hard Flooring for Best Heat Transfer
✔ Tiles, polished concrete, and stone absorb and radiate heat well.
✔ Thin engineered timber works too, but avoid thick carpets (they insulate against heat).
🚀 The result? A system that efficiently warms a large open space without wasting energy.
How Much Does Floor Heating Cost in Open-Plan Homes? 💰
💡 Example: 100m² open-plan living area with hydronic floor heating
| System Type | Installation Cost | Running Cost (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Ducted Reverse-Cycle Heating | $10,000 – $15,000 | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Gas Boiler Floor Heating | $15,000 – $25,000 | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Heat Pump Floor Heating | $20,000 – $30,000 | $400 – $1,000 |
🚨 Key takeaway:
✔ Heat pump floor heating costs more upfront but saves thousands in running costs.
✔ It’s 3–4x cheaper to run than ducted heating in a large space.
Why Floor Heating is Better Than Ducted Heating in Open-Plan Homes ❌💨
Ducted reverse-cycle systems struggle in open-plan homes because:
❌ Hot air rises, leaving the floor cold.
❌ Heat loss through ducts—30% of warm air disappears before reaching the room.
❌ Constant cycling on and off, leading to uneven temperatures.
❌ No heat retention—once it’s off, the warmth disappears fast.
🚀 Floor heating solves these problems by:
✔ Warming the entire space evenly from the floor up.
✔ Retaining heat in the slab, so warmth lasts even when turned off.
✔ No air movement, no dust, no noise—just silent, radiant heat.
💡 The result? A large open space that feels naturally warm without overheating or cold spots.
Final Thoughts – Is Floor Heating Right for Open-Plan Homes? ✅🏡
🚀 Yes—if you want the best comfort and energy efficiency for a large space.
✔ Even warmth across the entire living area—no cold zones.
✔ Lower running costs than ducted heating—up to 75% cheaper.
✔ Works perfectly with solar for near-zero energy bills.
✔ Long-lasting system with minimal maintenance.
📞 Building or renovating an open-plan home? Contact Euroheat Australia today for a custom-designed floor heating system that delivers ultimate comfort and efficiency!
