If you’re considering hydronic floor heating, one of the first questions you’ll have is:
💰 How much does it cost to install and run?
The answer depends on the size of your home, the type of system, and your energy source—but the good news is that a properly designed system can cost less to run than ducted heating.
Let’s break down:
✔ Installation costs (including different system types)
✔ Running costs (and how to keep them low)
✔ How floor heating compares to other heating systems
How Much Does Floor Heating Cost to Install? 🔧💰
The upfront cost depends on:
✔ The size of your home (larger homes = more piping and a bigger heat source).
✔ The type of system (in-slab, in-screed, or timber floor).
✔ The heat source (gas boiler or heat pump).
💡 Typical installation costs for a standard 200m² home:
| Floor Heating Type | Installation Cost |
|---|---|
| In-Slab Hydronic Heating (Standard System) | $40,000 – $50,000 |
| In-Screed Hydronic Heating (Faster Warm-Up) | $45,000 – $55,000 |
| Low-Profile Timber Floor System | $50,000 – $60,000 |
🚨 Why does it cost more than ducted heating?
✔ More materials (pipes, insulation, heat pump/boiler).
✔ Longer installation time (pipes embedded in the floor).
✔ But the payoff? Lower energy bills and better comfort for decades.
How Much Does Floor Heating Cost to Run? ⚡💡
The running cost depends on:
✔ Your heat source (gas boiler vs. heat pump).
✔ Insulation quality (better insulation = lower energy use).
✔ Smart zoning & thermostat control (heating only where needed).
💡 Typical daily running costs for a 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 floor heating cheaper to run than ducted systems?
✔ Water transfers heat more efficiently than air.
✔ No energy loss through ductwork (ducted systems lose up to 30% of heat in the roof space).
✔ Heat stays in the slab—even after the system turns off, your home stays warm.
💰 Best way to lower costs? Pair a heat pump with solar panels to get almost free heating!
Floor Heating vs. Other Heating Systems: What’s the Real Cost?
If you’re weighing up floor heating vs. ducted heating, here’s a 10-year cost comparison:
| System Type | Installation Cost | 10-Year Running Cost | Total Cost Over 10 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ducted Reverse-Cycle Heating | $20,000 – $25,000 | $18,000 – $25,000 | $38,000 – $50,000 |
| Gas Boiler Floor Heating | $40,000 – $50,000 | $10,000 – $18,000 | $50,000 – $68,000 |
| Heat Pump Floor Heating | $45,000 – $55,000 | $4,000 – $7,000 | $49,000 – $62,000 |
🚨 What this means:
✔ Ducted heating is cheaper upfront, but costs far more to run over time.
✔ Heat pump floor heating has the lowest running cost and pays for itself in energy savings.
✔ By year 10, a heat pump system saves you up to $18,000 compared to ducted heating.
How to Reduce Your Floor Heating Costs Even More
💡 1. Use a Heat Pump Instead of Gas
✔ A heat pump is up to 500% efficient (produces 5x more heat than the energy it uses).
✔ Saves 75% on running costs compared to gas boilers.
💡 2. Add Solar Panels for Free Heating
✔ If you power a heat pump with solar, you get free heating during the day.
✔ Solar reduces your reliance on grid electricity, cutting costs even further.
💡 3. Use Smart Zoning & Thermostats
✔ Heat only the rooms you use most—don’t waste energy heating empty spaces.
✔ Program heating to run during solar hours or when needed most.
💡 4. Make Sure Your Home Is Properly Insulated
✔ Good insulation traps heat inside, reducing the amount of energy needed.
✔ Without insulation, up to 80% of heat can be lost into the ground.
Final Thoughts – Is Floor Heating Worth the Cost?
🚀 Yes—if you plan to stay in your home long-term.
While floor heating costs more to install than ducted systems, it saves you thousands in energy bills over time and provides:
✔ Even, long-lasting warmth (no hot/cold spots)
✔ Better comfort with no air blowing around
✔ Lower running costs compared to ducted heating
💡 Thinking about floor heating for your home? Contact Euroheat Australia today for a custom quote and expert advice on designing a system that fits your home and budget!
