When considering floor heating for your home, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is: How much does it cost?
It’s a fair question. You want to make sure you’re making a smart investment—one that gives you a warm, comfortable home without costing a fortune to install or run.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
✅ The upfront installation costs of hydronic floor heating
✅ The running costs compared to other heating options
✅ How long-term savings can actually make it cheaper than other systems
By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of what to expect—and whether hydronic floor heating is the right choice for your home.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Floor Heating?
Hydronic floor heating isn’t the cheapest heating system upfront, but it’s designed to last for decades while costing very little to run.
Here’s a general price range for installing floor heating in an average-sized home (200–250m²):
🔹 Basic hydronic system with a gas boiler → $30,000 – $40,000
🔹 Mid-range system with a heat pump → $40,000 – $50,000
🔹 High-efficiency system with full insulation & advanced controls → $50,000 – $60,000
What affects the cost?
1️⃣ House size – The larger the floor area, the more piping and materials needed.
2️⃣ Floor type – Some flooring materials (like tile or polished concrete) transfer heat better than carpet or timber.
3️⃣ Heat source – A heat pump costs more upfront but saves thousands in energy bills over time.
4️⃣ Insulation – Proper insulation reduces running costs by up to 50%, but it adds to the installation cost.
5️⃣ Custom features – Smart thermostats, zoning systems, and hot water integration add convenience but also affect the price.
How does this compare to other heating options?
🔹 Ducted reverse-cycle heating – $15,000 – $25,000 installed
🔹 Gas ducted heating – $10,000 – $20,000 installed
🔹 Electric floor heating – $5,000 – $15,000 installed
At first glance, hydronic heating costs more than ducted systems or electric heating, but the real savings come in ongoing running costs.
How Much Does Floor Heating Cost to Run?
Most heating systems seem affordable at first but cost a fortune to operate. Hydronic floor heating is one of the cheapest systems to run because it uses water to transfer heat instead of air, making it much more efficient.
Here’s a comparison of average daily running costs for a 200m² home:
🔥 Hydronic floor heating (heat pump) → $1 – $2 per day
🔥 Hydronic floor heating (gas boiler) → $3 – $5 per day
🔥 Ducted reverse-cycle heating → $5 – $7 per day
🔥 Electric floor heating → $10+ per day
That means hydronic heating with a heat pump can cost 50–75% less to run than ducted systems or electric heating.
If you have solar panels, the savings are even greater. Many homeowners run their heat pump during the day using free solar energy, making their heating almost free.
Why Is Hydronic Heating So Efficient?
1️⃣ Water is a better heat conductor than air, so less energy is wasted.
2️⃣ Heat is evenly distributed across the floor, so the system runs at a lower temperature while still keeping the home warm.
3️⃣ A heat pump extracts heat from the air, making it up to 500% efficient—meaning for every 1kW of electricity used, it produces 5kW of heating.
This is why hydronic heating is the preferred system in colder European countries—it simply makes more sense in terms of efficiency and comfort.
Why Floor Heating Saves You Money in the Long Run
Many homeowners hesitate because the upfront cost is higher than ducted or gas heating. But over 5, 10, or 20 years, hydronic heating actually works out cheaper.
Let’s compare total costs over 10 years for a typical home:
| Heating System | Installation Cost | Annual Running Cost | 10-Year Cost (Install + Running) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hydronic (heat pump) | $45,000 | $700 – $1,000 | $52,000 – $55,000 |
| Ducted Reverse-Cycle | $20,000 | $2,000 – $2,500 | $40,000 – $45,000 |
| Gas Ducted Heating | $15,000 | $2,500 – $3,500 | $40,000 – $50,000 |
| Electric Floor Heating | $10,000 | $3,500 – $5,000 | $45,000 – $60,000 |
🔹 By year 10, a ducted system or electric heating will have cost you MORE than hydronic floor heating.
🔹 By year 20, the difference is even greater—hydronic heating wins every time.
If you’re planning to stay in your home long-term, hydronic heating pays for itself in savings.
Is It Worth the Investment?
If you just need a cheap, short-term heating solution, ducted systems or split systems might seem like a better choice.
But if you’re thinking long-term and want:
✔ A warm, comfortable home without cold spots
✔ A heating system that costs less to run every year
✔ An efficient, low-maintenance solution that lasts decades
Then hydronic floor heating is absolutely worth it.
Most homeowners who install it never go back to ducted heating—because once you’ve experienced the gentle, natural warmth of heated floors, nothing else feels the same.
If you’re building a new home and want to explore the best heating system for your space, contact Euroheat Australia today for a custom quote and expert advice.
