If you’re considering hydronic floor heating for your home, one of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make is how to power it. Unlike electric heating, which simply uses resistance wires in the floor (and costs a fortune to run), hydronic systems use heated water that circulates through pipes under your floors.
The question is: What’s the best way to heat that water?
Your main options are:
1️⃣ A gas boiler – A traditional, reliable option, but is it still the best?
2️⃣ A heat pump – An energy-efficient choice that can cut running costs dramatically.
3️⃣ Solar-assisted heating – Can you heat your home for free using solar power?
Each option has pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your budget, energy efficiency goals, and home setup. Let’s break them down so you can make the best decision for your home.
Option 1: Gas Boilers – Traditional, But Are They Still Worth It?
For years, gas boilers were the go-to choice for hydronic heating in Australia. They work by burning natural gas to heat water, which is then circulated through the floor pipes.
✅ Pros of Gas Boilers:
✔ Lower upfront cost – Gas boilers are generally cheaper to install than heat pumps.
✔ Consistent heating – They heat water quickly and maintain stable temperatures.
✔ Compact size – Can be installed in small spaces, making them easy to integrate.
❌ Cons of Gas Boilers:
🚫 Higher running costs – Gas prices in Australia have been increasing, making them more expensive to run than heat pumps.
🚫 Not future-proof – Gas is being phased out in many areas as more homes shift to renewable energy.
🚫 Less efficient than heat pumps – Gas boilers convert only 90–98% of their energy into heat, whereas heat pumps can deliver up to 500% efficiency.
🔹 Best for: Homeowners who already have a natural gas connection and want a lower upfront cost, but don’t mind higher running costs in the long term.
Option 2: Heat Pumps – The Most Efficient & Cost-Effective Choice
A heat pump is the most popular heating option for modern hydronic floor heating systems. Instead of generating heat by burning fuel, a heat pump extracts heat from the air, transfers it to water, and circulates it through your floors.
✅ Pros of Heat Pumps:
✔ Massively lower running costs – A heat pump can be up to 75% cheaper to run than a gas boiler.
✔ Super energy efficient – For every 1kW of electricity used, it can generate up to 5kW of heating.
✔ Can work with solar – If you have solar panels, you can heat your home almost for free.
✔ Future-proof – Heat pumps align with Australia’s shift toward energy-efficient and sustainable solutions.
❌ Cons of Heat Pumps:
🚫 Higher upfront cost – Heat pumps cost more to install than gas boilers.
🚫 Works best in mild climates – In extreme cold, they lose efficiency (but this isn’t a major issue in Western Australia).
🚫 Needs space for outdoor installation – The heat pump unit sits outside, similar to an air conditioner.
💰 Running Cost Comparison (200m² home):
- Gas Boiler: $3 – $5 per day
- Heat Pump: $1 – $2 per day
- Electric Heating: $10+ per day
🔹 Best for: Homeowners who want the lowest running costs, maximum energy efficiency, and a system that works seamlessly with solar power.
Option 3: Solar-Assisted Heating – Can You Heat Your Home for Free?
Many homeowners wonder: Can I heat my floor heating system using only solar power? The answer is yes—but with some important limitations.
✅ Pros of Solar Heating:
✔ Lowest running costs – If your system is designed correctly, you could heat your home for free during the day.
✔ Reduces dependence on the grid – Ideal if you want to move toward complete energy independence.
✔ Environmentally friendly – Uses renewable energy rather than gas or grid electricity.
❌ Cons of Solar Heating:
🚫 Only works when the sun is shining – Without battery storage, you won’t have heating at night.
🚫 Not enough power for large homes – Solar thermal systems struggle to provide consistent heat for an entire home.
🚫 Requires a backup system – In winter, cloudy days can leave you without enough heating.
💡 The Best Solution? Combine Solar with a Heat Pump!
Rather than trying to run your heating system directly from solar panels, the most efficient setup is pairing a heat pump with solar electricity.
- During the day, your solar panels power your heat pump to heat your home.
- At night, the system uses stored heat in the floor to maintain warmth, minimizing energy use.
- This approach gives you huge energy savings while ensuring you never run out of heating when you need it most.
🔹 Best for: Homeowners with solar panels who want to maximize efficiency and reduce heating costs.
Which Heat Source is Best for You?
Still not sure which option to go for? Here’s a quick comparison:
| Heat Source | Upfront Cost | Running Cost | Efficiency | Works with Solar? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas Boiler | Lower | Higher | 90–98% | No | Homes with an existing gas connection, lower upfront budget |
| Heat Pump | Higher | Much lower | Up to 500% | Yes | Homeowners wanting the best long-term savings & efficiency |
| Solar Thermal | Very high | Very low | Weather-dependent | Yes | Homeowners who don’t mind a backup system for cloudy days |
| Heat Pump + Solar PV | Higher | Almost free | Up to 500% | Yes | The most efficient and future-proof setup |
Our Recommendation:
🔹 If you want the cheapest system to run, go with a heat pump—especially if you have solar.
🔹 If you want a lower upfront cost, a gas boiler might be the better option—but be prepared for higher energy bills in the long run.
🔹 If you have solar panels, a heat pump + solar combination is the smartest choice for energy savings.
Final Thoughts – The Smartest Way to Heat Your Home
Choosing the right heat source for your floor heating isn’t just about the initial cost—it’s about how much you’ll pay over the next 10, 20, or even 30 years.
✅ A heat pump will cost less to run and work best in the long term.
✅ A gas boiler may be cheaper to install but will cost more to operate.
✅ Pairing a heat pump with solar is the best way to cut running costs to almost zero.
If you’re building a new home and want expert advice on the best heating solution for your space, get in touch with Euroheat Australia today. We’ll design a system that gives you maximum comfort, efficiency, and long-term savings—so you can enjoy a warm home without worrying about high energy bills.
