What is hydronic radiant floor heating?

Hydronic radiant floor heating is a system of polyethylene tubing, located beneath the floor, in which hot water circulates. This warms the floors and allows the radiant heat to warm the room.

Hydronic radiant floor heating is used with tile or wood floors. Carpeting doesn't allow the heat to pass through if it has thick padding. Forced-air heating pushes the warm air towards the ceiling, while hydronic radiant heat stays in the lower half of the room, making it feel warmer.

Hydronic radiant floor heating costs 50 percent more than forced-air heaters, but once it's running, it functions 30 percent better, according to This Old House. Hydronic radiant floor heating has multiple heating zones, so the owner can control the amount of heating in individual rooms.