Step onto a warm bathroom floor on a winter morning and it is obvious why homeowners talk about radiant heat with a kind of quiet loyalty. This comfort is not just a niche luxury anymore. In 2024, the global market for radiant heating and cooling systems exceeded USD 2.11 billion and is projected to reach USD 3.6 billion by 2037, with an estimated 4.2% compound annual growth rate, according to Research Nester. That growth reflects how many people are asking the same question: what exactly is radiant heat in a house, and is it worth considering?
If you want a big-picture breakdown of how radiant compares with furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps, our guide to the types of heating systems explains where radiant fits in and how each option performs in Las Vegas homes.
Radiant heat overview and core value
Radiant heat is a way of warming a building by focusing on surfaces and objects instead of directly heating the air. Think of sitting near a campfire: the warmth is felt on skin and clothing even when the surrounding air feels cool. Radiant home systems apply this principle indoors by warming floors, ceilings, or panels so that those surfaces gently radiate heat into the room.How radiant heat warms surfaces
With radiant systems, heat is transferred primarily through infrared radiation, a form of energy that travels in straight lines from warm surfaces to cooler bodies. The Building Biology Institute summarizes it simply: radiant heat warms the building, materials, and contents, not the air itself, which is only warmed indirectly afterward through contact with these surfaces, as described in its radiant heating fact sheet. This creates a more even, enveloping sense of warmth, often described as similar to standing in gentle sunlight rather than being in front of a hot vent.Key parts of a radiant heating system
Any radiant setup, regardless of type, has three core elements: a heat source, a distribution system within the building structure, and controls. The heat source might be a boiler, electric resistance cables, or a heat pump feeding warm water into tubing. The distribution system is usually embedded in flooring, ceilings, or wall panels, turning those surfaces into large, low-temperature radiators. Controls range from simple thermostats to more advanced systems that manage zones and schedules, helping match heat delivery to how the home is actually used.Why radiant heat feels different from forced air
Many homeowners first notice that radiant heat does not create drafts or the rush of air that accompanies a furnace or heat pump blowing through ducts. Because warmth is coming from large surfaces around the room, temperatures tend to be more uniform from floor to ceiling, and the sensation at skin level is comfortable even when the air temperature is slightly lower than with traditional systems. Less air movement also means less dust being stirred up, which some people with allergies or sensitivities find appealing.Common rooms that use radiant heat
Bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways are frequent starting points because they have hard flooring that can feel especially cold and are used heavily in the morning and evening. Many remodels extend radiant heat to basements, where concrete floors otherwise hold a persistent chill. Some homeowners eventually expand these zones to main living areas or entire levels as they experience the comfort and want more consistent warmth across the home.Comfort benefits homeowners notice
Radiant heat tends to remove the “cold feet, hot head” problem that can occur with systems that primarily heat air near the ceiling. Surfaces like tile and stone that usually feel icy underfoot transform into neutral or gently warm surfaces, making barefoot living more appealing. Because heat is distributed quietly and evenly, there is often less need to constantly adjust the thermostat to chase hot and cold spots from one room to another.Basic safety notes for radiant systems
Properly designed radiant systems operate at modest surface temperatures and are engineered to avoid hot spots that could cause burns. The main safety and code concerns lie behind the scenes: pressure in hydronic (water-based) loops, boiler or water heater venting, and electrical connections for electric mats or cables. Those elements must be handled by qualified professionals; do-it-yourself work should stop at tasks like programming thermostats or replacing easily accessible floor sensors when advised by a technician.Quick facts about efficiency
Radiant systems are often chosen not only for comfort but also for their potential to reduce energy use when designed and controlled carefully. A report from the Center for the Built Environment looked at 23 North American buildings using radiant systems and found that nearly all outperformed peer buildings and national benchmarks on energy use when the systems were part of an integrated design approach, indicating meaningful efficiency potential in real projects as summarized by CBE’s analysis of radiant systems. For homeowners, that translates into an opportunity to pair comfort with lower long-term operating costs when the home’s insulation, windows, and controls all work together.Myths about radiant heat clarified
Several myths still circulate about radiant heat. One common objection is that it “only works with tile,” when in fact modern systems can be designed for many flooring types, including some laminates and engineered wood, provided the materials are rated for the temperatures involved. Another misconception is that radiant heat reacts so slowly that the home can never adapt to changing schedules. While radiant floors do warm and cool more gradually than forced air, modern controls and zoning significantly reduce that limitation, especially in areas of the house with lighter construction. For most households, these systems provide a stable, predictable comfort that aligns well with regular daily routines.Types of residential radiant heating
Not all radiant systems are built the same way. The right type depends on whether a home is being newly constructed or remodeled, the existing floor structure, and the available energy sources. Hydronic and electric floor systems remain the two most common in houses, with ceiling and wall panels filling specific niches. If you are weighing whether warm floors are worth the investment in your own space, our guide to radiant floor heating pros and cons breaks down comfort, costs, and real-world tradeoffs for Las Vegas homes.Hydronic radiant floors explained
Hydronic radiant floors circulate warm water through networks of tubing installed beneath or within the floor. These tubes are typically laid out in carefully planned loops so that the floor warms evenly. Trade surveys have long shown that most installations involve substantial amounts of tubing, with one industry report noting that the majority of radiant projects used between 1,000 and 100,000 feet of tubing in a given installation, as documented in a Plumbing & Mechanical radiant heat market survey of system sizes. Hydronic systems appeal to homeowners who want to connect the floors to a range of heat sources, including high-efficiency boilers or heat pumps.Electric radiant floors overview
Electric radiant floors use resistance cables or mats powered by household electricity to create warmth. These systems are often thinner and simpler to install than hydronic tubing, which makes them popular in single rooms such as bathrooms during remodels. While operating costs depend on local electricity prices, electric floors avoid the need for a boiler, circulator pumps, or a manifold and can be controlled with room-specific thermostats for targeted comfort.Radiant ceiling panels and uses
Radiant ceilings use heated panels or embedded tubing above occupants rather than underfoot. Because radiant energy travels in straight lines, a warm ceiling can still effectively deliver heat to people and objects below. Ceiling systems are especially useful when floors cannot be easily modified, such as in homes with finished hardwood that the owner does not want to disturb. They can also work well in spaces with many built-in cabinets or fixtures where floor area is limited.Where each radiant type works best
Hydronic floors are typically favored in larger areas and whole-home applications because they are efficient at moving heat using water and can be fed by a variety of sources. Electric floors often make sense in small, high-value comfort zones, such as a master bathroom, where the compact system size keeps installation work manageable. Radiant ceilings and wall panels are more specialized tools, used where floor access is constrained or when a design calls for quick-responding surfaces that are not covered by rugs or furniture.How system choice affects comfort
The feel of a radiant system depends on how evenly it covers the space and how closely the heat source matches the building’s needs. A well-designed hydronic floor that covers most of a room will usually provide extremely uniform temperatures and eliminate cold corners. Electric mats that only cover a narrow strip of floor near a vanity will feel cozy underfoot but will not entirely change the overall room temperature. Ceiling panels can give a sense of warm “sunlight” from above, especially when placed where people sit or relax.How to choose the right radiant setup
Selecting a radiant system is partly a technical decision and partly about how a household actually lives in its rooms. Existing construction, local climate, budget, and long-term energy plans all shape which solutions make sense. Thinking through these questions up front helps avoid costly rework later. If you are still not sure whether your current system is radiant, forced air, or boiler-based, our guide on what type of heating you have walks you through simple room-by-room clues to identify your setup before you plan any upgrades.What flooring types work with radiant
Dense materials like tile, stone, and some concrete toppings are ideal partners for radiant floors because they conduct and store heat efficiently. Many engineered wood and laminate products are also compatible, provided they are labeled for use over radiant and installed according to the manufacturer’s temperature limits. Thicker carpets with heavy padding insulate the floor, slowing heat transfer; in rooms where soft flooring is essential, hydronic designs often call for higher water temperatures or closer tube spacing to compensate.How insulation impacts performance
Radiant systems perform best when downward and outward heat loss is minimized. That usually means adding insulation below slabs, under subfloors, and at the perimeter of foundations so that more of the heat flows into the living space instead of disappearing into the ground or unconditioned areas. Good wall and attic insulation work in tandem with radiant floors or ceilings, allowing them to run at lower temperatures while still maintaining comfort, which can reduce operating costs and equipment wear.Choosing zones for radiant heat
Zoning divides the home into separately controlled areas, each with its own thermostat and heating circuits. High-use rooms such as living areas and primary bedrooms often benefit from their own zones so that they can maintain steady temperatures without overheating less-used spaces. Bathrooms, basements, and home offices are common standalone zones, giving homeowners the ability to raise or lower temperatures in those rooms without affecting the rest of the house.Can radiant heat warm a whole home
Radiant systems can serve as either a primary heating source for an entire house or as a supplemental system focused on key spaces. Whole-home radiant is most practical in new construction or deep renovations, where tubing or panels can be integrated into floors and ceilings from the start. In existing homes with finished interiors, many people opt for partial coverage-such as main living areas and bathrooms-while keeping another system like forced air as a backup or for cooling.Mistakes to avoid during planning
Common missteps include under-sizing the system for the home’s heat loss, skipping insulation under slabs or subfloors, and ignoring how future flooring changes could affect performance. Placing tubing or electric mats only in narrow bands instead of across the main walking and standing areas can also lead to uneven comfort. Early coordination between the designer, installer, and flooring contractor prevents surprises, especially around floor thickness, finished elevations, and acceptable surface temperatures.Load calculations homeowners should know
Before committing to any radiant system, a proper heating load calculation should be performed. This engineering step estimates how much heat each room loses under design winter conditions, based on factors such as insulation levels, window area, and air leakage. The result guides decisions about tube spacing, water temperatures, and whether supplemental heat sources are needed. Homeowners do not need to perform these calculations themselves, but they should feel comfortable asking installers to explain the results in plain language.Budget ranges for radiant options
Costs for radiant systems vary widely depending on whether the project is a simple bathroom remodel, a full-floor retrofit, or an entire new home. Hydronic systems generally have higher upfront costs than electric mats because they involve more components and labor, but they can be more economical to operate in larger areas. Electric systems often fit within smaller project budgets for individual rooms. When comparing proposals, it helps to look not only at installation cost but also at anticipated energy costs given local utility rates and chosen heat sources.Climate factors to consider
Cold climates with long heating seasons often favor hydronic radiant systems connected to efficient boilers or heat pumps, since the comfort benefits are felt for much of the year. In milder regions, radiant floors may be used in targeted spaces such as bathrooms while the main system remains forced air, especially where cooling demand dominates. Homes with large areas of glass or high ceilings require special attention in design so that radiant surfaces are sized correctly to counteract window and stack-effect losses.When radiant pairs well with heat pumps
Heat pumps operate most efficiently when they produce moderate water temperatures, which aligns well with the low-temperature nature of radiant floors and ceilings. In all-electric homes, smart controls that anticipate heating needs can significantly cut energy use. One study of a predictive control system in an all-electric house in Indiana reported a 19% reduction in daily heating energy use by better timing when heat was delivered, according to an analysis published on arXiv. For homeowners, this pairing of radiant distribution, heat pumps, and intelligent controls can create a highly comfortable, low-carbon heating strategy that aligns with long-term energy goals.Ready to Experience the Comfort of Radiant Heat?
At The Cooling Company, we understand the allure of a warm, evenly heated home without the drafts and dust of traditional heating systems. Our certified technicians are experts in radiant heating installation and maintenance, ensuring your comfort through Las Vegas's chillier months. Don't wait—schedule a service with us today and take the first step towards a cozier, more energy-efficient home. Plus, ask about our Lennox Fall Rebates for additional savings on qualifying systems. Schedule Now or call us at 702 567 0707 to learn more.