How much should I budget for radiant floor heating in New Brunswick?

Radiant floor heating in New Brunswick typically runs $8-25 per square foot installed, with most homeowners spending $12,000-$35,000 for a whole-home system. The wide range depends on your heating method, flooring type, and whether you're building new or retrofitting an existing home.

Electric radiant systems are the most popular choice for New Brunswick renovations, costing $8-15 per square foot installed. These work exceptionally well under tile, stone, or engineered hardwood and are perfect for heating specific zones like bathrooms or kitchen areas. A typical 200 sq ft bathroom runs $2,500-$4,000 including installation by a licensed electrical contractor. The downside? Higher operating costs with NB Power rates, especially if you're replacing an efficient heat pump system.

Hydronic (water-based) radiant heating costs more upfront at $15-25 per square foot but offers superior whole-home comfort and lower operating costs. This system requires a boiler or dedicated water heater, plus extensive plumbing work that must be done by a TIS-licensed plumber. The complexity makes it most cost-effective during new construction or major renovations when you already have floors up.

New Brunswick's climate actually favors radiant heating — our long heating season (October through April) and frequent temperature swings make the steady, even heat particularly comfortable. The system works beautifully with our common flooring choices like ceramic tile and engineered hardwood, though it's not recommended under solid hardwood due to moisture concerns.

Installation requires proper permits and inspections. Electric systems need a wiring permit from NB Power (1-800-615-0522) and must be installed by a licensed electrical contractor, followed by a TIS electrical inspection. Hydronic systems require plumbing permits from TIS and installation by a licensed plumber. If you're in Fredericton, Moncton, Saint John, or another municipality, you'll also need a building permit for any structural changes. Rural homeowners work with their Regional Service Commission.

Factors affecting your costs include floor preparation (concrete slabs are ideal, while retrofitting over existing subfloors adds complexity), insulation requirements (essential in our climate to prevent heat loss to basements or crawl spaces), and thermostat zones (programmable thermostats help manage NB Power costs). Homes built before 2000 often need electrical panel upgrades for electric systems.

The best approach? Start with high-use areas like bathrooms and kitchens to test the system, then expand if you love the comfort. Many New Brunswick homeowners find radiant heating transforms their experience of our long winters.