Radiant Floor Heating (Hydronic)

Hydronic radiant floors use heated water circulated through PEX-A tubing, while electric systems rely on resistance cables placed under the flooring.

Hydronic systems are ideal for whole-home or large-area heating because they deliver stable, even warmth with very low operating costs. They integrate with high-efficiency boilers, heat pumps, and solar-assisted systems.

Electric radiant floors are better for small areas—bathrooms, kitchens, individual rooms—because installation is simpler, but long-term operating cost is significantly higher.

At ABC Service, we specialize in hydronic radiant systems because they offer superior comfort, efficiency, and durability for both residential and commercial applications.

Yes—radiant heating can absolutely be retrofitted into existing homes.

Depending on your home’s structure, we offer several retrofit solutions:

• Over-pour / gyp-crete systems installed over existing subfloors

• Low-profile radiant panels for minimal height increase

• Radiant underlayment systems suitable for remodels

• Staple-up hydronic tubing installed from below for homes with crawl spaces or basements

Our team evaluates your flooring, joists, insulation, and heat loss to design a system that fits your home without major demolition. Retrofit radiant heat is one of the most effective upgrades for improving comfort and reducing energy bills.

Radiant heat is compatible with most flooring types. The best-performing options include:

• Tile, porcelain, stone — best heat transfer

• Engineered hardwood — stable and radiant-friendly

• Vinyl/LVP — compatible if approved by manufacturer

• Laminate — works well with hydronic systems

• Carpet — possible if carpet + pad meet R-value requirements

We verify flooring specifications to ensure safe operating temperatures and maximum system efficiency.

Installation time depends on system type, square footage, and whether the project is new construction or retrofit.

Typical timelines:

• New construction: 3–7 days for rough-in + drying time for over-pour

• Retrofit hydronic: 3–10 days depending on method

• Boiler or heat-pump integration: Additional 1–2 days

• Commercial projects: Based on size and sequencing with other trades

Our licensed team provides exact timelines after an on-site evaluation and coordinates with your GC, flooring contractors, and inspectors.

Hydronic radiant systems are low-maintenance but should still be serviced annually for optimal performance.

Typical maintenance includes:

• Checking boiler/heat-pump operation

• Flushing hydronic loops (if needed)

• Inspecting pumps, mixing valves, expansion tank

• Air bleeding the system

• Verifying controls and thermostats

• Checking glycol levels (if glycol system)

Preventative maintenance ensures even heat, prevents air-lock issues, and maximizes lifespan of pumps and boilers.

Yes—radiant cooling is possible, but only with a properly engineered hydronic system paired with a chiller or heat pump.

Radiant cooling requires:

• Humidity control

• Dew-point monitoring

• Proper insulation

• System zoning and controls

Radiant cooling is more common in commercial or modern high-efficiency homes. We evaluate building conditions to confirm whether your structure is suitable.

We design and install hydronic systems powered by:

• High-efficiency boilers (Navien, Lochinvar, TriangleTube, Viessmann)

• Air-to-water heat pumps

• Geothermal heat pumps

• Hybrid boiler + heat pump combinations

• Solar thermal (supplemental)

Our systems are engineered for maximum energy efficiency, comfort, and compliance with California energy standards.

Yes. We frequently service, repair, and upgrade radiant and hydronic heating systems installed by other contractors.

Common service requests:

• Uneven heat

• Air in lines

• Faulty pumps or mixing valves

• Incorrect boiler setup

• Thermostat and zoning issues

• Pipe noise or insufficient temperature

We diagnose and bring systems up to modern standards, regardless of who originally installed them.

Absolutely. Hydronic systems are perfect for zoning.

Each area can have its own:

• Thermostat

• Manifold control valve

• Temperature schedule

• Priority settings

Zoning dramatically increases comfort and reduces energy usage because you only heat the spaces you need.

All hydronic radiant installations in California require proper permits, inspections, and code compliance.

As a licensed C-36, C-10, C-20, and hydronic contractor, ABC Service handles:

• Permit submission

• Mechanical design

• Title 24 compliance

• Inspection scheduling

• Final approval

We ensure every system meets state and local building codes, including boiler venting, pump sizing, insulation, pressure testing, and manifold installation requirements.