One of the major decisions to consider is the floor elevation involved. The hydronic floor heating system elevates the floor by a couple of inches, which can be a problem in many remodeling jobs. Thin electric systems will elevate the floor by only 1/8".

Hydronic radiant heating systems are placed about an inch and a half to 2 inches or 2 inches into the cement slab. But this can be too deep. since it then takes 4 to 7 hours to heat up when they are first turned on. This is the reason why they are left on for months at a time and consume energy during a longer period of time.

The electric heating mats save a bit more energy. They are placed above the sub-floor, just under the flooring material. They will heat the floor in 30 to 60 minutes.