Invisible Comfort That’s Truly Felt: Everything You Need to Know About Radiant Floor Heating in Montreal
At AirGreen, we’ve been supporting homeowners and property managers for years with the installation of radiant floor heating systems in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, and across the South Shore and North Shore. While often seen as a luxury, this system is actually a high-performance, comfortable, and increasingly accessible solution. But one question comes up often: How much does radiant floor heating really cost, and is it a worthwhile investment in Quebec?
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the real costs, the factors that affect pricing, the benefits, available subsidies, as well as real-world examples from AirGreen customers who chose this invisible—but extremely effective—heating solution.
What Is Radiant Floor Heating and Why Is It So Popular in Quebec?
Radiant floor heating, also known as hydronic or electric radiant heating, is a system installed beneath the floor that radiates heat evenly, from the ground up. Unlike forced-air heating systems, it doesn’t dry out the air, reduces dust circulation, and maximizes thermal comfort in each room.
Types of Radiant Floors
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Electric radiant floors: often used for bathroom or room-specific renovations.
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Hydronic radiant floors: connected to a boiler or central heat pump, ideal for new builds or major renovations.
What Is the Real Cost of Radiant Floor Heating in Montreal in 2025?
The cost of radiant floor heating varies based on several factors, including the system type, total area, flooring materials, and installation complexity. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs we’ve seen in projects around Montreal and the surrounding areas:
Cost per square foot:
| Type of radiant floor | Approximate price (installation included) |
|---|---|
| Electric | $10 to $20 / sq. ft. |
| Hydronic (with boiler) | $18 to $28 / sq. ft. |
| Hydronic (with central heat pump) | $22 to $35 / sq. ft. |
Total cost by area:
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Small bathroom (50 sq. ft.): $1,000 to $2,000
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Entire home (2,000 sq. ft.): $30,000 to $55,000
These prices generally include materials (pipes, cables, insulation, thermostats), specialized labor, as well as installation and system calibration.
What Affects the Final Cost?
1. Type of building
A single-family residential project is typically easier to install than a multi-unit building or a historic Montreal home.
2. Type of flooring
It’s easier to install under floating or ceramic floors than under an existing concrete slab, which may require excavation or leveling compound.
3. Choice of heating unit
Hydronic systems using a central heat pump from Bosch, Goodman, or Arcoaire are more expensive up front but offer superior energy efficiency and long-term savings.
Is Radiant Floor Heating Worth It?
In terms of energy efficiency and comfort, radiant floor heating is one of the most effective systems on the market. By reducing heat loss and directly warming occupants, it can cut heating bills by 15% to 25% annually.
And because it optimizes heat distribution, you can lower the room temperature without sacrificing comfort. For instance, a room at 20°C with radiant heating feels warmer than a 22°C room heated by convection.
Real-World Examples: Recent Projects Completed by AirGreen
Residential Project in Outremont – 1,500 sq. ft.
A young family wanted to install a hydronic radiant floor system across both floors of their home. We installed a setup using a Bosch BOVA IDS 2.0 central heat pump to power the hydronic network. The total cost came to $42,000, including labor, materials, and system commissioning. Thanks to the installation, the family was able to cut their heating bill by 27% in the first year.
Renovated Condo in Downtown Montreal
In this case, a retired couple opted for electric radiant floors in their bathroom and kitchen. The solution cost about $6,800 for 340 sq. ft., including a system with a programmable thermostat. The result: unmatched comfort and well-managed energy consumption thanks to smart scheduling.
Subsidies and Incentives Available in Quebec
There are several attractive subsidies available for installing a hydronic system connected to a high-efficiency central heat pump.
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Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert Program
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RénoClimat program grants
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Green renovation tax credits
These programs can reduce your net project cost by $3,000 to $7,500, depending on the technical specs and energy efficiency of the system installed.
Mistakes to Avoid During Installation
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Underestimating available floor depth, especially important for renovation projects.
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Choosing a non-certified installer, which could compromise system longevity.
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Neglecting insulation beneath the system, which could reduce efficiency by over 20%.
Why Choose AirGreen for Your Radiant Floor Heating Project in Montreal?
At AirGreen, we bring together experience, certification, and technical expertise. We have in-depth knowledge of the Quebec market, understand how to maximize available grants, and optimize every project based on each customer’s specific needs.
We serve the entire Greater Montreal area, including Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and South Shore, offering customized solutions and top-tier installations that meet the industry’s highest standards.
Conclusion: A Smart and Long-Term Investment
Installing radiant floor heating in Montreal is a significant but strategic investment, as long as it’s properly planned, professionally installed, and integrated with a high-performance central heating system. By choosing AirGreen, you gain a trusted partner, known for professionalism, attention to detail, and a commitment to long-lasting customer comfort.