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If you've ever walked into a room with heated floors, you'll understand why they're increasingly popular-especially in colder climates. But radiant floor heating is about more than just comfort. More energy efficient than baseboard or forced-air heating, safer for homes with children and pets, and ideal for anyone with allergies, heated floors can also signal luxury to potential buyers. On the other hand, radiant floor heating is a significant investment. So, is it worth it? We asked Joy Aumann, a La Jolla, California-based RealtorⓇ and interior designer to weigh in.

Heated floors probably won't provide a quick return on investment, but there are plenty of benefits to help justify the expense. For many, the energy savings, improved comfort, and design flexibility outweigh the upfront costs. What's more, Aumann says that "while not every buyer insists on radiant heating, those who do often consider it a must," especially in luxury or energy-efficient homes. On the fence? Consider adding radiant heating to a space you're already planning to renovate.

Radiant floor heating systems use electric heating coils or water-heated tubing beneath your floors to heat your home from the ground up. According to Aumann, this "provides consistent, gentle warmth without cold spots, making rooms feel uniformly cozy" (for humans and pets).

How much you pay for heated floors depends on a lot of different factors, including the type of heating (electric or hydronic), the installation method ("wet" or "dry"), the floor covering, and, of course, the surface area. If you're choosing radiant heating for your entire house, the system alone will set you back somewhere in the neighborhood of $20,000 (or more).

For starters, Aumann says that installing radiant heating may slightly raise your floor height. While she adds that it can often be avoided with low-profile systems, it is a factor to take into consideration. Aumann also says that hydronic systems may "require structural changes like screeding and curing," as well as a new water heater, heat pump, or boiler.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, radiant heating "is more efficient than baseboard heating and usually more efficient than forced-air heating because it eliminates duct losses." The DOE adds that hydronic systems are more energy efficient than electric ones, which are most cost effective if you have a "significant thermal mass" (like a concrete floor), which can be heated during off-peak hours.

Overall, Aumann estimates annual savings to be around 15-20%-which can help offset the significant cost of installation. She also adds that "electric systems require almost no maintenance," and water-based ones need only occasional servicing. But then again, if there is a repair, you'll have to pull up the flooring.

Aumann notes that radiant heating can work with various floor types, including wood and carpet-though both are less conductive than other choices. Ceramic tile is the best flooring type for radiant heating, which is why you'll often find heated floors in bathrooms, kitchens, and mudrooms.

No bulky radiators and no vents is a big plus for Aumann, who says radiant heating frees "up wall space for flexible layouts and aesthetics." Heated floors also run quietly, reduce allergen circulation (since there are no ducts), and are better for children or pets )since there are no exposed hot surfaces or sharp edges).

Besides cost, the biggest downside to heated floors is that it can take a while (up to a few hours depending on floor construction and insulation) to get up to your desired temperature.

Radiant heat flooring probably won't have a big impact on your home's resale value, but it's still a perk for buyers. And for some, it's absolutely essential.