What Are the Heaters on the Floor Called?

The heaters on the floor are typically called floor heaters or radiant floor heaters. They warm your home by radiating heat upward from the floor, unlike furnaces that blow air through ducts.

If you’ve ever noticed heating grates or warm panels along the floor and wondered, “What are the heaters on the floor called?” you’re not alone. Many homeowners in Wisconsin and across the country search this exact question when trying to identify or learn more about their existing home’s heating system—or are looking into a better option for their heating needs.

The short answer: the heaters on the floor are commonly called floor heaters or radiant floor heaters. In some cases, they may also be baseboard heaters. These systems differ from traditional forced-air furnaces because they deliver heat directly at floor level, creating an even, comfortable warmth that rises naturally throughout the room.

In this blog, K Komfort Heating & Cooling will cover the main types of floor heaters, how they work, how they compare to furnaces, and some maintenance tips to help you get the most from them.

What Are Floor Heaters?

Floor heaters are heating systems that sit directly at or near floor level. When people ask about “the heaters on the floor,” they are usually referring to radiant floor heaters or floor furnaces, though these aren’t the only types. The most common types of floor heaters include:

Radiant Floor Heaters

Radiant floor heaters are installed directly beneath flooring materials such as tile, laminate, or hardwood. These systems use either electric cables or hot-water tubing (hydronic systems) to generate heat, which radiates upward, warming the floor and the room evenly.

One of the main benefits of radiant floor heating is that it provides consistent, comfortable warmth without the drafts or noise associated with traditional forced-air systems. They’re particularly popular in bathrooms, kitchens, or homes with cold floors, as the gentle heat underfoot can be much more comfortable.

While installation is more involved than other heating options, many homeowners find the efficiency and comfort well worth the investment.

Gas or Electric Floor Furnaces

Gas or electric floor furnaces are older heating systems still found in some Wisconsin homes. They typically feature a metal grate installed in the floor, where warm air is released into the room.

These systems operate by heating air directly and allowing it to naturally rise, warming the space from the floor up. While less common today due to the rise of more energy-efficient HVAC systems, floor furnaces can still provide reliable heating for individual rooms.

Homeowners should be aware that these units may require more maintenance and careful monitoring, especially older gas models, to ensure safety and efficiency.

Baseboard Heaters

Baseboard heaters, while not literally embedded “in” the floor, sit along the base of walls at floor level and provide heat through convection. Electric or hot-water (hydronic) models draw cool air at floor level, heat it, and release it back into the room, gradually warming the space.

These heaters are often used in supplemental heating scenarios or in rooms where extending ductwork would be difficult. They’re quiet, unobtrusive, and easy to control with individual thermostats, making them a flexible option for many homes.

Regular maintenance, such as keeping fins dust-free and checking for leaks in hydronic systems, helps keep baseboard heaters operating efficiently.

How Do Radiant Floor Heaters Work?

A radiant floor heater typically uses heating elements (either electrical wires or hydronic tubing filled with hot water) installed underneath the flooring. Instead of blowing warm air like a furnace, this system radiates heat directly through the floor surface.

• Electric Radiant Floor Heaters: Use cables or mats that warm up when electricity passes through them.
• Hydronic Radiant Floor Heaters: Use a boiler or water heater to pump hot water through tubing beneath the floor.

Because the heat begins at your feet and rises gradually, it provides consistent warmth without cold spots or drafts. Many homeowners find radiant floor heat to be more comfortable than forced-air systems.

How Do Floor Furnaces Work?

In older homes—especially those built before central HVAC systems were common—you may find a floor furnace. This type of floor heater is usually a gas-fired unit installed beneath the house, with a grate in the floor that allows warm air to rise into the living space.

While effective in smaller spaces, these systems are less common today because they can be inefficient and harder to maintain compared to modern HVAC systems.

Floor Heaters vs. Central Furnaces: Installation and Costs

When considering whether to use floor heaters or a central furnace, it’s important to compare installation and operation.

Installation:

• Radiant floor heaters require access beneath the flooring, making them easiest to install during new construction or major remodels.
• Floor furnaces need space below the home and professional venting for safety.
• Furnaces with ductwork are standard in most homes and can serve the whole house.

Comfort:

• Radiant floor heaters provide steady, draft-free warmth.
• Furnaces heat faster and can also incorporate air conditioning through the same ductwork.

Energy Efficiency:

• Radiant systems are very efficient because they deliver heat directly where it’s needed.
• Furnaces can lose efficiency if ductwork is leaky or poorly insulated.

Costs:

• Radiant floor heating can be more expensive upfront, especially for retrofits.
• Furnaces are usually less costly to install but may have higher operating costs depending on fuel type.

Maintenance Tips for Floor Heaters

Like any heating system, floor heaters need proper care to keep running efficiently and safely. Here are a few tips:

Radiant Floor Heater Maintenance

• For electric systems, check thermostats and controls regularly.
• For hydronic systems, schedule annual service for the boiler or water heater that powers the system.
• Keep floors clear of rugs or heavy furniture that can trap heat.

Floor Furnace Maintenance

• Have the unit inspected annually by a licensed technician.
• Make sure the grate is clean and unobstructed.
• Ensure carbon monoxide detectors are working if using a gas-fired unit.

Baseboard Heater Maintenance

• Vacuum dust and pet hair that collects in the units.
• Keep furniture and drapes away from the heaters to allow airflow.

Is a Floor Heater Right for Your Home?

If you’re building a new home, remodeling, or just trying to make your existing space more comfortable, radiant floor heating may be a great option. It delivers consistent comfort, can help reduce energy bills, and eliminates the noise and drafts of forced-air systems.

However, if you want fast heating, centralized temperature control, and the ability to add air conditioning, a traditional furnace may still be the better fit.

Contact K Komfort Heating & Cooling for Floor Heater Maintenance or Installation

So, what are the heaters on the floor called? They’re usually radiant floor heaters, floor furnaces, or baseboard heaters. Each has its own pros, cons, and maintenance needs.

If you’re considering upgrading your heating system, or you’re not sure what type of floor heater you have, K Komfort Heating & Cooling can help. Our team specializes in diagnosing, installing, and maintaining heating systems of all kinds in Mequon, WI—so you can stay warm and comfortable all winter long.

Call us to schedule an inspection and heating tune-up at 262-375-0075 or request service online.