Radiant Heating in Des Moines, IA
Enjoy quiet, even warmth underfoot with professional radiant floor heating installation, repair, and maintenance—hydronic and electric—from Metro Heating & Cooling. Since 1984, our licensed technicians have helped central Iowa homeowners add comfort to bathrooms, basements, kitchens, entries, and whole-home radiant systems. We also service boilers, and we offer repair and maintenance support across 40+ communities in and around Des Moines.
Radiant Heating Installation & Replacement — Hydronic & Electric Systems
We service and install hydronic (water-based) and electric radiant floor heat tailored to your space—whether it’s a new bathroom, a finished basement, or a whole-home retrofit.
What Metro Heating & Cooling handles:
- In-floor tubing (hydronic) or heating mats/cables (electric), zoning, and manifolds (hydronic)
- Boiler selection and piping, pumps, and mixing valves (hydronic)
- Smart controls and thermostats tuned for radiant response (both)
- Code-compliant installs with clean workmanship (both)
Where Does Radiant Heating Make the Most Impact?
Radiant shines where comfort matters most:
- Bathrooms: Warm tile, fog-free mornings, spa feel
- Basements: Takes the edge off concrete slabs; great for media rooms and play areas
- Kitchens & Mudrooms: Cozy toes where you stand the longest
- Whole-Home: Consistent, draft-free comfort with room-by-room zoning
Radiant vs. Forced Air: Pros & Cons
Advantages of Radiant
- Even, draft-free heat and warm floors
- Quiet operation; no blower noise
- Zoning by room or area
- Often less dust movement than forced air
Considerations
- Install time can be longer than a furnace swap
- Access needed for tubing or panels in retrofits
- Forced air still excels for quick temperature changes and central cooling
- Many homes choose both: radiant in key spaces + forced air or heat pump for cooling/backup.
What Types of Floors Work with Radiant Heating Systems?
Radiant heat plays well with many flooring types, including:
- Tile/Stone: Excellent conductor; top choice for baths and kitchens
- Engineered Wood & LVP/LVT: Common with the right specs; we’ll confirm temperature limits
- Carpet: Feasible with low-pile and proper pad, although not ideal.
- Concrete Slabs: Ideal for basements and garages (embedded tubing)
Hydronic vs. Electric Radiant: Which is Right for Me?
Hydronic (water-based) radiant heating systems
Best for: large areas, basements/whole-home, long runtimes, and where a boiler or hydronic heat source is available.
- Uses PEX tubing, manifolds, pumps, and a boiler or combi-boiler
- Flexible energy sources (natural gas, LP, electric boiler, or hydronic heat pump)
- Excellent operating efficiency for bigger zones and continuous heat
- Great pair with concrete slabs or under-screed systems
Electric radiant heating systems
Best for: small to medium rooms, targeted comfort, remodels with limited access, and fast installs.
- Uses floor-heating mats or loose cables with a dedicated thermostat
- Ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, entries where warm floors are the priority
- Minimal floor height buildup; strong choice under tile/LVP when specs allow
- Simple, room-by-room control; no boiler/piping required
Quick radiant heating system selector
- Small room / remodel / tile: Electric radiant
- Basement slab / multiple rooms / long runtime: Hydronic radiant
- Whole-home primary heat: Hydronic radiant + air conditioning via existing forced-air or heat pump
Boiler & Radiant Service (Repair & Maintenance)
Already have a radiant heating system? Our certified heating systems technicians can diagnose, repair, and maintain hydronic systems and boilers—including pumps, air separators, expansion tanks, controls, valves, and manifolds—and we service electric radiant controls, floor sensors, and thermostats. Seasonal service helps protect efficiency and comfort—especially before winter.
Why Central Iowa Homeowners Choose Metro Heating & Cooling
- Locally owned and operated since 1984 with friendly, responsive service
- Clean installs, detailed workmanship, and clear communication
- Right-sized solutions for bathrooms, basements, additions, or whole-home
- Proudly serving 40+ communities in and around the Des Moines metro
Frequently Asked Questions
What is radiant heating and how does it work?
Radiant heating warms your home using heat waves that transfer warmth to floors, furniture, and walls—creating consistent comfort without the noise of fans or blowers.
What are the benefits of radiant heating systems?
Radiant systems offer:
- Quiet operation
- Consistent, draft-free warmth
- Lower maintenance needs
- High energy efficiency and eco-friendliness
How long does a radiant heating system last?
Electric radiant systems typically last 20–30 years, while water-based systems can last up to 50 years with proper installation and maintenance.
What causes a radiant heating system to stop working properly?
Common issues include a faulty thermostat, airlocks, pump failures, or system blockages. Prompt inspection and repair can restore your comfort and system reliability.
Is radiant heating a good choice for my home in Des Moines?
Yes! It’s especially effective for eliminating cold spots and creating a cozy atmosphere. Plus, it’s a safe, energy-efficient option that doesn’t emit greenhouse gases like gas furnaces.
Why choose Metro Heating & Cooling for radiant heating repair or installation?
Our experienced team ensures your system is installed correctly, repaired promptly, and built to last. We don’t cut corners—your long-term comfort is our top priority.
We are INSURED.
