Hot water is pumped through plastic tubing laid out in a serpentine pattern. They’re ideal for whole-house heating, but it is suggested to install during the home’s construction because they can be difficult to retrofit. The upfront cost of a hydronic floor-heating system is typically higher as it requires a boiler, a pump and gas lines. However, the cost of operation is generally lower when the square footage is greater (i.e. when heating multiple rooms or an entire house).