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The most comfortable way to heat your home. We design and install radiant heating for new construction, remodels, and retrofits throughout San Francisco and Marin County.
Radiant heating is heat by radiation - warm water running through pipes in your floors, walls, or through radiator panels.
You have a thermostat in your room. If the temperature is 60 but you've set it for 65, the thermostat sends a signal back to your mechanical room to turn on the pump and the boiler. That pump pushes hot water to that zone. When it reaches 65, it tells the pump and boiler to switch off.
Every zone is controlled by its own thermostat. If you have multiple zones, you can have different areas heated to different temperatures.
There's an application for every house. We figure out what makes sense for your situation.
We put piping inside the concrete slab before it's poured. The concrete heats up and radiates warmth. This is perfect for new construction or when you're pouring new concrete for an ADU.
Very efficient because concrete holds heat. Common in the Sunset District in SF where people are doing ADUs.
If you have access to the underside of your floor - like above a garage - we can staple or pin piping underneath. The heat transfers through the floor by conduction.
Perfect for retrofits where you don't want to tear up your floors. A lot of houses in SF have unfinished garages with the underside of the floor exposed - those are ideal.
The more efficient version. We add stainless steel plates that touch the floor and spread the heat more evenly.
Costs more but performs better. Best for areas with high heating demands.
We can put a jigsaw or Lego-style system on top of your existing floor that radiates heat up. Then you put your finished floor over it.
Good for remodels where you can't get underneath.
Panel radiators that hang on the wall with hot water flowing through them. These are always a retrofit option because you're not opening up ceilings or walls - just running pipes to the radiator.
Clean, modern look. No floor demo required.
Bottom line: There's usually a way to do it, but it's easiest when things are already open or you're building new.
We work with architects and general contractors from the design phase. We do a takeoff from the plans, figure out the most efficient option versus the most cost-efficient option, and design a system that works with your budget.
Adding radiant heating during a remodel is perfect because everything's already open. Especially popular for ADUs, garage conversions, and additions.
We service and repair all radiant heating systems - including those original Eichler systems from the 50s and 60s.
Radiant heating systems need a boiler to heat the water. We size the boiler based on your home's square footage and insulation.
If you're doing an ADU or smaller space, a combi boiler can do both your underfloor heating and your domestic hot water. One unit, two functions, saves space.
Best for: ADUs, smaller homes, space-conscious installations
For larger homes or higher demand, we use a system boiler. More capacity for bigger heating zones.
Best for: Large homes, multiple zones, high-demand applications
The average home in California is about 2,000-2,500 square feet. Almost any boiler on the market can handle that capacity. The more insulation you have, the less heat loss, so the less BTUs you need. We measure and calculate it properly so you're not over-sized or under-sized.
Eichler homes in Lucas Valley and throughout Marin were some of the first homes in America to have underfloor heating. They were designed in the 50s and 60s with boiler systems on a pier and post foundation that allowed for open floor plans.
These systems are now 60+ years old. Many are failing or have already failed.
You can't just drop a new boiler into a dirty 60-year-old system. New boilers have sensors - they're like new cars, not old tractors. They need clean lines to work properly.
This is our specialty. Over 20 years installing radiant heating throughout the Bay Area. We know what works and what doesn't.
We collaborate with your architect, designer, and general contractor to make it seamless. We're easy to work with and flexible on timing.
We'll give you the most efficient option and the most cost-efficient option. You decide what works for your budget.
From Victorian flats in SF to Eichler homes in Marin, we understand the unique characteristics of Bay Area construction.
It depends on the type of installation, square footage, and whether it's new construction or retrofit. We provide detailed estimates that break down all costs. Call us for a free consultation specific to your project.
Yes. If you have access to the underside of your floor (like above a garage), we can install it without tearing up your floors. Wall radiators are another retrofit option that requires minimal demo. During a remodel when things are open, it's even easier.
The piping in your floor can last 50+ years (Eichler systems prove this). The boiler typically lasts 15-20 years with proper maintenance. Pumps and controls are easily serviceable.
No, it's typically more efficient than forced air. Radiant systems operate at lower temperatures and don't lose heat through ductwork. You're also heating the mass of the room, which maintains temperature longer.
Radiant heating is for heat only. If you want AC, you'll need a separate system (like ductless mini-splits). Many Bay Area homes don't need AC, which is why radiant heating is so popular here.
For new construction, we coordinate with your builder's schedule. For retrofits, it depends on the scope - a simple staple-up installation might take a few days, while a full-house remodel integration takes longer. We'll provide a clear timeline during the estimate.
Modern PEX piping is extremely reliable and rarely leaks. If there is a leak, we can pressure test to locate it and make repairs. For older systems like Eichlers, we pressure test before installing new boilers to catch any issues early.
Absolutely. That's one of the best features of radiant heating. Each zone has its own thermostat, so you can have your bedroom at 68 and your bathroom at 72. We design the zones based on how you use your home.
Whether you're building new, remodeling, or your existing system needs service, let's talk. We'll figure out what makes sense for your project.
Serving San Francisco & Marin County • Licensed & Insured • 20+ Years Experience