In this article, we explain how a hydronic radiant floor works, how to leverage the thermal mass of your slab, and which simple strategies can help you save money without sacrificing comfort.
Hydronic Radiant Flooring: A Thermal Mass That Works for You
A hydronic radiant floor heats your home by circulating hot water through pipes embedded in the floor. Unlike electric baseboards, which heat the air, radiant heating warms the floor’s mass itself, acting as a true thermal battery.
The thicker and better insulated the concrete slab is, the more heat it can store. Once heated, it releases that warmth for several hours, even if the boiler stops heating temporarily. It’s precisely this storage capacity that makes radiant heating ideal for dynamic pricing programs.
Dynamic Pricing: Why It Exists and How You Can Benefit From It
Dynamic pricing aims to reduce electricity consumption during peak periods, when the grid is under the most pressure (mornings and evenings during extreme cold).
If you’re enrolled in a dynamic pricing program, electricity can be much more expensive during peak periods; in exchange, it is offered at a reduced rate during off-peak times. Alternatively, you may simply receive a credit if you reduce your consumption compared to your regular usage.
For radiant floor owners, it’s a perfect opportunity: your slab can be heated before a peak period, then continue warming your home during the expensive period without using any additional energy.
Here are the different dynamic pricing programs available:
- BC Hydro - Peak Saver
- Efficiency Nova Scotia - Eco Shift
- Puget Sound Energy - PSE Flex Smart
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Yukon Energy - Peak Smart
The Importance of Smart Thermostats for Radiant Floors
However, to fully take advantage of this strategy without having to manage everything manually, you need a thermostat that can control the heat intelligently. For example, the Nordik Radiant TH1420ZB thermostat.
Designed for hydronic systems, this Zigbee thermostat offers precise control of radiant heating (air or floor temperature) and allows you to automate preheating before peak periods when paired with the GT130 gateway and the Eco-Sinopé feature.
With the Eco-Sinopé module in the Neviweb app, devices automatically adjust the floor temperature based on peak alerts sent by your electricity provider, without any intervention on your part, while respecting your preferences to maintain the desired level of comfort. You can use a preset profile or create your own (Cold-Sensitive, Balanced, Adventurer, Daredevil, Artist).
How to Save with Your Radiant Floor: The Preheating Strategy
The most effective way to reduce your costs is simple: preheat the slab before a peak period, then let the thermal mass do the work.
For example:
- Two hours before the peak, your thermostat can slightly raise the floor temperature.
- During the peak period, the electric boiler will pause.
- The slab will continue to radiate heat naturally, maintaining your comfort without consuming electricity at the high rate.
- After the peak period, the thermostat will return to its regular setpoint, and the boiler will automatically resume operation.
A smart thermostat like the TH1420ZB makes this strategy fully automated: it anticipates peak periods, adjusts the temperature, and optimizes consumption without you having to think about it.
Taking It Further: Other Devices to Maximize Your Savings
Your radiant floor can be at the heart of your energy efficiency strategy, but you can go even further by managing other energy-consuming devices to achieve additional savings and reduce stress on the electrical grid.
Load Controller for Spa and Electric Vehicle Charging
The spa is one of the most expensive appliances to operate, as is charging an electric vehicle. A smart load controller like the Sinopé RM3250ZB can automatically suspend their energy use during peak periods and resume afterward without any intervention on your part. The result: significant savings.
Calypso Water Heater Controller
The water heater accounts for a significant portion of a home’s energy consumption. The Calypso smart water heater controller can automatically turn off the water heater during peak periods while maintaining a safe minimum temperature thanks to a temperature sensor. This makes it possible to take showers during peak periods without affecting the home’s overall electricity consumption.Electric Baseboards and Electric Radiant Floors
Naturally, if you have electric baseboards or electric radiant floors in certain areas of your home, you can also pair them with Sinopé smart thermostats to achieve savings.Conclusion: A Smart Radiant Floor for a More Energy-Efficient Home
Properly configured, a hydronic radiant floor is not just a comfortable heating system — it’s a true energy efficiency strategy. By combining dynamic pricing, a smart thermostat like the TH1420ZB or Sinopé/Neviweb solutions, and a few complementary devices such as a charge controller, you can achieve significant savings while maintaining perfect comfort.
Looking to optimize your setup or discover the best products compatible with your radiant system? We’re here to guide you
