The heating element in a hydronic system is closed-loop tubing made of flexible tubing that circulates hot water. The water is warmed to temperatures of 140° to 180° F to provide sufficient heat for floor warming. Pumps, bleed valves, expansion tanks, water hammer arrestors, pressure control tanks, solenoid valves, check valves, make-up water valves, back-flow preventers, ball valves, balancing valves, manifolds, pressure regulators, gate valves, zone valves, pressure relief valves, drain valves, etc. are normally necessary components of a well designed system The tubing ranges in diameter from 1/2 to 3/4 inch and is bent into various layout patterns.

  The heating element in an electric system normally consists of a constant wattage electric heating cable that operates on 120 volts or 240 volts. The entire system consists of a thermostat, GFI safety breaker and an optional timer for energy efficiency. Floor warming thermostats include a GFCI and timer as standard items. Heating thermostats require a breaker panel or wall mounted GFI and optional timer. They sense the temperature of the floor and the room for maximum comfort and can be equipped with a timer for temperature setback on a per room basis.