We design and install hydronic radiant heating systems for new construction, remodels, ADUs, and Eichler homes throughout San Francisco and Marin County. 20+ years of experience, honest estimates, and a track record that spans from Victorians to mid-century modern.
For new construction and ADUs, we embed PEX tubing directly into the concrete slab before the pour. The slab becomes a thermal mass that absorbs heat and releases it slowly and evenly — the most efficient installation method available. This approach is standard on SF new construction and Marin new builds.
Most efficient installation method
When we can access the floor from below — above a garage, in a crawl space, or during a remodel — we staple tubing to the underside of the subfloor and add aluminum heat transfer plates to spread the heat evenly. This is the go-to approach for SF remodels and Marin remodels where floors stay closed.
No demo required
When floor access is impossible, we install low-profile interlocking panels on top of the subfloor — tubing snaps in and finished flooring goes over. Wall-mounted panel radiators are the other no-demo option: modern, slim, and very effective for Eichler homes and any room where floor work isn't feasible.
Works in finished spaces
Radiant heating is not always the right call — and we'll tell you that upfront. Installation complexity and cost go up once walls and floors are closed. If you're building new, doing a major remodel, or converting a garage, radiant is almost always the best long-term investment. If your home is completely finished and untouched, wall radiators or a split system may be a better path. The good news: Bay Area homes are unusually well-suited to radiant. Most SF houses have accessible crawl spaces or exposed floor joists above garages, and Eichler homes already have the infrastructure in-slab.
We work with architects and general contractors from the design phase. We do a takeoff from the plans, calculate the heat load for each zone, and design the system before a single slab is poured. Our goal is the most efficient system your budget allows.
Plan a New BuildAdding radiant during a remodel is ideal — walls and floors are already open, so the extra cost is minimal relative to the long-term return. ADUs and garage conversions are particularly well-suited to slab-embedded radiant, which requires no future maintenance.
Remodel EstimateWe service all radiant heating systems, including original Eichler systems from the 1950s and 60s. Common issues: pump and circulator failure, zone valve problems, pressure loss, and sediment buildup. We pressure-test before touching any boiler to catch failing pipes early.
Book ServiceBefore touching anything, we pressure-test the original in-slab copper or Kitec tubing. This tells us immediately whether the system can hold pressure — and whether a new boiler is warranted or the pipes need work first.
If a zone fails the pressure test, we use thermal imaging and electronic leak detection to pinpoint the failure. Many Eichler homes have isolated leaks that can be repaired without abandoning the zone — but we'll give you an honest assessment either way.
60+ years of sediment, rust, and mineral deposits will destroy a new boiler's heat exchanger within years. We flush the entire system with descaling solution until the output runs clean. This is non-negotiable before installing any new equipment.
We perform a precise heat loss calculation — not a rule-of-thumb guess — to size the boiler correctly. Oversized boilers short-cycle and fail early. Undersized boilers run constantly. We spec high-efficiency condensing boilers (95%+) that pair well with the low water temperatures Eichler slab systems require.
The boiler is the heart of the system — getting the sizing and type right matters more than the brand.
A combi boiler handles both radiant heat and domestic hot water in one compact unit — ideal for ADUs and smaller homes. System boilers work better for large homes or properties with high simultaneous demand across multiple zones.
We run a Manual J-style heat loss calculation for every radiant install. A 2,000 sq ft Victorian in SF needs a very different boiler than a 2,000 sq ft Eichler in Novato. Insulation, windows, and orientation all factor in.
Radiant floors work best at 90-110°F water temperature. Condensing boilers are specifically designed for this range and will give you 95%+ efficiency. Standard boilers running at lower temps will corrode and fail prematurely.
If your existing slab system uses higher-temp copper loops, a mixing valve lets you pair it with a modern condensing boiler without thermal shock. We always spec the right controls for the specific pipe material and zone layout.
Whether you're breaking ground on a new build, in the middle of a remodel, or the floors in your Eichler haven't been warm in years — we can help. We'll give you a straight answer on what makes sense for your specific home.
Licensed & Insured • Serving SF and Marin County • 20+ Years Experience
