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Radiant floor heating is the epitome of luxury home comfort. There is nothing quite like stepping onto warm tiles on a freezing winter morning. However, the efficiency and responsiveness of your heated floors rely entirely on one critical component: the thermostat.

Unlike standard HVAC thermostats (like the basic Nest or Ecobee used for forced air), specific thermostats for radiant floor heating are designed to manage the unique thermal mass of flooring. They utilize dedicated floor sensors to prevent overheating and ensure the surface reaches the exact temperature you desire, not just the air in the room.

In this guide, we’ve tested and analyzed the top models on the market to help you find the perfect control system for your home, whether you have an electric mat system in your bathroom or a whole-home hydronic setup.

Quick Comparison: Top Radiant Floor Thermostats

Model Best For System Type WiFi/Smart GFCI Built-in
Nuheat Signature Overall Performance Electric Yes Yes
Mysa for In-Floor Smart Home Users Electric Yes Yes
Schluter DITRA-HEAT Schluter Systems Electric Yes Yes
Honeywell T6 Pro Hydronic Systems Hydronic Optional No
SunTouch Command Touchscreen Interface Electric Yes Yes

Electric vs. Hydronic: Knowing the Difference

Before buying, you must identify your system type. Using the wrong thermostat can lead to system failure or safety hazards.

1. Electric Radiant Floors

Common in bathrooms and kitchens, these use electric mats or cables under the tile.
Requirement: You need a thermostat capable of handling “Line Voltage” (120V or 240V). Crucially, it must have a built-in GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) for safety in wet areas.

2. Hydronic Radiant Floors

These use hot water pumped through tubes in the subfloor.
Requirement: These systems typically run on “Low Voltage” (24V) controls. You do not usually need a built-in GFCI, but you do need a thermostat compatible with boiler systems and slab sensors to prevent floor damage.

If you are looking to upgrade your home’s general heating efficiency beyond just floors, check out our guide on what is the best smart thermostat for energy savings.

Top Rated Radiant Thermostats Reviewed

Best Overall Nuheat Signature WiFi Thermostat

Nuheat Signature Wi-Fi Floor Heating Thermostat

The Nuheat Signature is widely regarded as the gold standard for electric floor heating. It features a beautiful 3.5-inch color touchscreen and intuitive programming. It works with Nest, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant, making it a seamless addition to a modern smart home.

It supports both 120V and 240V systems and includes a built-in Class A GFCI.

Pros

  • Stunning high-res touchscreen
  • Energy usage monitoring built-in
  • Works with Nest and voice assistants
  • Setup wizard makes installation easy

Cons

  • Premium price point
  • Requires a dedicated neutral wire (standard for these units)
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Best Smart Features Mysa Smart Thermostat for Electric In-Floor Heating

Mysa Smart Thermostat for Electric In-Floor Heating

If you love app-based control, Mysa is the clear winner. It has a sleek, minimalist LED display that disappears when not in use. The Mysa app is superior to most competitors, offering robust scheduling, geofencing, and energy charting.

It is specifically designed for high-voltage electric in-floor heating and is compatible with most existing floor sensors, making it a great upgrade option.

Pros

  • Minimalist, modern design
  • Excellent mobile app experience
  • Apple HomeKit compatible
  • Adaptive learning technology

Cons

  • No color touchscreen (LED dot matrix)
  • Only for electric systems
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Best for Tile Systems Schluter DITRA-HEAT-E-WiFi Thermostat

Schluter DITRA-HEAT-E-WiFi Thermostat

If you are installing the popular Schluter DITRA-HEAT membrane system for your tile floors, sticking with their proprietary thermostat is a smart move. It ensures perfect compatibility and warranty coverage.

The WiFi version allows for remote access and features a “birds-eye” control allowing you to manage multiple zones from a single app login.

Pros

  • Designed specifically for DITRA systems
  • Reliable WiFi connectivity
  • Includes a floor temperature sensor
  • Clean, unobtrusive interface

Cons

  • App interface is functional but basic
  • Slightly bulkier faceplate than Mysa
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Best for Hydronic Honeywell Home T6 Pro Hydronic Programmable Thermostat

Honeywell Home T6 Pro Hydronic Thermostat

For water-based (hydronic) systems, you need a different beast. The T6 Pro Hydronic is designed to handle the 24V control loops used by boilers and pumps. It includes terminals for a wired floor sensor (often sold separately or included in specific kits) to manage slab temperature.

It prevents the “overshoot” common in hydronic systems by learning the thermal properties of your specific floor.

Pros

  • Excellent handling of boiler systems
  • Simple, universally understood interface
  • Very reliable and durable
  • Supports A (Air), F (Floor), and AF (Combined) modes

Cons

  • Not for high-voltage electric mats
  • Basic aesthetic compared to touchscreens
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Buying Guide: Features That Matter

When shopping for the best thermostat for radiant floor heating, keep these technical specifications in mind to avoid purchasing an incompatible unit.

1. Floor Sensor Capability

Standard thermostats measure air temperature. Radiant thermostats must measure floor temperature. Why? Because tile can get uncomfortably hot before the air in the room warms up. A floor sensor (a probe buried in the thinset) limits the floor temperature to a safe level (usually 82°F – 85°F) while still heating the room.

Tip: Most electric stats come with a sensor, but if you are replacing an old unit, check if your existing sensor is 10k ohm or 12k ohm to ensure compatibility.

2. Built-in GFCI

For electric systems, the National Electrical Code usually requires Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter protection. While you can install a GFCI breaker in your panel, it is much easier to buy a thermostat with a built-in Class A GFCI (5mA trip level). All our electric top picks include this.

3. Smart Integration

Do you want to warm up the bathroom floor from bed? Look for WiFi models. If you already have a smart home ecosystem, check specifically for integration. For example, if you are deep into the Google ecosystem, see our comparison of Google Nest vs. Amazon Smart Thermostat to understand how different ecosystems play together, though note that for floor heating, specific brands like Nuheat often integrate better than generic smart stats.

4. Load Capacity

Most thermostats can handle up to 15 Amps. If you have a very large heated area (typically over 150 sq. ft. at 120V), you may exceed this amperage. In that case, you will need a power relay module to connect multiple mats to one thermostat.

Installation Tips for Longevity

Installing a radiant floor thermostat is slightly more complex than a standard wall unit.

  • Sensor Placement: Never place the floor sensor directly on top of a heating wire. It must be centered exactly between two heating wires to get an accurate average temperature.
  • Backup Sensor: It is highly recommended to install a second “dummy” sensor in the floor during installation. If the primary sensor fails years down the road, you can simply swap the wires at the wall unit rather than ripping up your expensive tile.
  • Conduit: Run the sensor wires through a separate conduit from the high-voltage power lines to prevent signal interference.

If you are troubleshooting an existing installation, you might find our guide on thermostat not reaching set temperature helpful for diagnosing sensor or placement issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special thermostat for radiant floor heating?
Yes. Standard HVAC thermostats generally lack terminals for a floor temperature sensor and do not have the built-in GFCI protection required for electric floor heating systems. Using a standard thermostat can lead to overheated floors or safety hazards.
Can I use a Nest or Ecobee for radiant floor heating?
It depends. For hydronic (water) systems, yes, Nest and Ecobee work well as they control the 24V zone valves. However, for electric mats, they are NOT directly compatible because they cannot handle line voltage (120V/240V). You would need extensive relay setups, and you would lose the critical floor temperature safety limiting. For electric floors, stick to Mysa or Nuheat. See our Nest vs Ecobee comparison for general HVAC use.
What is the ideal temperature setting for heated floors?
For comfort, most people prefer a floor temperature between 80°F and 85°F (27°C – 29°C). Setting it higher than 85°F is generally not recommended as it can become uncomfortable to stand on and may damage certain flooring types like hardwood or vinyl.
Can I use one thermostat for two different rooms?
Technically yes, if the total amperage is under the limit (usually 15A), but it is not recommended. The thermostat measures temperature in one location. If you control a bathroom and a hallway with one unit, the bathroom might get too hot while the hallway stays cool. It is best to have separate zones.
How much energy does a smart floor thermostat save?
A programmable or smart floor thermostat can save 15-20% on energy bills compared to a non-programmable one. By scheduling the floor to heat up only when you use the room (e.g., mornings and evenings) and dropping the temp during the day, you avoid wasting electricity maintaining heat in an empty room.
What if my floor sensor fails?
If you didn’t install a backup sensor, some advanced thermostats (like Nuheat) have a “regulator” mode that cycles power based on time (e.g., on 50% of the time) rather than temperature. This keeps the floor warm but loses precision and overheat protection.
Does radiant floor heating work under carpet?
It can, but carpet acts as an insulator. You must use a carpet with a low R-value (thermal resistance) and a thin pad. The thermostat must definitely use a floor sensor to ensure the heat doesn’t get trapped under the carpet, potentially causing a fire hazard or system burnout.
Is a WiFi thermostat worth it for a small bathroom?
Yes, primarily for the pre-heating feature. Radiant floors take 30-60 minutes to warm up. A WiFi thermostat allows you to ensure the floor is warm before you wake up without running it all night, and lets you turn it off remotely if you forget.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best thermostat for radiant floor heating comes down to your system type. For electric mats, the Nuheat Signature offers the best premium experience, while Mysa is the top choice for smart home enthusiasts. For hydronic systems, the reliability of the Honeywell T6 Pro is hard to beat.

Investing in a quality control unit protects your expensive flooring investment and ensures your feet never have to touch cold tile again.