The operating characteristics of lightweight radiant floor heating (LRFH) system were analyzed by experiments and numerical calculation. A heat transfer model for the evaluation of LRFH system was investigated and a corresponding calculation program was developed. The effects of design parameters on performance of LRFH system were studied by means of calculation program previously validated through an experimental campaign performed in a laboratory. Meanwhile, the heat-transfer capability, temperature field distribution and thermal comfort of LRFH system were analyzed by experiments. The results indicate that LRFH system shows fine thermal stability and thermal comfort. (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.