Electric Radiant Heated Floors
The Better Way to Warm Floors
There are two ways to heat a floor, electric or water-based radiant heat systems. Electric is the preferred method due to the generally more efficient electricity usage and energy savings. Paired with a programmable or WiFi thermostat, the heated floor needs virtually no maintenance and turns on when it is needed. Since electric heated floors are in the floor, they heat the room evenly and efficiently. Almost all floor types such as tile, stone, wood, laminate, and most types of vinyl are able to use radiant floor warming.
The two primary installation methods for an electric radiant heated floor are either cable straps, or uncoupling membrane. Uncoupling membrane is generally the easiest way to install heat wire as it can go over small bumps or cracks in the floor, fits the shape of the floor, and has grooves for the wire to get the installation done quickly and easily. Cable straps have the benefits of being easy to install, after figuring out a layout, since they can be placed at only the ends of the area and as a spacer between the heat wire. A neat trick is to combine the benefits of both, by cutting the uncoupling membrane into strips to use just like a cable strap, savings a bit of material and money by doing a little more work.
How much wire is needed? It depends on how hot the floor can get. Generally, 3" spacing is the preferred heat level since it will not overheat tiles/flooring but heats up fast enough to feel quickly. Since heat wire is not meant to be cut, when there is some extra or not enough wire, contractors normally will do the wire closer together (around 2" spacing) where people are standing and further apart (around 4" spacing) where people may stand on the warm floor less. That is part of what makes a heated floor a unique piece of art every time it is installed.
What is an Electric Radiant Heated Floor?
Electric underfloor heating heats wiring beneath the floor to generate heat. Radiant heat provides warmth from the floor up throughout the room without any cold spots or stuffiness in the area being heated. Electric radiant floor heating systems are generally very efficient and use as much as or less energy than other heating systems. A floor heating system costs less to run also heats the room more evenly than a heated water pumped room. An in-floor radiant heating system is much more long-lasting when compared to a normal furnace. A high-quality radiant heat system can last more than 35 years if it is taken care of and maintained properly.