In this article we answer frequently asked questions about Electric Radiant Floor Heating by our customers over the years. These are general questions and we have considerably more detailed answers covered in articles and category tags dedicated to each specific floor warming product. Browse blog categories for specific product details, installation videos and detailed instruction manuals.
- Is Electric Floor warming Safe?
- How does Electric Radiant Floor Heating Work?
- How long can we expect our floor heating system to last?
- How much electricity does electric floor heating use?
- What are the Voltage and Amperage requirements for floor heating?
- Are your floor warming systems easy to install?
- What type of flooring can I install over electric floor heating systems?
- Should I insulate under the floor warming system?
- Why do you offer more than one floor warming system?
- Can I buy floor warming direct from you?
- Can I cut the floor heating wire shorter?
- Can I Splice mats together?
Is Electric Floor warming SAFE? Yes! We are proud to be able to say that about the systems we sell, since they have all passed more safety tests than any of our competitors. UL, ETL and CSA certifications, Robinson Floor Test (for durability) and rated by The Tile Council of North America (SunTouch) attest to the safety of our products. All our Thermostats have been safety certified by independent testing agencies and all include GFCI protection built-in for shock protection as a standard. And, unlike our competitors, we have never had a safety recall for our electric floor heating products. [Return to Top]
How does Electric Radiant Floor Heating Work?The heating wires are specially engineered and designed so they provide heat via the specific wire’s electrical resistance. Special insulation is used to provide protection and durability to the heating wires. When the thermostat is turned on (or the timer is activated) electricity is sent to the floor heating system, the wires heat up, and in turn heat up the floor. This heat then radiates from the ground throughout the room, heating objects and people within the heated area. That’s exactly what you want from your system; a warm floor and a warm body; unlike in a conventional heating system where heat energy is wasted on air that rises straight to the ceiling and is lost. [Return to Top]
How long can we expect our indoor floor heating system to last?All of our indoor systems are guaranteed to last a quarter century at a minimum. Every indoor heating system carries at least a 25 Year warranty and are backed by strong manufacturers who have been in the floor heating business for 20 to 78 years. With the superior wire construction these companies use, the systems have a long expected life. This is absolutely necessary when one considers that they are encased and protected within the mortar under the flooring. A warranty of less than 25 years is simply nonsense! [Return to Top]
How much electricity does electric floor heating use? Surprisingly little. And our Programmable Thermostats have energy star ratings for the greatest efficiency. All of our mat systems operate at 12 watts per Sq Ft, so 20 Sq Ft only requires 240 watts, the same as a few light bulbs. Our uniform wire spacing optimizes the heat output and saves a lot of energy over a 15 watt system. A typical installation in a 60 SF bathroom will cost 10 to 20 cents per day. See our Energy use calculator for specifics. [Return to Top]
What are the Voltage and Amperage requirements for floor heating?Both 110/120 & 220/240 systems are available. Mats are 12 watts per Sq Ft, which means you can control up to 150 Sq Ft of floor warming at 120v (and twice that (300 SF) for 240v) per circuit. Each circuit has a 15 amp maximum, and 1 thermostat control is required per 15 amp circuit. A dedicated circuit is recommended, but very small systems of 20 SF only require approx. 2 amps, so you may be able to add on to an existing circuit. In this case a licensed electrician will know the answer for your project. [Return to Top]
Are your floor warming systems easy to install?Our systems are easy to install and safe to use. Some of our products are so easy to work with that even a weekend do-it-yourselfer can install them. Over 50% of Floor warming installations are done by First Time Installers! Or, your own contractor can easily manage installation with the help of our "how to" online videos and DVD’s that come with the kit, along with complete, step-by-step installation instructions. But whoever is doing the installing can always turn to us for help! We are here because we love being floor warming experts and we want to answer any questions or provide installation tips—for you and your contractor. [Return to Top]
What type of flooring can I install over electric floor heating systems?Virtually any floor covering can be heated by our systems. While tile and stone floors are the most common heated floors, you can also heat hardwood floors (glued or floated), Laminates, Vinyl or linoleum, Bamboo, Cork, even carpet. Concrete floors can also be heated by placing one of our systems within the new concrete pour. Be sure to read the installation instructions for specifics of how to properly install floor heat for your particular application and floor covering. Or, call us for free and we’ll answer all your radiant floor heating questions for you! [Return to Top]
Should I insulate under the floor warming system?In most cases, the insulation that is already in your floor will be adequate. If there is no insulation under your frame floor, we do recommend adding it.
For Concrete floors, we always recommend Cork insulation. Concrete slabs absorb part of the heat generated by the floor warming system so less heat is transferred to the flooring. Heat always moves toward colder surfaces, so it goes both up & down when the floor warming system is in direct contact with a slab. But, adding a simple layer of cork between the slab & floor heating provides a "thermal break" slowing the flow of heat into the slab and allowing more heat transfer into the flooring quicker. Installing insulation on top of slab translates into more heat, faster response times and less energy used; a wise investment. And our cork is engineered, tested and approved for use under tile and wood floors.
There are a few other insulation materials available, but Cork is our favorite, since it is a natural product and a renewable resource, unlike other insulating products. And you can buy this specially engineered Cork insulation directly from us. [Return to Top]
Why do you offer more than one floor warming system?In our 8 years selling Electric Radiant Heating Systems, we have found that no single manufacturer offers a complete solution for every project. We’ve researched a number of radiant floor heating products available on the market, and have chosen to carry only the highest quality products from the top manufacturers. There are cheaper radiant heat floor warming products on the market, but we won’t sell them. We’ve researched, tested, and installed all of the products we carry, and we’re confident that they are the best products for the money. But most importantly, we’re passionate about adding warmth to your home. From the ground up. Making sure you chose the right product for your specific application is only one of the ways we assure you’re completely satisfied with your new warm floor. [Return to Top]
Can I buy floor warming direct from you?Absolutely. Warm Your Floor has the largest inventory of floor warming products in the U.S., in stock and ready for immediate delivery. That means your project won’t meet costly delays waiting for product to arrive. Send us your room layout, and we’ll recommend, design and quote a floor-warming system specifically for you within 24 hours. [Return to Top]
Can I cut the floor heating wire shorter?No. Never. Period. This is our big safety message to you: You may cut the mesh mat, but never the heating element. You may also shorten the cold lead or the thermostat sensor wire, but do not cut the heating wire on purpose. If you cut the wire by mistake, we offer a special Wire Repair Kit and will be happy to help you fix it. [Return to Top]
Can I Splice mats together?No; all mats "home run" back to the thermostat. The mats do not connect end-to-end. We have mats in over 70 sizes and many length and width combinations to cover any size or shape room. [Return to Top]
Read More about "Why Radiant Heating" here, including Hydronic (water) radiant heating, the history of radiant heating and other related subjects [Return to Top]
