|
|
The
Affordable Luxury of Electric Radiant Flooring
Ceramic, and
natural stone tiles are attractive, durable, and
becoming extremely popular, as they are
wonderful alternatives to wood, carpet, and
vinyl floor coverings. However, as wonderful as
tile is, it is also cold under bare feet.
Most people are very comfortable with
temperatures set between 65 and 75 degrees.
Nevertheless, when there is only a 5-degree
difference in temperature between the person’s
head and feet, they begin to feel uncomfortable.
It is for this reason that many people decide
against installing tile in their homes, they
simply do not want to walk on cold floors. That
was, until more and more people began to
discover the benefits of
underfloor radiant heating.
There are two common radiant floor systems.
Hydronic, which uses circulating hot water in
tubes under the floor and electric, which uses
heating cables under the floor. The hydronic
system is a much more complicated system that
requires pumps, valves, and modulators as well
as other equipment. It is also more expensive to
install than electric radiant heating. However,
for use as a whole house heating solutions,
hydronic systems make an excellent choice.
Electric systems are relatively inexpensive, can
be used in single or multiple room applications
and easy enough to install for the average
do-it-yourselfers.
Electric radiant heating systems install in
thin-set or self-leveling mortar and warm tile,
stone, vinyl or even laminate flooring. These
systems are wonderful for bathrooms, kitchens,
entries, or any room that has cold floors—even
three season sunrooms. In addition, electric
radiant heating systems warm the floor while it
also keeps the floor dry and it also provides
warmth to the entire room.
Electric radiant heating systems consist of an
electric mat or mats and a control, which can be
programmable or non-programmable. The mat or
mats install very simply. You just roll them our
on top of the subfloor or backerboard, then
secure the mat with double-sided tape, or staple
it down. Next, you apply the mortar, which flows
easily through the open weave of the mat to bond
with the subfloor or backerboard. Allow the
mortar cure, and then connect the system to 120
volt AC power. While using a professional
electrician is strongly advised for individuals
who are not comfortable working on electrical
installations. Electric radiant heating systems
are generally simple to install and will not
compromise the integrity of the tile
installation.
Your first step in designing a floor warming
system is calculating the total square footage.
When making your calculations, do so by
designing a layout of actual use and traffic
patterns for the area to be warmed. There is no
need to install the radiant heating in your
linen closet or under your sink. Measuring
carefully will help ensure that the proper cable
is selected for the installation. Preformed mats
can also be used, however these
are usually only suitable for rectangular areas.
Such areas as "T's" or "L's" will often have
cold spots when using mats, yet if the area you
need to heat is a straight rectangular areas,
then by all means consider using the mats.
Radiant floor heating systems have thermostats,
which differ from room heating thermostats.
Floor heating systems have sensors that sense
the actual floor temperature, and control the
electrical cables accordingly, keeping the floor
temperature at approximately 85 degrees. Many of
these floor-warming systems offer thermostats
that are programmable so that the system is not
operating at full power when the area is not in
use of when the homeowners are not at home.
If you are considering remodeling or new
construction, consider installing an electrical
radiant floor heating system as well. Once you
walk on warm tiles—you’ll be glad that you
decided to go with electrical radiant floor
heating.
©, Easy Electric Radiant Floor Heating .com
|
|
Home: Easy Electric
Radiant Floor
Heating
The Affordable Luxury of Electric Radiant
Flooring
Electric
Radiant Heat - Low Cost House Warming
Free Radiant Heat from Your Fireplace
Contact Us
|
|
