Electric radiant floor heating is a type of home heating system that warms up the floors in your home by running electricity through specially designed mats or cables installed underneath the flooring. This creates a more comfortable and even heat distribution throughout the room, and can be installed under various types of flooring such as tile, hardwood, laminate, and carpet. It is considered to be a modern and energy-efficient method of heating as it delivers heat directly to the flooring surface above and does not rely on ductwork.

Additionally, it may also be cost-effective if it includes a significant thermal mass such as a thick concrete floor and if the electric utility company offers time-of-use rates. In this article, we will take a closer look at electric radiant floor heating, including its benefits, installation process and future market trends.

Before going into more details, let me introduce you to what electric radiant floor heating really is?

What is Electric Radiant Floor Heating?

Electric radiant floor heating is a type of radiant home floor heating system that warms up the floors in your home by running electricity through specially designed mats or cables that are installed underneath the flooring. The heat generated by the electricity warms up the surfaces in contact with the floor and radiate heat into the room, creating a more comfortable and even heat distribution throughout the room.

There are two main types of electric floor heating:

Electric floor heating with mats

Electric floor heating with cables

The Mat systems are pre-assembled mats that are laid out on the subfloor before the flooring is installed. Cable systems, on the other hand, involve laying individual cables in a specific pattern on the subfloor. Both types of systems are connected to an electrical power source and controlled by a thermostat.

It can be installed under many different types of flooring, including tile, hardwood, laminate, and carpet, making it a versatile option for any room in the house.

Is Electric Radiant Floor Heating Energy Efficient?

Electric radiant floor heating is a modern and energy-efficient way to heat your home. Instead of blowing warm air (through convective heat transfer) like forced air system, it uses electric cables or mats to deliver heat directly to the flooring surface above. This heat is known as far infrared, which is the same type of heat that you feel from the sun or a campfire.

This direct heating method results in a lower overall air temperature, while still providing warmth and comfort to the homeowners. Additionally, electric floor heating systems cover a larger area, providing an even distribution of heat throughout the room, unlike traditional systems which only heat specific areas. Also, it doesn’t lose heat via ductwork, unlike traditional systems.

To illustrate this, imagine a living room with a traditional heating system, the air temperature is 68 degrees Fahrenheit, but the homeowners find that their feet are cold. With electric radiant floor heating, the air temperature can be 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and still provide warmth to the homeowners because the heat is delivered directly to them through the floor.

Is Electric Radiant Floor Heating Cost Effective?

Electric radiant floor heating may be cost-effective if it includes a significant thermal mass such as a thick concrete floor and if the electric utility company offers time-of-use rates. These rates allow homeowners to “charge” the concrete floor with heat during off-peak hours, when electricity is cheaper, and the heat stored in the thermal mass will keep the house comfortable for a longer period of time without any further electrical input.

When homeowners decide to add an additional room or a second floor to their home, it may be impractical to extend the existing heating system into the new space. This is because doing so would require additional ductwork, and in some cases, it may not be possible to access the existing ductwork to make the necessary connections. Electric radiant floor heating may be a good option in such cases because it does not rely on ducts to distribute heat. Instead, it uses electric cables that can be easily installed in the new space, without the need to connect to an existing heating system. This can make electric radiant floor heating a more cost-effective and practical solution for home additions.

Now that you know what electric floor heating is and it is an energy efficient and cost effective heating system, you will be thinking to install one at your home or office. In next section I will take you through, how exactly is electric radiant floor heating installed?

How Electric Radiant Floor Heating is Installed?

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install electric radiant floor heating:

Step 1: Measure the area where you want to install the electric radiant floor heating.

Measure the length and width of the room or area where you want to install the electric radiant floor heating.

Step 2: Prepare the subfloor.

Make sure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level before you begin installing the electric radiant floor heating. If the subfloor is not level, you may need to use a self-leveling compound to level it out.

Step 3: Laying out the heating system.

When laying out the heating system, as discussed earlier there are two main types of systems to choose from:

For Mat Systems:

Unroll the mat and lay it out on the subfloor. Make sure the mat is evenly spaced and is not overlapping.

For Cable Systems:

Lay the cables out in the desired pattern on the subfloor. Same like mat system make sure even spacing and no overlapping of the cables.

Step 4: Install the thermostat.

The thermostat is responsible for controlling the temperature of the electric radiant floor heating. Connect the thermostat to the electrical power source and set the temperature to your desired level.

Step 5: Install the flooring.

Once the electric radiant floor heating is installed, you can install the flooring of your choice over the top of it. It is best to use flooring that is thin and doesn’t insulate too much, such as tile or hardwood.

Step 6: Test the system.

Before you use the electric radiant floor heating, turn it on and let it run for a few hours to make sure it is working properly. Check the temperature in the room and make sure it is warm and comfortable.

Components Used in Electric Radiant Floor Heating

Electric radiant floor heating systems typically consist of the following components:

• Electric heating cables or mats: These are the primary components of the system and are responsible for delivering heat to the flooring surface above. They can be installed in a variety of ways, such as embedded in concrete or placed under flooring materials.
• Thermostat: This controls the temperature of the system and allows the homeowner to set and maintain a desired temperature.
• Control Panel: This allows the homeowner to control the temperature and adjust settings such as temperature and schedule.
• Insulation: Insulation is used to keep the heat from escaping and to ensure maximum energy efficiency.
• Flooring: The type of flooring used will depend on the specific application, but options include tile, hardwood, carpet, and more.
• Subfloor: The subfloor is the surface that the heating cables or mats are installed on. It can be a concrete slab, plywood, or any other suitable surface.
• Power supply: The system needs an electric power supply to function and depending on the system design and power requirements it can be connected to the main electrical panel or to a subpanel
• GFCI protection devices: This GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) safety device is to protect people from electric shock and it is typically required by the electrical code.

Pros and Cons of Electric Radiant Floor Heating

Like any other heating system, electric radiant floor heating has its pros and cons.

Pros:

• Energy efficient and can lead to significant energy savings over time.
• Easy to install and can be installed under many different types of flooring.
• Provides a more comfortable and even heat distribution throughout the room.
• Can be controlled by a thermostat.
• Does not circulate dust or allergens in the air, making it great for people with allergies or asthma.

Cons:

• Initial installation cost can be high.
• Can be costly to repair or replace.
• May require additional insulation.

Can you put Electric Radiant Heat under Hardwood Floors?

Yes, electric radiant heat can be installed under hardwood floors. Electric radiant floor heating systems can be installed under many different types of flooring, including hardwood, as they provide energy-efficient and comfortable heating solutions. The heat generated by the electricity warms up the surfaces in contact with the floor and radiate heat into the room, creating a more comfortable and even heat distribution throughout the room. Electric radiant heat is installed underneath the hardwood flooring, on top of a subfloor. It can be done by laying individual cables in a specific pattern on the subfloor or pre-assembled mats that are laid out on the subfloor before the flooring is installed.

Electric Radiant Floor Heating Future Trend

The Electric Radiant Floor Heating market is projected to experience significant growth in the coming years. According to Global Market Insights, the market is expected to exceed 2 billion dollars by 2022 and expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4% until 2030, reaching a total market value of 3.4 billion dollars. This growth can be attributed to the increasing adoption of electric radiant floor heating systems in residential and commercial buildings as they provide energy efficient and comfortable heating solutions.

Additionally, the growing focus on energy efficiency and sustainability is also driving the market growth. Furthermore, the increasing construction activities, particularly in the developing countries, are also expected to drive the market growth. The demand for electric radiant floor heating systems is also expected to increase in the coming years due to the rising awareness about the benefits of these systems over traditional heating systems.

Concluding Remarks

In conclusion, electric radiant floor heating is a modern and energy-efficient way to heat your home. It uses electric cables or mats to deliver heat directly to the flooring surface, resulting in a lower overall air temperature while still providing warmth and comfort to the homeowners. Additionally, electric floor heating systems cover a larger area, providing an even distribution of heat throughout the room. Electric radiant floor heating may also be cost-effective if it includes a significant thermal mass and if the electric utility company offers time-of-use rates.

It can be installed under many different types of flooring, including tile, hardwood, laminate, and carpet, making it a versatile option for any room in the house. Electric radiant floor heating can be a practical solution for home additions, as it does not rely on ducts to distribute heat and can be easily installed in new spaces. With this understanding, it is now time to consider if electric radiant floor heating is the right choice for your home or office.