Radiant Electric Floor Heat

Electric radiant heating systems employ a heating cable which can be installed below the flooring between the floor joists, under carpet, vinyl, or wood floor coverings, in the walls or ceilings. These are usually the easiest and economical systems to install, but operating costs may be higher than hydronic systems.

Electric radiant floor heating systems are available in several different forms. The systems range from simple supplementary heat to whole house systems capable of supplying radiant heat to your home.

Like other radiant systems, the benefits of electric floor heat includes more efficient heat delivery methods, even room heating, and warm feet!

Supplemental electric radiant heat includes simple mats to be laid down on the floor and room size heating cables which can be placed under carpet, wood floor, ceramic tile and vinyl flooring.

Whole house radiant heating systems utilize a number of different methods of delivering the heat. There are mesh-type screens designed to be stapled directly to the sub-floor of the home and the floor covering installed directly above it. The floor covering can be vinyl, wood, carpet, or ceramic tile.

Electric heating cables can also be installed, covered with a masonry material, and the flooring installed over this.

One interesting type can be installed between the floor joists of an existing home, or new construction. Insulation is then placed under the heating mesh to force the heat up into the home.

Electric radiant floor heating, like other radiant heating, can be "zoned". This means each room in the home can be set up in its own distinct heating zone and the temperature individually controlled. Thus rooms little used can be kept cooler than rooms which are occupied more often.

Electric radiant floor heating is easy enough to install that the do-it-yourselfer can install at least a major portion of the system. Electrical connections to the main electric panel can be made by a qualified electrician.