Will Heated Floors Heat a Room? 8 Facts To Know in 2023

Heated floors in homes have gained popularity as a comfortable and energy-efficient heating solution mostly for bathrooms and basements. How about your bedroom and living room? In this article, we will uncover eight crucial facts about heated floors and their exceptional heating abilities in a room. We will compare heated floors vs forced air cost and efficiency and last but not the least, please make sure to pay attention to Fact #7, where we reveal an often overlooked opportunity to reduce your utility expenses significantly.

Fact 1: Electric Floor Heating as an Energy-Efficient Solution

Electric floor heating is an extraordinary energy-efficient solution that transforms the way we heat our homes. By harnessing the power of electricity, this innovative technology offers numerous benefits while minimizing energy consumption. The system consists of heating cables, a membrane installed beneath the flooring, and a control unit that regulates the gentle emission of warmth upward, enveloping the room in cozy comfort:

• Heating Cable
• Underfloor Membrane
• Floor heating Thermostat

One of the key advantages of electric floor heating over hydronic systems is its exceptional efficiency, as it eliminates heat loss through ducts or pipes, ensuring that every watt of energy is used to directly warm the living space. Additionally, the system allows for precise temperature control, enabling users to optimize energy usage according to their preferences. Most importantly, it significantly decreases the load on your HVAC system and, therefore, its operating costs.

This advanced heating solution also eliminates the need for bulky radiators or vents, freeing up valuable space and enhancing interior design possibilities. Electric floor heating not only reduces energy consumption and costs but also offers unmatched comfort and luxury, making it a sustainable and astute choice for modern homes.

Fact 2: Versatility of Electric Floor Heating

Electric floor heating demonstrates remarkable versatility, offering a wide array of applications and adaptability to diverse environments. This flexible heating solution can be seamlessly installed beneath an extensive range of flooring materials, including tile, laminate, hardwood, and even carpet, enabling homeowners to enjoy its benefits without the need to modify their preferred floor covering. This feature proves particularly advantageous when remodeling bedrooms, as the existing heating system can be retained, eliminating the need for costly replacements.

Furthermore, electric floor heating finds utility in both residential and commercial settings, making it an ideal choice for bedrooms, bathrooms, offices, and various other establishments. In other words, heated floors can heat any room in your home. Whether it’s a compact bathroom or a spacious master bedroom, this heating system can be easily customized to accommodate the specific dimensions and layout of any room.

Schluter, for instance, offers over 30 variations of heating cables, providing options for voltage and coverage.

120 V

Model #	Heating Cable Length	Area Covered per Cable Spacing		Total Power	Avg. Power per Unit Area per Cable Spacing		Current
		Regular 3 Stud	Alternating 3-2 Stud		Regular 3 Stud	Alternating 3-2 Stud
	(ft)	(ft2)	(ft2)	(W)	(Watts/ft2)	(Watts/ft2)	(Amps)
DHEHK12011	35.3	10.7	8.9	135	12.6	15.2	1.1
DHEHK12016	52.9	16.0	13.3	203	12.7	15.2	1.7
DHEHK12021	70.5	21.3	17.8	270	12.7	15.2	2.3
DHEHK12027	88.2	26.7	22.2	338	12.7	15.2	2.8
DHEHK12032	105.8	32.0	26.7	405	12.7	15.2	3.4
DHEHK12038	124.1	37.5	31.3	475	12.7	15.2	4.0
DHEHK12043	141.1	42.7	35.6	540	12.7	15.2	4.5
DHEHK12051	169.8	51.4	42.8	650	12.7	15.2	5.4
DHEHK12064	212.9	64.4	53.7	815	12.7	15.2	6.8
DHEHK12073	240.2	72.7	60.6	920	12.7	15.2	7.7
DHEHK12083	275.5	83.3	69.4	1055	12.7	15.2	8.8
DHEHK12092	303.0	91.7	76.4	1160	12.7	15.2	9.7
DHEHK120102	336.9	101.9	84.9	1290	12.7	15.2	10.7
DHEHK120113	372.2	112.6	93.8	1425	12.7	15.2	11.9
DHEHK120134	444.0	134.3	111.9	1700	12.7	15.2	14.2

240 V

Model#	Heating Cable Length	Area Covered per Cable Spacing		Total Power	Avg. Power per Unit Area per Cable Spacing		Current
		Regular 3 Stud	Alternating 3-2 Stud		Regular 3 Stud	Alternating 3-2 Stud
	(ft)	(ft2)	(ft2)	(W)	(Watts/ft2)	(Watts/ft2)	(Amps)
DHEHK24011	35.3	10.7	8.9	135	12.6	15.2	0.6
DHEHK24016	53.1	16.1	13.4	203	12.6	15.2	0.8
DHEHK24021	70.6	21.4	17.8	270	12.7	15.2	1.1
DHEHK24027	88.2	26.7	22.2	338	12.7	15.2	1.4
DHEHK24032	105.8	32.0	26.7	405	12.7	15.2	1.7
DHEHK24038	124.1	37.5	31.3	475	12.7	15.2	2.0
DHEHK24043	141.0	42.6	35.5	540	12.7	15.2	2.3
DHEHK24053	176.3	53.3	44.4	675	12.7	15.2	2.8
DHEHK24064	211.6	64.0	53.3	810	12.7	15.2	3.4
DHEHK24075	248.2	75.1	62.6	950	12.7	15.2	4.0
DHEHK24085	282.1	85.3	71.1	1080	12.7	15.2	4.5
DHEHK240103	339.4	102.7	85.6	1300	12.7	15.2	5.4
DHEHK240129	425.8	128.8	107.3	1630	12.7	15.2	6.8
DHEHK240145	480.5	145.3	121.1	1840	12.7	15.2	7.7
DHEHK240167	551.0	166.7	138.9	2110	12.7	15.2	8.8
DHEHK240183	605.9	183.3	152.7	2320	12.7	15.2	9.7
DHEHK240204	673.8	203.8	169.9	2580	12.7	15.2	10.7
DHEHK240225	744.4	225.2	187.7	2850	12.7	15.2	11.9

Moreover, it is possible to combine multiple cables to increase the heating coverage, offering even greater flexibility. Notably, its adaptability extends beyond new construction projects, as it can be retrofitted into existing spaces, offering a practical heating solution without the need for extensive renovations. With its versatility and the broad range of applications, electric floor heating stands as a flexible and convenient option for achieving optimal comfort in the year 2023.

Fact 3: Comfort and Luxury Provided by Heated Floors

Delighting in the pleasure of walking on heated floors provides a luxurious and exceptionally comfortable experience. The gentle warmth radiating from the floor not only keeps your feet cozy but also envelops the entire room in a delightful ambiance. Unlike traditional heating systems that rely on forced air circulation, heated floors eliminate the need for vents, reducing the movement of dust and allergens. This results in improved indoor air quality, making it an ideal choice for individuals with allergies or respiratory sensitivities.

By creating a healthier living environment, heated floors contribute to a sense of well-being and add an extra layer of opulence to any space. With each step, you can relish in the gratifying sensation of walking on warmth, savoring the ultimate comfort and fostering an atmosphere of pure relaxation.

Fact 4: Cost-Effectiveness of Electric Floor Heating

Heated floors offer an exceptional cost-efficient solution, proving that ‘Heated Floors Heat a Room.’ This makes them an appealing choice for both renovations and new constructions. The cost of radiant floor heating typically varies from $12 to $15 per square foot, resulting in an approximate expense of $800 for a project. However, the total cost can differ depending on specific requirements.

Check a heating kit combination to save your time and cost on necessary parts. With its competitive pricing options, electric floor heating effectively demonstrates that ‘Heated Floors can Heat a Room,’ while providing a cost-effective solution for achieving optimum comfort and warmth.

Fact 5: Smart Technologies 2023

Schluter Systems provides an extensive range of radiant heating thermostats designed to accommodate a variety of preferences and requirements. Their selection encompasses advanced Programmable WiFi Smart thermostats as well as reliable non-programmable models. By harnessing the power of WiFi technology, these thermostats offer convenient control, allowing you to adjust the temperature from wherever you are located.

Whether you’re on vacation or seeking to pleasantly surprise your household at the end of a cold and challenging day, the flexibility of WiFi-enabled thermostats ensures comfort when it’s most needed. The price range for Schluter floor heating thermostats typically spans from $100 to $300, with additional expenses involved in integrating them into a home automation system, if desired.

Opting for a programmable thermostat empowers you to establish a personalized heating schedule for your floor heating system, effectively minimizing unnecessary energy consumption and potentially resulting in significant long-term savings.

Fact 6: Supplemental Heat Support for Tricky Rooms

To optimize the performance of your floor heating system on a concrete slab subfloor, it is highly recommended to incorporate a thermal break underlayment like Ditra Heat DUO. This specialized underlayment acts as a dedicated barrier, effectively preventing heat loss and ensuring optimal efficiency of the heating system. By inhibiting heat dissipation, Ditra Heat DUO maintains the desired warmth while minimizing energy waste, leading to enhanced energy efficiency.

In addition, an added benefit of Ditra Heat DUO is its excellent soundproofing effect. If your bedroom is located above the garage, you can indulge in late-night McDonald’s trips without worrying about waking anyone up. However, if your bedroom is not situated above a garage, you have the flexibility to use a regular Ditra Heat membrane. All options utilize the convenient Schluter Peel and Stick technology, simplifying the installation process and making it more user-friendly and straightforward.

Fact 7: Cable Wattage Efficiency And Layout

When considering heated floors, it is crucial to assess power consumption and efficiency. Portable electric heaters typically consume significant energy, averaging around 10 watts per square foot. However, Schluter’s Ditra Heat cable presents a noteworthy advantage, offering a 27% higher power output at 12.7 watts per square foot. This means that the cable efficiently heats the floor to the desired temperature and automatically shuts off, contributing to its energy efficiency. An often overlooked fact by professionals and self-proclaimed experts in the floor heating industry is that the efficiency can be further enhanced to an impressive 15.2 watts per square foot by modifying the cable layout to a 3-2 Stud configuration. Importantly, this modification is approved by Schluter Systems without voiding the warranty. With this setup, heated floors can warm a room faster than a forced-air heater while consuming less energy. It is worth noting that although the alternating 2-3 stud technique may require purchasing a longer cable, the utility cost savings, in the long run, make it a favorable choice.

Fact 8: Common Concerns and Misconceptions

There are common concerns and misconceptions surrounding heated floors that warrant clarification to provide accurate information. One misconception is the belief that heated floors are excessively expensive. While there may be initial costs involved in installing a heated floor system, it is important to consider the long-term benefits and potential energy savings that can offset the investment. With the availability of modern thermostats and programmable controls, efficient temperature management can be achieved, minimizing energy usage and optimizing comfort levels.

Additionally, there is a misconception that heated floors are only suitable for new constructions. In reality, heated floors can be retrofitted into existing homes, providing an opportunity for homeowners to upgrade their heating systems without the need for extensive renovations. By addressing these concerns and misconceptions, individuals can gain a clearer understanding of the benefits and feasibility of incorporating heated floors into their living spaces.