Electric radiant heating offers a luxurious solution for homeowners seeking warm, comfortable floors without the chill. This innovative technology has gained popularity, especially in bathrooms and other areas where traditional heating methods may be impractical or costly. If you’ve ever dreaded stepping onto cold tile in the morning, this system could be for you.
In the video above, This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey explains the installation process and benefits of electric radiant heating systems. Below, we’ll show you what goes into installing this type of system and which portions of the process you can tackle yourself.
What Is Electric Radiant Heating?
Electric radiant heating systems use a network of electric cables embedded in a thin mat to warm your floors from underneath. Unlike hydronic systems that circulate hot water, electric radiant heat relies on electricity to generate warmth. These systems are particularly great in small spaces or as a supplemental heat source.
Why Choose Electric Radiant Heating?
Electric radiant heating offers several advantages over other heating systems:
- Comfortable heat: It delivers consistent warmth across the floor, so no more cold spots.
- Quiet operation: No noisy fans or ducts, just gentle, silent heat.
- Energy efficiency: When used strategically, it can be a cost-effective way to heat small spaces.
- Easy to retrofit: It’s perfect for home remodels, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, or other tiled areas.
- No ductwork: You don’t need to install or modify ducts to make it work.
Limitations of Electric Radiant Heating
Although electric radiant heating offers plenty of advantages, it has its limits:
- It’s best as a supplemental heat source, not the main one for large spaces.
- It works only with specific flooring types like tile, stone, or ceramic.
- The cost of running it can be higher than that of traditional heating systems.
- A licensed electrician must handle the electrical connections.
Planning Your Electric Radiant Heating Installation
Whether you’re upgrading an existing bathroom or designing a new space, consider all aspects of your project before you begin. Here are some things to keep in mind.
Assessing Your Space
We recommend thinking about these factors carefully when you’re planning your installation:
- Room size and layout
- Existing flooring and subfloor conditions
- Location of fixtures and obstacles (such as toilets in bathrooms) that can block heat
- Available electrical capacity in your home
Choosing the Right System
Select a radiant heating system that matches your specific needs. There are various options available, so it’s important to choose one that fits your needs:
- Choose mats that fit your room’s layout and size.
- Consider the wattage output based on how much heat you need.
- Make sure the system is compatible with your flooring material.
- Look into thermostats that offer scheduling features to help you manage power usage.
Installation Process of Electric Radiant Heating
Installing electric radiant heating requires attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols. While you can complete some aspects of radiant heat installation yourself, you’ll need a licensed professional for the electrical work.
Step 1: Preparation
Start by preparing the area for installation:
- Contact an electrician to check if your home’s wiring can handle the added load.
- Have the electrician test the radiant heat mat to make sure it works before installation.
- Clean, dry, and level the subfloor.
- Plan the layout of the heating mat to avoid any obstacles and fixtures.
Safety note: Never cut the electric mat to shape. As Trethewey points out, this will cause the system to short out and create a safety hazard. Instead, customize the system to your bathroom by using mats of multiple shapes in sizes as required by the floor plan. Radiant systems spread heat out, so not every square inch of the floor needs to have a mat beneath it to be warm.
Step 2: Laying the Heating Mat
Laying the heating mat requires patience and precision. Here’s how to go about it:
- Apply a layer of thinset mortar to the subfloor using a notched trowel.
- Carefully unroll and position the heating mat according to your planned layout.
- Press the mat into the mortar, checking for full contact and no air pockets.
- Apply a second layer of mortar over the heating mat.
Flooring Installation
Once the mortar has dried according to the manufacturer’s instructions, you can lay your chosen flooring material. As Trethewey notes, these electric mats only work with ceramic products like tile and some types of stone.
As you work, take care to avoid damaging the heating elements you’ve just installed.
Electrical Connections
Having the electrical work completed by a licensed professional is always important, but doubly so in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens. You don’t want to take risks with your safety or with your investment in your home. Cementing a heating system that isn’t up to code right into the floor will cost you in the long run, so it’s far better to hire a professional now.
A licensed electrician should install a dedicated circuit that’s protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). This system will cut the flow of electricity immediately if it detects a short. The electrician can also install a thermostat with a timer, which will provide heating when you need it without wasting power and running up utility bills.
Cost and Energy Efficiency of Radiant Heating
Heated bathroom tile tends to cost between $20 and $40* per square foot, including installation of both the heating elements and the tile. However, the specific cost will vary depending on factors such as:
- Size of the area to be heated
- Type of system chosen
- Complexity of the installation
- Local labor rates
For an accurate estimate, consult with local contractors who specialize in radiant heating installations.
Reducing Operating Costs
Most people won’t need or use a heated bathroom floor all day, every day. Trethewey suggests a timer that heats the floor only for a few hours in the morning and evening. Many utility companies charge less for electricity usage during off-peak hours, so check with yours to see which hours will cost the least.
*Cost information is based on 2024 data from Angi.
Maintenance and Longevity
Electric radiant heating systems are durable and relatively low-maintenance, since you don’t need to change filters or clean vents. To keep things running smoothly, follow these practices:
- Keep the floor clear of heavy furniture that could trap heat.
- Avoid using thick rugs that may block the heat from reaching you.
- Have the system inspected periodically by a professional.
- Address any issues promptly to prevent damage to the heating elements.
- Do not drill into or alter the floor without identifying the placement of cables and turning off the power.
If you suspect there’s a problem with the system, contact an electrician or an HVAC specialist with experience with electric radiant heating systems. Even in the absence of a problem, regular professional inspections help you detect potential issues early and enhance the system’s lifespan.
Resources
Several companies make these mats, but we like the products made by Nuheat for reliability. Nuheat provides a 25-year warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship for qualifying installs.