WoodenuKnow.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and may earn from qualifying purchases.
If you live in a part of the world where winter is extremely cold, hardwood floors are an absolute must. But what happens when your feet get cold while walking across that beautiful wood floor? That’s why installing electric radiant heat under your hardwood floor can be such a great idea.
The question is how to install electric radiant floor heating under hardwood in a way that is efficient, and long-lasting. The short answer from most electricians is to use a floor heating mat. I will address it in more detail in the next section, so keep reading.
What is Electric Radiant Floor Heating?
Electric radiant floor heating is an electrical system installed under your floor, usually in the sub-floor area. It provides comfort and warmth without making noise or raising the humidity in the room. The electricity heats up the tube by thermal radiation below the flooring which provides warm air through underfloor vents to heat up your home. Moreover, you can follow pex plumbers blog for more related article to enlighten your knowledge.
How to Install Electric Radiant Floor Heating Under Hardwood?
Step 1) Measure the Area for Heating
You must know the size of the room you wish to heat before you install an electric radiant floor heating system. Measure the area you want to heat in feet, starting from one corner and going to the other end of the room.
Step 2) Put the Heat Mats in Place
Once you have all the measurements, go to a heating supply store and purchase the number of heating mats your room requires. Place the heating mat 2 inches above the floor so that there is an air gap between your floor and the heating mats. Put the mats in place and attach them using by installing staples.
Step 3) Connect the Electrical System
Connect all of your electrical mats and run an electrical wire from the control box to a grounded outlet. Connect all the wires and attach them to metal or plastic clips so that they stay in place on top of the mat. Connect all cables at both ends and make sure you do not overload the circuit.
Step 4) Seal all Cracks
Now that everything is in place, it’s time to seal up any cracks between the floor joists. This will prevent heated air from escaping your room after you’ve installed electric radiant floor heating under hardwood. Use a heat-resistant caulking compound to fill in the gaps.
Step 5) Test for Leaks
Once you have installed electric radiant floor heating under hardwood, always test that there are no leaks before turning it on. The most common indicator of a leak in the underfloor heating system is a loss of pressure. If there is a leak, seal it with epoxy putty or waterproof tape. When you don’t find any leaks, turn up the heat to a comfortable level.
Precautions of Electric Radiant Floor Heating:
1. Do not stand, sit or lie on the mats.
2. Keep children and pets away from the heated area.
3. Don’t operate the heater if anything has fallen on the mat, or if there are any signs of damage.
4. Don’t cover the mat with rugs or carpets.
5. When moving house, don’t walk on the heating system as this could puncture it.
Why Should you Install it Under Hardwood?
If you’re looking for a way to make your home more comfortable, you might want to consider installing electric radiant floor heating under hardwood. There are many advantages to this type of installation. If you know these benefits, you may think that the installation is worth the time and effort. So, let’s talk about them now.
Longer Life for Your Heat System:
The hardwood flooring is sitting on top of the mat instead of directly touching it, so you are less likely to scratch or damage the heating coil. Electric radiant heating systems under hardwood last for 30 to 34 years on average.
Save Money on Heating Bills:
In addition to preventing cold spots, electric hardwood floor heating keeps your house warmer during colder months. Hence, it reduces your heating bills. You’ll save energy and keep warm all winter long without breaking the bank.
Comfortable Underfoot:
Floor mats don’t get hot to the touch so you won’t have to worry about burning your feet. The constant level of warmth is comfortable and feels good on long winter nights.
Add Value to Your Home:
A radiant heating system installed under hardwood floors can increase your home’s sale price by thousands of dollars. Buyers love the idea of an extra heating system. It’s a great selling point that you can show off to potential buyers during open house tours.
No daily temperature swings:
The heating mats are always the same temperature, so you don’t have to worry about waking up to a cold floor on winter mornings.
Community FAQs
Is Radiant Heat Safe Under Hardwood Flooring?
The heating mats are designed to fit underneath floor coverings, so it’s perfectly safe. It requires professional installation to use underfloor heating safely for a long time.
How Long does it take to Install Electric Radiant Floor Heating?
Installation time varies depending on how large your room is and what kind of heating system you choose. It usually takes around 1 or 2 days to complete the project.
How Much does Installing Electric Radiant Heating Cost?
Costs vary depending on the size of your home, the type of system you choose, and the person performing the installation. The cost per square foot ranges between $10 and $15. So you should estimate the total cost of installation based on the square footage of your home.
Final Words
The process of installing electric radiant floor heating under hardwood does require some time and patience. If you install heated wire or tubing on your home’s surfaces, you can enjoy a cozy winter all year without worrying about cold feet in the morning. With this in mind, we hope our guide on how to install electric radiant floor heating under hardwood at home is helpful.