Electric opinions wanted

Larry (from OSHA)

Hi Troy,

There are several brands but many appear to be rebranded Watts or similar. I have used the mat type from the orange big box store with good success and the wire type, both from Sun Touch. Warm Wire brand is the one to use. Each with the programmable stat. Use that. If I had it to do over again, I'd use the warm wire type that you string yourself in a heartbeat. Be sure to insulate underneath. I put the wires on the subfloor and the thinset on top of that. (A little different from the instructions, but works great) I've got the online source somewhere if you want it. Let me know. My 2 bathrooms have had warm floors for over a year now and is really nice.

Larry

Troy_3

Electric opinions wanted

What electric system have you used and why? I'm thinking I need to offer an electric system and stop letting the tile guys mess them up. I want to offer something of quality if I get involved. I think it may open doors for future radiant if I can let them feel the benefits in a small space. Any experiences? Thanx!

Gordy

Larry

What are your operating costs? I see some estimate 1 cent a sq.ft. That seems pricey to run.

Gordy

Larry (from OSHA)

Gordy

Can't really say what the actual costs are. We seem to be adding computers, tv's and so on to the mix and the compact fluorescent bulbs that I've got everywhere only do so much. I used a 188 ft. spool for one of the bathrooms covering about 45 sq. ft. and it pulls about 4 amps. The smaller bath has a 3 ft. by 6 ft. mat and pulls about an amp or amp and a half. So for small spaces it's not too bad, but I would use the 240 volt wire for larger spaces as it draws about half the amps of the 120 variety. The wire was quite easy to install.

Larry

Mad Dog!!!!!!!!

All depends on cost per KW (kilowatt)

in your area. Most of Long Island is on LIPA grid, but certain villages have their own generation which is cheap!!!! Its funny that on one side of the block, electric water heaters are the Norm and gas water heaters prevail across the street. On tile: I don't care what ANYBODY says, I have never seen a good tile job holding up after 10 years of heavy traffic (normal residential)on anything OTHER than a Mud Job. Thinset over wonderboard or plywood will always flex and pop the grout joints. Mad Dog

Unknown

Wondering, are you

Wondering, are you using the electric heat to warm the bathrooms or to warm your little piggys while reading the P&M magazines?

Larry (from OSHA)

supplemental heat

for the spaces and most definitely little piggy warming. I even keep the floor just a little warm in the summer to take the chill off. (Good advice from Hot Rod)