Seeking Radiant Heat Recommendations for a Bathroom

kriskoeller

Hi,

We're planning to renovate two full bathrooms in our condo in NYC, and would like to install radiant heat flooring in each.

The flooring is either going to be marble or porcelain tile. Given the small size and constraints of being in a condo, I would presume these radiant systems would be electric.

My questions:

1. Any preferred providers/vendors for an electric radiant heat system?
2. Are these timer-controlled, switch-controlled, thermostat controlled?
3. Any reason I would regret installing this?
4. Anything else I should know?

thanks in advance!

SWEI

Electric resistance floor heating is a great option for bathrooms that works even in cases where utility costs discourage its use for general space heating.

Bathrooms typically represent a tiny fraction of the overall square footage to be heated.

When given the option, the overwhelming majority of customers will choose a warmer bathroom over a cooler one. We usually design for 76-78°F there and have yet to have a complaint. When the hydronic system supplies a micro-zone consisting of solely bathrooms, the boiler or heatpump has to run for many additional hours every year.

Low voltage mat systems with integrated time/temperature controllers are my preference.

hot_rod

I have installed some of these systems, a few, including my sisters are about 15 years old with no problems.

The mats were weaved not far from me in Missouri, it may have moved south of the border recently.

http://www.suntouch.com

Mark Eatherton

I commonly recommend them over hydronics for one off situations. Generally speaking, it gives the consumer a good taste of the warm floor comfort concept, and then when it comes time for them to build, they realize the comfort and cost is not as much a detractor.

As for type/brands, if it were me, I think I'd probably go with either a plastic film type, or the brass screen type. These are both essentially parallel grids that are not as susceptible to element failure or installation damage than a single series type of heat tape system would be.

Most competent electric radiant floor manufacturers have aligned themselves with a good control manufacturer that includes not only a room air temperature sensor, but also a good slab sensor.

Heatizon makes the brass screen.

Warmfloor.com makes the plastic film type. Both need to be installed by a licensed electrical contractor.

Say good bye to fogged up mirrors...

Good call Kurt.

ME

kriskoeller

Thanks, all. Sounds like I'm on the right track. Appreciate the feedback.

Best, Kris

hot_rod

Regardless of which brand you decide on, get a thermostat that has a floor sensor and setback program, in addition to the air sensor. It is easy to set back a small tile system like that.

With the floor sensor you can idle the floor and use the setback function to ramp it up 30 minutes before you get up, etc.

The floor sensor function allows you to chose either a low temperature, never to drop below, or a high temperature, not to exceed, very handy for summertime use.