This radiant remodel turned a chilly basement into a warm, livable space—perfect for movie nights, naps, and even your pets.
How Radiant Heating Transformed a Cold Concrete Basement
Radiant heat helped this Minneapolis homeowner transform an unfinished basement into a cozy TV room.
When David Ische and his wife downsized to a 1930s home in a trendy Minneapolis neighborhood, their goal was to make the basement feel like part of the main living area. With radiator heat upstairs and cold concrete below, they needed a heating solution that was effective, efficient, and didn’t require invasive remodeling.
David’s “man cave” would become a dedicated TV room, and he wanted it to feel warm and comfortable—even during the harshest Minnesota winters. After considering advice from plumbers and carpenters, he found the ideal solution himself.
“I found the WarmlyYours website and the Environ II product, which struck me as a big win,” he explains.
Why Environ™ Floor Heating Was the Right Choice
Easy installation and even warmth under carpeted floors
David installed Environ™ floor heating, designed specifically for floating floors like carpet, laminate, and engineered wood. It didn’t require embedding in thinset or concrete, which made it ideal for an older home with limited floor height.
“There was no sinking the panel in thinset and it did not take up space, which in an older house is a premium.”
To improve insulation and performance, David first attached cork underlayment to the basement’s concrete subfloor. The heating panels were then rolled out after the carpet pad was installed.
“It was easy to install. I placed it in position the night before the carpet guys were showing up to install the carpet. The installation process overall was flawless.”
A Cozy Space for Everyone—Even the Dog
Radiant heat adds comfort for humans and pets alike
The newly heated floor not only made the man cave ideal for lounging and watching movies—it became the warmest, most inviting spot in the house for everyone.
“Our dog has found the perfect spot to watch us watch TV and nap.”
Warm floors aren’t just a win for people—pets love them, too. Radiant heat offers a cozy surface that’s comfortable year-round. Learn more about the benefits of radiant heat for pets.
Final Results: A Basement That Feels Like Home
Radiant floor heating completed the transformation from basement to living space
“One winter has passed so far and I found radiant floor heating to be spot on,” David says. “My version of a man cave is warm and now really part of the living space. We could not be more pleased.”
The system continues to perform flawlessly. David also appreciated the instructions, support options, and quality of the entire experience—even though he didn’t need extra help.
“The product shipped as promised with good instructions and several ways to ask for help that I didn’t need to use but was pleased that it was available.”
Related Resources
Explore more inspiration and tools to plan your radiant project:
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Discover heated floors that pets will love during cold months—a cozy, safe solution that keeps your furry family members comfortable.
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Learn everything you need to know about pet-safe floor heating and other radiant solutions for every room in your home.
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Step-by-step guides and expert help for installing radiant heat systems that provide comfort for animals and humans alike.
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Explore real-world installations of dog-friendly heated flooring for inspiration on your next renovation.
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Plan your project with ease—see what it costs to bring pet-safe, cozy floor heating into your space.
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