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TempZone™ Floor Heating Ruler Cable Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Yes. Unlike the heating cable for electric floor heating, the cold lead wires can be trimmed.

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Reflective insulation is not effective with conductive heating, which is how embedded floor heating and snow-melting systems transfer heat. To be effective, the reflective insulation surface needs to face an air space (air gap), which allows the reflected heat to be redirected.

An effective solution considers the insulating material's R-Value. This is the rating of a material's insulating properties. The "R" stands for "resistance" and refers to the material's resistance to heat flow, or temperature conduction.

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No. TempZone™ Ruler Cable should not be installed under nailed flooring types. If your project requires a nailed floor covering, use standard TempZone™ Cable instead, which is suited for that application. 


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As you install, compare the footage markings printed on the heating cable to the reference footages on your custom SmartPlan™. If they match at each reference point, you’re on track. If the cable reading is higher, too much cable was used in the previous section; if it’s lower, you used less cable than designed.

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Keep the power lead factory splice and the cable end seal outside the shower area and at least 1 ft. away from shower openings or other spots normally exposed to water. The control must be located at least 4 ft. from shower openings, where it cannot be exposed to water or touched by someone in the shower.

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While WarmlyYours electric radiant floor heating systems are typically installed by your floor covering contractor, a licensed electrician is recommended for the final thermostat hook-up. With every quote, we provide an Installation Plan layout, together with an electrical plan that has all the info required for the electrician.

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Our electric radiant floor heating systems have withstood rigorous safety testing and earned the UL listing. They produce much less EMF than common household appliances like your TV or vacuum cleaner. The EPRI (Electric Power Research Institute) tests all electrical devices and publishes the data. Many common household appliances are tested at a distance of 6 inches. The test results indicate that on average, the EMF emitted for the following appliances, measured in Milligauss (mG) units, is:

Vacuum Cleaner: 300 mG

Microwave: 200 mG

Portable Heater: 100 mG

Dishwasher: 20 mG

Washing Machine: 20 mG

WarmlyYours TempZone™ (Twin): 1.8 mG

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WarmlyYours’ TempZone™ product is most commonly installed under tile, stone, and marble flooring, but can also be installed under many other popular floor covering options such as hardwood, vinyl and linoleum. We also have our Environ system, which is an electric floor heating product as well and is specially designed for installation under carpet (in the U.S. only), laminate and floating wood. WarmlyYours can accommodate any flooring type with either of the electric radiant floor heating products that we offer. If your flooring type isn't listed here, just give us a call at (800) 875-5285 and we will be happy to discuss it with you.

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To prevent any melting, ensure that the heating wire is at least 4” from the toilet wax ring.

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Electric-resistance heating cables and systems have no polarity. This includes all current WarmlyYours heating elements.

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The perfect room or floor temperature is always going to be a personal preference. However, we do see that our customers will usually set their floor temperature to somewhere in the 80°F to 84°F range.

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Yes, the drying effects of electric radiant floor heating will reduce the humidity coming from the slab, which is the largest source of moisture.

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A typical bathroom floor can be heated for about a quarter a day with electric radiant floor heating.

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Supplemental heat can be addressed by changing the spacing on cable installs. Floor location in the house is very important when considering adding supplemental heating to a floor. For example: If heating a second story floor, over a heated space, cable at 4" spacing can be used. The same type of heating over an unheated space would probably be done with TempZone Flex Rolls or TempZone Cable at 3" spacing. All heating is considered supplemental unless a heat loss calculation is done.

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A floor heating system can work as a supplemental heating source and make the basement warmer. If more heat needs to be added to the room, you can experiment with setting the floor heating thermostat to higher temperatures.

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The breaker and wire sizes are selected based on the total amperage of the WarmlyYours heating system connected to a single thermostat. This information is on the WarmlyYours heating system's installation plan, electrical plan, or UL label. Based on guidelines from the National Electrical Code: loads up to 16 Amps may utilize 12 gauge wire with a 20-Amp breaker, and loads up to 12 Amps - 14 gauge wire with a 15-Amp breaker. Local code and/or other factors may change these guidelines.

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Always check with the flooring manufacturer to see what they will cover when it comes to floor heating. In most cases there will be a floor temperature limit - this can be programmed into a programmable or smart thermostat. Check for installation instructions and requirements before adding floor heating.

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Yes, using a square-notch trowel (1/4” x 1/4” or larger), apply a layer of thinset to the subfloor area which will later be covered by the WarmlyYours TempZone™ Flex Roll, Easy Mat or Custom Mat.

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Yes. The WarmlyYours TempZone™ floor heating system has withstood rigorous safety testing by the Underwriter's Laboratory and has received UL listing for the U.S. as well cUL certification for Canada. WarmlyYours offers thermostats that carry the CSA Mark and the UL listing, which certifies that the product has been tested under extreme conditions and meets applicable standards for safety and/or performance in the U.S. and Canada. All WarmlyYours thermostats contain a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) which provides fail-safe protection against an electrical shock.

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Waterproofing for the room is in the layer above the floor heating system. The layers for waterproofing this type of floor are:

  • subfloor
  • thinset
  • uncoupling membrane
  • tempzone heating cable
  • waterproofing tape for seams and corners
  • thinset or self leveling cement
  • tile floor
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No. Never cut the heating cable. The floor heating cable is designed with a very specific resistance in order to consistently maintain heating at the chosen wattage per square foot. Trimming the heating cable would lower the resistance of the cable causing the system to overheat. Adding heating cable to the system would raise the resistance and the system would not heat properly.

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Bathrooms designed with shower and floor heating will include only one thermostat by default. But it is possible to design with a thermostat for each zone if desired. Installing a separate thermostat for the shower area can help reduce cost and energy usage. This also allows you to heat the bathroom floor alone for everyday use and only heat the shower area when needed.

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Yes, with our programmable thermostats, you can choose which days and times the floor heating turns on for your comfort. With a Smart thermostat, you can also control these options from your phone while away from home.

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Make sure any cracks or raised edges are sanded down before installation. Seal and patch cracks where possible. If needed, pour a layer of self-leveling cement to make sure surface is level and flat. Then proceed with instructions to install desired floor heating system and flooring.


It is strongly recommended that an insulating underlayment be installed between the slab and heating element to prevent heat loss.

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TempZone™ is an electric floor heating system that operates like an electric blanket for your floors. TempZone™ is covered in thin-set or Self-Leveling Underlayment, and is installed over the top of your subfloor and beneath your flooring. The system provides a warm, even temperature across your floor, generating floor-to-ceiling radiant warmth to transform these naturally cold surfaces into warm floors. Ideal for kitchens, bathrooms or any room in your home where you would enjoy radiant warmth and comfort, the TempZone™ floor heating system is easy to install, operate and maintain.

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The most important factor for the wood floor chosen is structural stability.

According to the USDA Forest Service, this list shows most dimensionally stable to least: 

  • Mesquite 
  • Australian Cypress 
  • Teak 
  • Santos Mahogany
  • American Cherry
  • South Yellow Pine 
  • Douglas Fir 
  • American Walnut 
  • Brazilian Cherry 
  • Hard Maple 
  • Red Oak 
  • True Hickory
  • American Beech

Engineered is the most structurally stable compared to natural hardwood, so it will work the best with floor heating.
If you do want to go with Hardwood, quartersawn or riftsawn narrow planks are the most structurally stable and would work best for this application.

Overall the most important factor for the room is relative humidity. Keeping a consistent humidity and temperature in the home will help wood floors last for many years to come.

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    The ground wire in the floor mat must be connected directly to the ground wire of the supply or to the house ground wire.

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    The TempZone™ Flex Rolls, Easy Mats and Shower Mats are designed to deliver 15 watts per square foot (maximum allowed by the National Electrical Code), with the heating element positioned 3” apart on a serpentine loop attached to a fiber mesh. The TempZone™ Cable yields between 8-12 watts per square foot, variable, based on the cable spacing. TempZone™ Custom Mats are made to order, so the spacing of the heating element throughout the mat varies according to each specific design. The TempZone™ Custom Mats can yield from 12 to 15 watts per square foot.

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    The TempZone™ twin conductor cable present in our TempZone™ products is comprised of a double-insulated, coaxial heating cable. The total thickness of the system can be between ⅛” and 5/32” thick and will not noticeably affect the height of your installed flooring.

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    An electric underfloor heating system doesn't need to be left on all the time. The system can be completely turned off or set back to a lower temperature when not in use. If you have a programmable floor heating thermostat, then the system can also be set to operate only during specific times.

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    We usually recommend that you have an individual thermostat for each room. However, if it's an open floor plan and your local electrical code allows you to have one controller for the whole area, then it's definitely possible to have it all controlled from one thermostat.

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    Yes, you can add radiant heating to an existing slab using "over-the-slab" systems like TempZone™ Flex Rolls or Easy Mats. These low-profile electric systems are installed on top of the existing concrete using thinset or self-leveling underlayment, allowing you to add warmth without tearing out the original floor.

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    Yes, we offer several options to help make your floor heating system water resistant or waterproof. Our TempZone product line is designed for wet areas - making it completely safe for rooms that will have water on the floor at times or may experience leaks or flooding. We also offer waterproofing bands for our TempZone Cable + Prodeso Uncoupling Membrane system. Allowing you to waterproof all seams and the perimeters of the wall - guaranteeing that your floor heating system stays safe and prevents water from leaking to areas below.

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    Having floor heating installed and set to a higher temperature during particularly cold days will help to maintain a comfortable temperature level by providing supplemental heat.

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    Simply set your floor heating thermostat to a comfortable temperature to maintain a nice warm floor. Your room will feel warmer and, typically, your furnace will cycle less often.

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    For Tempzone it is 51 BTU’s per square foot per hour and for Environ, it is 41. Take the wattage of the product (shown on the product’s label) and multiply that by 3.41. That is the BTU value for that product.

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    Yes, many homeowners successfully install bathroom floor heating systems themselves. WarmlyYours provides detailed installation manuals, 24/7 technical support, and custom installation plans to guide you through the process. However, a licensed electrician is required to perform the final electrical connections and thermostat wiring to ensure safety and warranty compliance.

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    Yes. The finish layer needs to be 1/2" thick. This can be done if the brand of Self-Leveling Cement (SLC) is engineered to be a final flooring surface.  Most SLC products aren't designed to be the finish surface.

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    Yes, electric radiant floor heating can maintain a cozy 70°F even when outside temperatures drop well below zero. By heating the objects and people in a room directly, a properly sized and insulated system provides reliable, consistent warmth that outperforms traditional forced-air systems during extreme Midwestern winters.

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    Yes, radiant floor heating can be a primary heat source if its heat output exceeds the room's heat loss. For best results, we recommend using a 15-watt system, covering at least 80% of the floor, and ensuring the space is well-insulated. Use our Heat Loss Calculator to verify your specific needs.

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    Yes, radiant floor heating is an excellent primary heat source for tiny houses in mild to moderate climates. Because tiny houses have small footprints, the 15-watt output of TempZone™ can easily maintain comfort while saving valuable wall space. Ensure the structure is well-insulated and use our Heat Loss Calculator to confirm.

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    Yes, bedroom floor heating can be a DIY project. Systems like TempZone Easy Mats or Environ Flex Rolls are designed for straightforward installation under various flooring types. While you can lay the heating elements and flooring yourself, you must hire a certified electrician to connect the system to power and install the thermostat.

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    Yes, you can put radiant floor heat under hardwood. Electric floor heating systems are designed to work safely and efficiently under both nailed hardwood floors and engineered wood. They provide consistent, comfortable warmth without damaging the wood, making radiant heat an excellent choice for your hardwood flooring.

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    Moisture control depends on the concrete slab, flooring, and heating assembly. Test the slab and follow the flooring, mortar, and heating manufacturers’ requirements for a compatible moisture-control system and its location. Do not place a loose sheet vapor barrier between layers that must bond to one another. Address water intrusion or hydrostatic-pressure problems before installing floor heating or finished flooring.

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    Yes, insulating underlayment is highly recommended when installing floor heating over concrete. It prevents the slab from acting as a "heat sink," which draws heat away from the floor. Using insulation like CeraZorb® ensures faster heat-up times and significantly improves the energy efficiency of your system.

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    Insulation is critical when installing floor heating over concrete. Without it, the slab absorbs much of the heat, leading to slow warm-up times and wasted energy. Products like CeraZorb® provide a thermal break that directs heat upward into the flooring, maximizing comfort and reducing operating costs.

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    Yes, we strongly recommend installing insulation like ThermalSheet™ over concrete slabs. Concrete acts as a "heat sink," absorbing warmth that should go to your floor. Insulation directs the heat upward, significantly improving efficiency, reducing warm-up times, and allowing the system to function effectively as a primary heat source.

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    No—electric floor heating systems like WarmlyYours TempZone are designed for DIY installation. The heating mat or cable is embedded in the thinset mortar layer during tile installation, which most experienced DIYers can complete without a professional. However, the electrical connection to the thermostat should be done by a licensed electrician in most jurisdictions.

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    Underlayment is recommended for floating floors (laminate, LVP, wood) and installations over cold subfloors like concrete. It provides thermal insulation to prevent heat loss and improves system efficiency. For tile and stone, the system is typically embedded in thinset, so a separate underlayment is often unnecessary.

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    To prepare a basement for radiant heating, ensure the concrete subfloor is level, clean, and free of debris. It is highly recommended to install a thermal break, like WarmlyYours CeraZorb, over the slab to prevent heat loss into the ground. Finally, verify that your electrical panel has sufficient capacity for the system's requirements.

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    Installation time depends on the room, subfloor preparation, heating layout, and tile assembly. TempZone mats or cable are installed in the approved mortar or underlayment below the tile, with the final electrical connection made by a qualified electrician. Do not energize the heating system until the mortar, underlayment, and grout have fully cured for the time specified by their manufacturers; a universal 24–48-hour waiting period is not appropriate.

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    The operating cost for electric floor heating is surprisingly low. On average, it costs about $0.05 to $0.10 per square foot per month to run a system for 8 hours a day. You can calculate your specific costs using our C$0.15/hr tool or by using the

    Operating Cost Calculator for Floor Heating

    Estimate your daily and monthly energy costs based on room size and local rates.
    sq. ft.
    ¢/kWh
    Estimated Cost
    C$0.04
    per hour
    C$0.15
    per day
    C$4.50
    per month
    Rae Radiant

    "Most homeowners are surprised how affordable radiant floor heating is to operate—often just pennies a day for a bathroom. It's the kind of everyday luxury that pays for itself in comfort!"

    — Rae Radiant
    on our website.

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    Radiant floor heating costs vary by system type and project size. Electric floor heating mats or cables typically range from $5 to $12 per square foot. Total project costs also include a thermostat (starting around $100) and installation labor. For an accurate estimate tailored to your room, use our

    Operating Cost Calculator for Floor Heating

    Estimate your daily and monthly energy costs based on room size and local rates.
    sq. ft.
    ¢/kWh
    Estimated Cost
    C$0.04
    per hour
    C$0.15
    per day
    C$4.50
    per month
    Rae Radiant

    "Most homeowners are surprised how affordable radiant floor heating is to operate—often just pennies a day for a bathroom. It's the kind of everyday luxury that pays for itself in comfort!"

    — Rae Radiant
    .

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    Because radiant systems have a thermal lag, you should increase your thermostat set point 12-24 hours before an extreme cold snap arrives. This proactive adjustment, combined with ensuring your home is well-insulated, helps your system maintain a steady, comfortable temperature without struggling to catch up.

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    Yes, electric radiant floor heating is ideal for basements because it warms the cold concrete slab and provides consistent heat from the ground up. In well-insulated finished basements, it can serve as the primary heat source, turning a typically chilly space into a comfortable, year-round living area.

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    Radiant floor heating can heat a sunroom if the space has high-quality insulation and double-pane glass. Since sunrooms have high heat loss, a 15-watt system is essential. In extremely cold climates or poorly insulated sunrooms, it is best used as a supplemental source to keep the floor comfortable.

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    Radiant heating is often more efficient because it eliminates the "blast and fade" cycles and noisy ductwork of forced-air furnaces. By providing steady, low-level heat that doesn't escape to the ceiling, it creates a more consistent "barefoot sanctuary" while potentially reducing your overall energy consumption.

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    Yes, radiant heating is highly efficient in cold weather. Unlike forced-air systems that lose heat through ductwork and rising air, radiant heat warms objects directly via far-infrared energy. This method is up to 45% more energy-efficient, providing consistent comfort while significantly lowering monthly heating costs in frigid environments.

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    For the same wattage and operating time, 120V and 240V electric floor heating use the same amount of energy and produce the same heat. A 240V system draws less current for the same wattage, which can accommodate a larger heated area on a suitable circuit. Choose the heating product and control voltage to match the supply, and have an electrician verify circuit capacity, wiring, and applicable code.

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    An uncoupling membrane like Prodeso provides a flexible layer between your subfloor and tile, preventing cracks caused by natural floor movement. It also offers waterproofing and vapor management, making it ideal for bathrooms. Plus, the membrane’s studs make cable installation fast and consistent without the need for staples or glue.

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    For tile floors, electric radiant heating mats (like the WarmlyYours TempZone Floor Heating Mat) are the most popular choice because they embed directly in the thinset mortar layer without raising floor height significantly. For irregular room shapes, TempZone Flex Roll or TempZone Cable with Grip Strips offer more flexibility. All three systems work with ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tile.

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    For maximum barefoot comfort, most systems are designed to reach a floor surface temperature of 80°F to 85°F. This "sweet spot" ensures your room stays warm through efficient radiation while keeping the floor perfectly comfortable to walk on, even during the coldest months of the year.

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    A heat loss calculation is essential to ensure your radiant system produces more BTUs than your room loses to the outside environment. This professional assessment guarantees your system has the necessary power to serve as your primary heat source, providing peace of mind during record-breaking cold.

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    Most systems provide only 12 watts per square foot, which often lacks the power for primary heating in cold climates. WarmlyYours TempZone™ delivers 15 watts—a 25% increase. This higher output allows the system to overcome heat loss more effectively, providing reliable primary warmth even when outdoor temperatures drop.

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    Bedroom floor heating is popular because it provides consistent, draft-free warmth that enhances comfort in a space where people often walk barefoot. It eliminates cold spots, operates silently, and is highly energy-efficient. Additionally, radiant heat doesn't circulate dust or allergens, contributing to a healthier sleeping environment compared to forced-air systems.

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    A floor sensor measures floor temperature so a compatible thermostat can regulate comfort and enforce the flooring manufacturer’s temperature limit. Some thermostats, including nTrust 2.0, offer a regulator mode without a sensor, but that mode does not measure floor temperature. Use sensor-based temperature control whenever required by the flooring or heating-system instructions.

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