Many homeowners in large, historic properties accept drafty, ice-cold tile floors as an unavoidable reality of "old home charm." Tamara Day, host of Bargain Mansions, refused to compromise on comfort while restoring this century-old Gardner estate. By integrating a WarmlyYours radiant heating system, she transformed a notoriously chilly 105 sq. ft. footprint into a consistently warm, spa-like retreat that offers modern efficiency without sacrificing the home’s authentic character.
Project Details
- Location: Gardner, KS
- Heated Space Type: Master Bathroom
- Flooring Type: Tile
- Coverage Type: Full Floor Warming
- Total Heated Square Footage: 105 sq. ft.
- System Type: Electric floor heating
- Voltage: 120 V
- Wattage: 1,575 W
- Amps: 13 A
- Operating Cost:
- Per Hour: Approximately $0.08*
- Per Day: ~$0.64 (based on 8 hours of programmed use)
- Estimated Monthly Usage: ~$19.20
- WarmlyYours Products Used: TempZone™ Flex Rolls, nSpire Touch Programmable Thermostat
Restoring Comfort to a Kansas "Big Beauty"
In the world of high-end renovations, large master bathrooms often suffer from a hidden flaw: "thermal shock." Homeowners invest heavily in beautiful aesthetics like the textured blue mosaics and freestanding tubs seen in this Gardner project, only to find the room remains uninviting because the tile floors act as a heat sink, stripping warmth from the body. In a sprawling, century-old property, this chill is amplified, making the morning routine a sprint across cold surfaces rather than a relaxing experience.
To solve this, Tamara Day utilized a custom-designed electric floor heating layout. Because tile is a highly conductive material, it is the perfect partner for radiant heat, but it is also the most unforgiving when left unheated. The installation involved laying the heating elements directly beneath the hexagonal floor tiles, effectively turning the entire floor into a low-temperature radiator. This doesn't just warm the feet; it eliminates the cold drafts common in large-scale Kansas homes, providing a consistent, envelope-like warmth that forced-air systems simply cannot replicate.
The result is a master suite that functions as a true sanctuary. By addressing the "cold tile" problem at the source, the renovation ensures that the visual beauty of the space is matched by its physical comfort. The system operates silently and invisibly, providing the homeowners with the peace of mind that their "dream home" is as cozy as it is spacious.
Featured Products
- TempZone™ Flex Rolls: Designed to tackle the "impossible" layouts of historic homes, these rolls feature a cut-and-turn mesh that allows for 100% coverage around vanities and wet rooms. They eliminate cold spots by ensuring the heating cable is spaced perfectly for even heat distribution.
- nSpire Touch Programmable Thermostat: This replaces the "set it and forget it" headache with a smart, 7-day schedule. It solves the problem of energy waste by only heating the floor during peak usage hours, ensuring the bathroom is warm for the morning shower but efficient while the family is away.
