Basement Bliss: Cozy In-Floor Heating for an Alexandria Rec Room

An architect and contractor team from Beverly Thomas LLC took on the challenge of converting a 245 sq. ft. concrete slab basement into a high-end recreation room and bathroom. The primary obstacle was the persistent, uncomfortable cold radiating from the concrete, which would make the new addition unusable in cooler months. By installing a TempZone™ electric in-floor heating system, they added luxurious, efficient comfort, turning the new space into a cozy, year-round retreat.

Project Details

Location: Alexandria, Virginia
Heated Space Type: Basement Recreation/Media Room & Bathroom
Total Square Footage: 245 sq. ft.
Heated Square Footage: 186 sq. ft.
System: TempZone™ Floor Heating Cable
Watts: 2213 W
Volts: 240V
Amps: 9.2 A
Operating Cost: ~$0.32/hour (See Cost Highlight section)

From Cold Concrete to Cozy Comfort

For this recreation room and bath addition, the project team at Beverly Thomas LLC knew that simply placing tile over the existing concrete slab would result in a permanently cold and uninviting space. To deliver a truly luxurious and usable room for their client, they needed a reliable floor warming solution to combat the cold mass of the concrete.

The contractor, Tom, specifically requested WarmlyYours . This free-form cable provides complete flexibility, which was essential for customizing the layout around the room's fixtures and angles. The cable was installed at a 3.75-inch spacing to provide 12 watts per square foot, ensuring powerful and consistent heat output.

To maximize energy efficiency, the system was installed over CeraZorb® insulating underlayment, which acts as a thermal break to stop heat from being lost into the concrete slab. A Prodeso membrane was then laid over the insulation, simplifying the cable installation and providing uncoupling benefits for the tile. The entire system is controlled by an nSpire Touch programmable thermostat, allowing the homeowners to schedule heating times for optimal comfort and energy savings. The result is a beautiful and functional basement space where the warm tile floors provide silent, even, and luxurious radiant heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to run in-floor heating in a Virginia basement?

The cost depends on the heated area, runtime, and local electricity rates. For this 186 sq. ft. heated basement in Virginia, the system uses 2213 watts and costs about $0.32 per hour to operate. This totals approximately $77 per month for 8 hours of daily use.

2. What's the best flooring for TempZone™ heating system over concrete?

Tile, marble, and stone—like those used in this project—are ideal conductors for radiant floor heating. They heat up quickly and retain warmth efficiently, making them a perfect partner for systems installed over a concrete slab.

3. Is electric radiant floor heating efficient in a basement?

Yes, especially when paired with an insulating underlayment like CeraZorb®. The insulation creates a thermal break, stopping heat from being absorbed by the cold concrete slab and directing it up into the room, which maximizes comfort and energy efficiency.

4. Can electric floor warming be the only heat source in a basement?

In many cases, yes. A system designed with 3.75" spacing (12 watts/sq.ft.), like this one, provides significant heat output. When combined with proper insulation, it can often serve as the primary heat source for a well-insulated basement room, eliminating the need for bulky radiators or vents.

Quotes

These quotes are linked to this showcase and include the products used in this project or recommended for a similar-sized project.