Transforming a Cold Concrete Basement into a Cozy Retreat in Westmont, IL

Boettcher Construction took on a large 473 sq. ft. basement in Westmont, Illinois, with a common challenge: a cold, unwelcoming concrete slab. By installing a WarmlyYours electric floor heating system, they transformed the space into a warm and comfortable living area. This efficient radiant floor heating solution adds significant comfort and value, making the basement a true extension of the home.

Project Details

Location: Westmont, IL
Heated Space Type: Basement
Square Footage: 406 sq. ft. (in a 473 sq. ft. room)
Watts: 4870 W
Volts: 240 V
Amps: 20.2 A
Operating Cost: ~$0.85 per hour (See cost breakdown below)
Products Used: TempZone™ Floor Heating Cable, Prodeso Uncoupling Membrane, YnSpire Touch Thermostat, nJoin Power Module

A Floor Warming Solution for a Large Basement Renovation

Basements, especially in climates like Illinois, are notoriously cold due to their concrete slab subfloors. This 473 sq. ft. space in Westmont was no exception. The goal for the installer, Boettcher Construction, was to turn this large, chilly area into a warm, inviting living space perfect for year-round use.

The key was to address the cold concrete head-on. The installation featured the Prodeso Uncoupling Membrane, which was applied directly over the existing concrete slab. This high-performance membrane serves two purposes: it "uncouples" the new LVT flooring from the slab to prevent cracks, and its studded design provides the perfect, easy-to-use guide for spacing the TempZone™ Floor Heating Cable. A total of 406 sq. ft. was heated using a powerful 240V, 4870W system, ensuring robust and even warmth across the floor.

The result is a complete transformation. The in-floor heating system radiates gentle, consistent warmth from the ground up, eliminating cold spots and making the new luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring comfortable underfoot. This large basement is no longer a "no-go" zone in winter but a cozy, fully-functional part of the home, all controlled by a smart, programmable YnSpire Touch thermostat.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to run electric floor heating in a large basement in Illinois?

The cost depends on the size, wattage, and your local electricity rate. This 406 sq. ft. system in Illinois costs about $0.85 per hour to run. Smaller basements or systems designed for supplemental warmth would cost significantly less.

2. What is the best flooring for TempZone™ system in a basement?

This project successfully used Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT), which is an excellent and popular choice. Other great options for in-floor heating include tile, engineered hardwood, and laminate. Always check the flooring manufacturer's specifications to ensure compatibility.

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

In many cases, yes. A high-wattage system like this one (4870W over 406 sq. ft.) delivers significant heat. However, for a large, below-grade basement, it's always best to perform a heat-loss calculation to determine if it can be the primary heat source or if it will serve as a powerful supplemental comfort heating system.

4. Is radiant floor heating an efficient way to heat a concrete basement?

Yes, it's a very efficient method. Radiant heating warms objects and people in the room directly, not just the air, making you feel warmer at a lower air temperature. When paired with a programmable thermostat, you only heat the space when you're using it, which reduces the energy waste common with forced-air systems.

Quotes

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