From Seasonal to Sensational: Year-Round Comfort for a Crystal Lake Sunroom

In Crystal Lake, Illinois, a beautiful sunroom offered stunning views but suffered from the region's biting winters. Because the room was elevated from the ground, the floors were prone to becoming uncomfortably cold, rendering the space unusable for months at a time. The homeowners turned to Stoneridge Builders and WarmlyYours for a solution. By installing a robust electric floor heating system, this 222 sq. ft. space was transformed from a seasonal porch into a true sanctuary that offers cozy, consistent warmth regardless of the weather outside.

Project Details

Location: Crystal Lake, IL
Heated Space Type: Sunroom (Four Season Room)
Square Footage: 222 sq. ft.
System Specifications: 3329 Watts | 240 Volts | 14 Amps
Operating Cost: ~$0.53 per hour (during active heating)
Flooring Material: Tile, Marble, or Stone
Installer: Stoneridge Builders Inc.
Products Used: TempZone™ Flex Roll (240V)

Turning a Sunroom into a Sanctuary

The Challenge: Fighting the Chill

Sunrooms are often the jewel of a home, but in climates like Northern Illinois, they face a distinct challenge: heat loss. This specific project involved an enclosed sunroom that was elevated off the ground. While aesthetically pleasing, the lack of a basement beneath it meant the subfloor was exposed to freezing air, creating a "cold bridge" that made the tile floor freezing to the touch during winter. The homeowners wanted a solution that would allow them to enjoy their coffee and views comfortably, even in January.

The Solution: Precision Heating

Stoneridge Builders Inc., led by president Scott Skiermanski, utilized the WarmlyYours TempZone™ Flex Roll system to address this issue. The installation was seamless; the rolls were cut and turned to fit the 13.25' x 16.5' room perfectly, covering 222 square feet of floor space. To combat the heat loss from the elevated structure, foam insulation was applied to the subfloor, walls, and ceiling, ensuring the radiant heat generated by the system was directed upward into the room rather than escaping.

The Result: A True Four-Season Retreat

The high-wattage 240V system provided the power necessary to heat the large space efficiently. Scott Skiermanski revisited the project during the height of winter and reported that the homeowners were thrilled. "It is a true Four Seasons room that can be used at any time," he noted. By integrating in-floor heating, the cold tile was replaced with a surface that radiates gentle, even heat, making the room a favorite gathering spot year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can radiant floor heating be the primary heat source in a sunroom?

Yes, in many cases. In this Crystal Lake project, the high-output TempZone™ system (delivering 15 watts per sq. ft.) combined with proper insulation allowed the radiant heat to serve as a primary heat source, keeping the room comfortable even during Illinois winters.

2. How much does it cost to run heated floors in a large room in Illinois?

Cost depends on local electricity rates and insulation. For this 222 sq. ft. room, the cost is roughly $0.53 per hour while the heater is actively running. However, once the floor reaches temperature, the thermostat cycles the power on and off, meaning you aren't paying that rate for every hour of the day.

3. What type of flooring works best with TempZone™ heating systems?

Tile, marble, and stone are the most effective pairings for in-floor heating because they have high thermal conductivity. They absorb heat quickly and radiate it efficiently into the room, as seen in this sunroom installation.

4. Is electric floor heating energy efficient?

Yes. Unlike forced-air systems that lose heat through ducts, electric floor heating is 100% efficient at the point of use. Every watt of electricity is converted directly into heat. Using a programmable thermostat further increases efficiency by only heating the room when it is in use.