For builder Stoneridge Builder, this new walk-out basement in Crystal Lake, Illinois, presented a common challenge: how to turn a large, 671 sq. ft. concrete slab into a warm and inviting living space. Basements are notoriously cold, but this project used WarmlyYours electric floor warming to solve the problem from the ground up. By embedding Slab Heat Mats directly into the new concrete pour, the system provides consistent, luxurious, and highly efficient radiant heat to the entire lower level, including a bar and open recreation space.
Project Details
- Location: Crystal Lake, Illinois
- Heated Space Type: Walk-out Basement (Bar & Open Space)
- Square Footage: 671 sq. ft.
- Watts, Volts, Amps: 10,770 W, 240V, 45 A
- Operating Cost: ~$1.56 per hour (at full power)
- Products Used: Slab Heat Mats, SmartStat™ Programmable Thermostat, Power Modules
Heating a High-End Walk-Out Basement
The challenge for any new basement, especially a large walk-out, is managing comfort. The 671 sq. ft. concrete floor, while durable, would be a constant source of cold, especially during Illinois winters. Stoneridge Builder knew that traditional forced-air heating would leave the floor feeling frigid and create uneven, drafty air.
The solution was to make the floor itself the source of heat. Because this was a new construction with a fresh concrete pour, the WarmlyYours Slab Heat Mat system was the ideal choice. This powerful in-floor heating system is designed to be embedded directly into the concrete, turning the entire slab into a slow-release radiant heater.
The project was designed in two main zones—a "Bar and Open Space" and the main "Basement" area—using multiple mats to ensure complete coverage. This large system (over 10,000 watts) required specialized controls, including power modules, to be managed safely and effectively by a single programmable thermostat. The result is a massive lower level that is no longer a cold "basement" but a truly comfortable and luxurious extension of the home, ready for entertaining year-round.
Featured Products
- Slab Heat Mats (240V): The powerhouse of this project. These mats are specifically designed for installation in new concrete pours 4 to 8 inches thick, making them the perfect, durable solution for basements, garages, and new additions.
- SmartStat™ Programmable Thermostat (TH115-AF-GA-08): This thermostat provides precise temperature control and allows the homeowner to program heating schedules, maximizing comfort while minimizing energy use.
- Power Modules (CT230-GA): For large projects like this one that exceed the amperage of a single thermostat, power modules are used to safely and effectively manage the electrical load, allowing multiple heating zones to run in unison.
