Luxury Outdoor Living: A Heated Balcony Overlooks San Francisco, CA

A 95 sq. ft. balcony upgrade featuring a Slab Heat Cable electric floor heating system for all-weather comfort.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Luxury Bedroom lifestyle with master bathroom and heated balcony
Size: 95 sq.ft. Voltage: 240V Wattage: 1920 W Amps: 8 A Flooring: Tile, Marble or Stone Cost/hr *: $0.73

VANGUARD development sought to transform a 95 sq. ft. San Francisco balcony into a year-round outdoor oasis, battling the city's famously chilly, damp air. WarmlyYours provided a custom electric radiant heating solution by embedding Slab Heat Cables in a new concrete pour. This energy-efficient in-floor heating system delivers consistent, luxurious warmth under the stone tile, adding significant value and usability to this stunning urban space.


Project Details

  • Location: San Francisco, California
  • Heated Space Type: Outdoor Balcony / Patio
  • Square Footage: 95 sq. ft.
  • Watts, Volts, Amps: 1920W, 240V, 8A
  • Operating Cost Per Hour: ~$0.73 per hour
  • Daily/Monthly Cost (Est.): ~$2.92 per day (est. 4 hrs/day) / ~$87.60 per month
  • Products Used: Slab Heat Cables, nSpire Touch Thermostat

From Chilly Fog to Cozy Comfort: Heating a San Francisco Balcony

In a city known for its stunning views and persistent fog, an outdoor balcony can often be too cold to enjoy. VANGUARD development faced this exact challenge with a 95 sq. ft. balcony in San Francisco. The goal was to create a premium, comfortable outdoor living area that residents could use regardless of the cool, damp weather, thereby maximizing the usable square footage of the property.

The ideal solution was electric floor heating designed specifically for outdoor use. WarmlyYours specified its durable Slab Heat Cable system. During the renovation, the 323 ft. cable was installed at 3.0" spacing directly on the sub-floor before the new concrete slab was poured. This 81 sq. ft. of heating cable coverage ensures the entire 95 sq. ft. balcony surface warms evenly, delivering 1920 watts of powerful radiant heat.

The system is controlled by a sleek, black nSpire Touch programmable thermostat, allowing for easy scheduling and energy management. The final tile flooring now radiates a consistent, gentle warmth, cutting through the chill and making the balcony a truly inviting space. This floor warming solution turns a limited-use area into a year-round asset, adding significant luxury and appeal.


Featured Products

  • Slab Heat Cables: This powerful electric floor heating cable is designed for installation in concrete slabs. It's perfect for warming concrete, tile, and stone floors in basements, garages, and outdoor applications like this balcony, providing robust and reliable heat.
  • nSpire Touch Thermostat: A high-tech, programmable thermostat that combines a modern, black fascia with a user-friendly touchscreen. It includes a Class A GFCI for safety (essential for outdoor/wet areas) and a floor sensor for precise temperature control, maximizing both comfort and energy efficiency.

* Running this 95 sq. ft. outdoor radiant heating system costs approximately $0.73 per hour. If used for four hours each day, that's just $2.92 per day, or less than $88 per month to add a luxurious, usable outdoor room to this San Francisco home, based on local 2024 electricity rates.

Project Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions


Operating cost depends on the system's wattage and local electricity rates. This 95 sq. ft. San Francisco balcony system (1920W) costs about $0.73 per hour to run. In areas with lower electricity rates, the cost would be significantly less.
Yes. Systems like WarmlyYours Slab Heat Cable are designed to be safely embedded in a concrete slab during construction or renovation, making them perfect for heating outdoor balconies, patios, and walkways with a tile, stone, or concrete surface.
The best flooring materials for this type of radiant floor heating are conductive ones, such as the tile, marble, or stone used in this project. Poured concrete and pavers also work exceptionally well, as they transfer heat efficiently.
Electric floor warming is very energy efficient. It delivers heat directly to you and the objects in the space, rather than blowing hot air that rises and escapes. When paired with a programmable thermostat like the nSpire Touch, you only heat the space when you want to use it, preventing wasted energy.

Quotes

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

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