Spot Heating – the Secret to Affordable Floor Heating

Hello and welcome to our webinar today. My name is Julia Billen. I'm the owner, president, and chief bottle washer here at WarmlyYours, and I have my lovely sidekick with me today. Scott, introduce yourself.

Hi, I'm Scott, and I'm from WarmlyYours. What a coincidence! I work in the technical support department. Excellent. Today, we're going to be talking about spot heating, the secret to affordable heat for your floors. We'll also take some questions. We had some people who submitted questions in advance, and we'll address many of those today. However, if you have questions while we're here, make sure you type them in the designated spot, and we'll do our best to answer them. You have the expert here, so let's take advantage of it.

The idea is to put your questions in the right spot so we can read and respond to them effectively. Now, let's talk in general about floor heating for just a moment. We'll specifically focus on the TempZone product, which features a green mesh with cable woven onto fiberglass mesh. We do this for a variety of reasons, including ease of installation and control over heat distribution.

We'll compare two products today: our roll product and our EasyMat products. We want to highlight EasyMats because they are less complicated and really easy to work with. What would you like to share about TempZone in general, Scott?

The main point to note is that the cable loops are spaced three inches apart to help provide even heating. This design is intentional because we know that radiant heat travels about an inch and a half from a cable. Therefore, you can't simply place one of these in the center of the room and expect the entire floor to warm up. The areas with heating wire will be warm, while areas without it will remain cold.

It's crucial to understand that if the cables are spaced too far apart, the floor won't be adequately heated. Conversely, if they are too close together, overheating can occur, which is referred to as "striping." We will discuss the proper placement of these cables within the room to ensure comfort and realistic expectations regarding warmth.

Another important feature of all TempZone products is that they are always embedded. Typically, they are embedded in thin-set, which is the most popular installation method, but self-leveling compounds can also be used depending on the flooring choice or the installer’s preference. We know that pouring self-leveling will provide the fastest installation and the flattest surface, but there are other costs associated with that.

Now, let's hone in on the EasyMats. They are designed specifically for targeted areas in a room, with bathrooms being the most popular application. I like to think of these mats as strategically positioned near fixtures or furniture in the room. For example, you wouldn't want to place heating under a permanently installed counter or vanity with a boxed bottom, as this is not allowed according to the National Electric Code.

Instead, you want to ensure that the heating is located where your toes will be, so you don't end up with warm heels and cold toes. Many people are also concerned about the height build-up from the flooring. Fortunately, this product is only about an eighth of an inch thick, and it gets encased in the thin-set. This means that the wire does not create a significant height increase; the thin-set or self-leveling compound goes around it.

Let's take a look at John's question. He asks how EasyMats fit under flexible floors such as carpet or vinyl sheet. I can take a stab at that. You would embed this product in self-leveling if you wanted to use it in that application. There are other products, not TempZone, like our Environ product, which can float over a pad and under carpeting.

So we do have ways to address those applications, whether by embedding the EasyMat or the TempZone roll or floating for carpet and laminate if you have a floating floor. This is beneficial because the carpet pad usually has a good R-value, which helps force the heat up through the carpeting. The last thing you want is to place a heating cable down and then have a significant space to heat before it reaches the top of your carpet.

Regarding your second question, John, about how the mats connect to power, there is a return power lead at the end of the mat or roll. This lead travels over to the conduit up to the wall and is usually connected to a thermostat. In general, that's how you get power to the heating elements.

Most of our thermostats come with GFI protection built in. So if you are installing this product with one of our thermostats, you want to ensure that you use a regular circuit breaker; no special breakers are needed because the GFI protection is included in the thermostat itself. Each roll or mat will have a return power lead.

When discussing EasyMats, it's important to note that they are all three feet wide and come in varying lengths from two to ten feet. Our rolls are designed for much larger areas and come in a variety of sizes, with about 25 to 30 different options, extending all the way to 71 feet. Each of these would have just one return power lead. We recommend having no more than three rows or mats on the same return to avoid complications with fitting everything into the conduit.

If you're heating an entire space, it's better to use one long roll with one return line rather than multiple EasyMats, which can complicate the thermostat connections. Today, we will focus on spot heating rather than heating an entire space, but I hope we have addressed your questions, John.

Now, let's take a quick look at the EasyMat line. As you can see, there are a few products that can be used to strategically heat certain areas, ranging from as small as a 3x2 to a 3x10. What size do you find is most popular among users, Scott?

Typically, the most common sizes are the 3x3 and the 3x5, often placed in front of a vanity or double vanity. The area in front of a shower entrance might be 3x2. Once you see some of the drawings we'll provide shortly, you'll get a better idea of how to measure your space and determine what will fit.

Spot heating is a great choice for saving money and energy, as it allows us to focus on how we use our homes to dictate where to place heating elements. Bathrooms are the number one choice for floor heating. For instance, placing heating right in front of the toilet and the vanity are key hot spots in a bathroom.

In contrast, areas like the dining room see very little usage. Personally, I only use my dining room for special occasions, so for those spaces, full coverage heating may not be necessary. I opted for full coverage in my dining room, but I only use it a few times a year, making it energy efficient since I only heat it when needed.

When considering other rooms, it's essential to think about foot traffic patterns. The drawing illustrates how the tiny house concept stems from maximizing usable space while minimizing excess areas that are rarely used. This is another reason why we advocate for both spot heating and zone heating.

Zone heating allows us to set up individual radiant heating zones for different rooms, such as the dining room and living room. This way, we can keep those zones turned off for most of the year, reducing costs while maintaining comfort in the areas we use most frequently, like the family room or kitchen.

Now, let's discuss the benefits of spot heating. As we mentioned, you use fewer heating elements, which translates to lower wattage and operating costs. The EasyMats are easy to install; you can simply lay them down, tape the corners if desired, and then proceed to tile over them.

Additionally, both products are suitable for wet locations, meaning you can confidently install them in bathrooms or even directly in showers. The most popular room for spot heating remains the bathroom, followed by kitchens, home offices, and basements.

One slide that elicited a reaction from Scott shows how heating can be placed in front of a double vanity and a tub. However, it's crucial to position the heating cable within an inch and a half of the toe kick wall to ensure warmth reaches that area. This prevents the uncomfortable experience of having warm heels and cold toes while standing in front of the mirror.

If you have a hanging vanity, you want to ensure the heating is placed strategically to maximize comfort. I personally installed these products in my own bathroom, carefully considering where my feet would land when stepping out of the tub or shower.

Richard asked whether filler is needed in the rest of the room if heat is placed in a specific area. As mentioned earlier, the EasyMat is only about an eighth of an inch high, so it gets embedded in the thin-set you would use for your tile anyway. Therefore, you don't need to worry about adding filler in the rest of the room, making it especially useful for retrofits and remodeling projects.

Next, let's discuss kitchens as the second most common area for spot heating. Customers often install heating mats in areas where they do a lot of prep work, such as in front of an island or sink.

Now, let's review some bathroom floor plans to illustrate how to effectively position heating mats. It's essential to consider whether you typically step out onto a mat after showering, as this can influence the placement of heating. If you always use a bath mat, it may not be ideal to place heating underneath it, as that could trap heat and prevent it from warming your feet.

In bathrooms, it's vital to ensure that the areas where you spend the most time are also the warmest. For instance, if your linen closet is seldom used, there's no need to heat that area. Spot heating allows you to focus on the areas where comfort is most needed.

Now, let's compare the costs of full coverage versus spot heating in a bathroom. For example, in a 99-square-foot bathroom, using a roll product can provide full coverage. Once we determine the square footage for installation, we can calculate both the operating costs and the product costs.

Regarding operating costs, Dick had a question about power requirements and whether we have thermostats that can preheat the system. Yes, our thermostats can be set to ensure the system is warm by a specific time, rather than starting to warm up at that time. The thermostat learns how long it takes to reach the desired temperature, allowing for efficient heating.

In the case of a roll coverage, you would typically have one return power lead. If you're considering spot heating, you might choose to target multiple areas, especially in a larger bathroom. However, keep in mind that more connections may complicate the installation process.

It's essential to set expectations with yourself and your customers regarding the areas that won't be heated. If you decide to use multiple mats, be aware that any area without a mat will remain cold, so plan accordingly.

Now, let's look at the cost differences. If cost is a concern, spot heating can significantly reduce expenses. For instance, you could save about 33% by opting for spot heating instead of full coverage. This approach allows you to strategically assess the room, identify where heat is truly needed, and optimize your budget while still achieving comfort.

It's also worth noting that spot heating can be installed inside a shower. We offer customized mats designed for typical shower sizes, accommodating center drains. If you have a uniquely sized shower, you can use smaller mats or a combination of cut and turn to fit the space.

When installing in a shower, remember that the shower floor typically has a thicker bed than bathroom floors, which may require a separate thermostat to ensure even heating. This is particularly important since the thicker installation can lag behind the rest of the floor in terms of temperature.

We talk to thousands of customers each year and share their experiences and lessons learned. We aim to pass on valuable insights to help you avoid common pitfalls, especially if this is your first bathroom installation.

As we move forward, we’ll discuss thermostats and their costs later in the presentation. For now, we want to provide a general idea of the sizes available for our products. You don’t need to memorize them; simply send in your floor plan, and we can design a solution for you.

The most popular sizes are designed with common drain hole placements in mind, making installation straightforward. In my own shower, we had to adjust the heating element slightly around the drain, but it was manageable.

These floor plans serve as excellent tools for discussions with clients, helping set expectations about where heat will be located. You can customize the layout to fit your needs, ensuring that the heating is where you want it.

Both solutions are designed for easy installation. Simply complete the shower pan, lay the heating mat down, cover it with thin-set, and then install the tile. There’s no need for complicated wiring or stringing cables.

When I installed the heating in my shower, I also included a heated bench. We ran the leads down the front of the bench, making it easy to connect everything to the same thermostat.

Now, let’s look at floor plans based on the fixtures in the room. For example, if you want to step out of the shower onto a warm floor, consider placing heating mats strategically outside the shower area. Our mats come in various sizes, ranging from 3x2 to 3x10, to fit different shower designs.

Next, let’s discuss the area outside the bathtub. When installing heating near a clawfoot tub, be cautious not to place the heating too far underneath, as this can lead to damage during plumbing work. Instead, heat the area where your feet will touch when entering or exiting the tub.

We’ll also review some installation shots that highlight the placement of sensors and leads. It’s essential to ensure that the heating element is not placed directly under the tub or in areas where it won’t be effective.

As you position the heating mats, consider whether they can serve multiple purposes. For instance, when stepping out of the shower, can the mat also warm the area in front of the toilet?

If you send us a sketch of your floor plan, we can help identify areas that require coverage. When installing, it’s beneficial to walk through the space as if you were the customer, ensuring that heat is present where it’s needed most.

This approach is particularly useful in smaller bathrooms, like powder rooms, where a little extra warmth can make a significant difference.

Now, let’s delve into some technical aspects. When considering heating for your floor, we’ll ask about the subfloor and the walking surface. This information helps us determine the appropriate product and installation method.

In bathrooms, the most common scenario involves a wood subfloor with tile or stone as the final flooring surface. When installing, you may need to apply a scratch coat of thin-set over the plywood, depending on local codes.

We recommend using a latex-modified thin-set for this application. After securing the EasyMat to the subfloor, you can cover it with self-leveling or thin-set, depending on your installation method.

It’s crucial to ensure the heating mat is well-attached to the subfloor to avoid issues with self-leveling. The thin-set should encase the product, providing a solid foundation for the tile.

Regarding the end cap, it’s essential to note that our wire is a twin conductor wire. At the end of the wire, there is a splice that needs to be tied together to continue the loop. The cold lead is about 15 feet long and designed to lay flat under the tile.

Before installation, it’s vital to test the EasyMat and sensor to ensure they are functioning correctly. Testing should be done with an ohm meter to verify that everything is in working order before you start the installation process.

You should never turn on the heating element until the adhesive has fully cured. The curing time will vary based on the product used, so always refer to the manufacturer's instructions.

If you’re using a two-step method, you can apply a thin layer of thin-set over the mat before tiling. This helps create a flat surface and reduces the risk of lippage, which is the height difference between adjacent tiles.

Cleaning grout lines during installation is also essential. Instead of using a sharp blade later, a toothbrush can effectively clean grout lines as you go, preventing damage to the heating wires.

If any issues arise during installation, our technical support team is available to assist you. We can help troubleshoot and repair any problems you encounter.

Now, back to John’s question about thermostats. We offer a variety of thermostats, from simple models to Wi-Fi-enabled options. Prices range from about $150 to $299, depending on the features you need.

Consider how you plan to use the system when selecting a thermostat. If you prefer to set it and forget it, a basic model may suffice. However, if you want the flexibility of adjusting the temperature remotely, a Wi-Fi thermostat is a great choice.

For larger spaces, it’s advisable to use 240 volts, as it allows you to cover more area without exceeding the amperage limits. Each control can handle up to 15 amps, so planning your installation accordingly is crucial.

When it comes to wiring, the thermostats are straightforward to connect, similar to wiring a switch. However, local codes may require that a licensed electrician handle this part of the installation.

We also offer spot heating solutions for floating floors, such as carpet and laminate. This is ideal for family rooms or bedrooms where you want to create a warm and inviting space.

Thank you for joining us today. If you have any last questions, please feel free to ask. We’re here to help.

As we wrap up, I want to remind you that we have another webinar coming up on the second Thursday of every month, focusing on the fundamentals of electric floor heating.

For more information, check out our website, which features a wealth of resources, including installation manuals and videos. We’re committed to providing you with the knowledge you need to succeed in your projects.

Don’t forget to take advantage of our current promotions, including 20% off EasyMats and a towel warmer sale. We appreciate your feedback, so please fill out the survey we’ll send after this webinar.

You can reach us via email or through our website. I look forward to hearing from you, and until next time, stay warm and be radiant!