Learn How to Transform A Basement with Electric Floor Heating
Basements are one of the most versatile spaces in any home, but they often come with a lot of maintenance: from moisture control to efficient heating, there's a lot to consider for year-round upkeep. Where traditional forced-air heating may fail, electric floor heating makes it easy to keep basements warm and inviting all winter long while still energy efficient.
This webinar will show you how to get any basement ready for comfortable use year-round with electric floor heating. We'll show tile and floating floor systems examples in a basement remodel.
Hello and welcome to today's webinar entitled "Learn How to Transform a Basement with Liquid Floor Heating." My name is Scott, and I am from WarmlyYours. Joining me today is Lynn, also from WarmlyYours. Thank you so much for being here, Lynn. If you're watching us today and have a question, and you're on Crowdcast, you can click on the "Ask a Question" button at the bottom of the page. We will be glad to answer your questions as we go. If you're watching us on Facebook, we have someone monitoring our Facebook feed who will forward any questions we see there as well, so feel free to ask away.
Today, we will be discussing heating basements with floor heating, specifically focusing on two example projects we've completed using our products: one with our TempZone product and another with Environnn. Let's dive into the topic of heating a basement. While some areas have basements, others do not. I will venture to say that most of our viewers today are from regions, like the Midwest, where basements are common. However, for those in areas without basements, just follow along, and you will be prepared should you encounter a basement in the future.
When considering heating a basement, we must address the common issues faced, particularly in the Midwest. One of the biggest challenges is dealing with cold and humidity. Since basements are typically below ground, heat rises, making it difficult to warm these spaces effectively. Additionally, humidity can be a concern due to water leakage or seepage, contributing to an unwelcoming environment. To make basements more comfortable for activities like home offices, guest rooms, or recreation areas, it is crucial to add heat to the floor, allowing warmth to rise naturally rather than forcing hot air down into the space. This approach not only increases usable square footage but can also help maintain a more comfortable temperature on the first floor.
Radiant heat, particularly floor heating, is advantageous because it warms people and objects in the space first, with the warm air being a secondary benefit. For instance, even if the air temperature in your basement is 65 degrees, you can still feel comfortable because the floor heating warms you from the ground up. Once the objects in the room reach a comfortable temperature, they will begin to radiate heat upwards, contributing to the overall warmth of the space.
There are different methods for achieving this heating. As I mentioned earlier, we will discuss the differences between TempZone and Environnn. The choice between these two systems largely depends on the type of flooring you plan to install. Electric floor heating systems, like TempZone, offer more flexibility compared to traditional hydronic heating systems, which rely on hot water and pipes. Electric systems can be easily added to existing builds or new constructions without the need for ongoing maintenance, unlike hydronic systems that may involve pumps, pipes, and potential leak issues. Once an electric floor heating system is installed, it can operate indefinitely without concerns about maintenance.
In the past, if you didn't install hot water pipes in your basement floor during the initial construction, you were left with limited options for heating the space. Hot air systems often fail to provide adequate warmth, as the heat tends to rise and escape. With electric floor heating, you can zone the heating system, allowing you to turn it on only when the basement is in use. This way, you avoid unnecessary heating costs for a space that may only be used occasionally, such as a guest room.
Now, let's take a look at a slide that illustrates the differences between heating methods. While this may not be a typical basement drawing due to the high ceilings, it effectively demonstrates what you can expect from floor heating versus forced air systems. Most of us are familiar with forced air heating, which often leads to warm and cold spots throughout the room. The closer you are to a vent, the warmer it tends to be, while areas farther away can feel significantly cooler. In contrast, electric floor heating provides a more consistent temperature from floor to ceiling, allowing you to maintain comfort at lower settings than with forced air systems.
When considering flooring types for your heating system, it's essential to determine what kind of flooring you will be using. This can sometimes be confusing, as terms like laminate and vinyl are often used interchangeably in the flooring community. It's crucial to consult with the flooring manufacturer regarding any specifications they may have for using radiant heat beneath their products. TempZone is our most popular system, available in flexible rolls that can be cut and turned, as well as easy mats and custom mats or loose cables. TempZone is compatible with a wide range of flooring types, including tile, stone, marble, nailed hardwood, and luxury vinyl tile (LVT).
The other heating system we offer is Environnn, which also comes in flexible rolls. In the United States, it can be used under carpets, while in both the U.S. and Canada, it can be installed beneath laminate or floating floors. Environnn is designed for floating applications, meaning it does not require any attachment to the subfloor. However, it is important to note that LVT should not be used with Environnn due to its flexibility; instead, TempZone should be utilized for LVT installations. If you are unsure which product to choose, simply let us know your subfloor type and flooring material, and we will help you determine the best fit for your project.
When installing a heating system in a basement, it is common to find a concrete slab as the subfloor. Concrete slabs can absorb heat, acting as a heat sink and preventing warmth from rising effectively. This is why we recommend using an insulating underlayment, such as Cerazorb, whenever installing a product over concrete. Cerazorb is a synthetic cork material that does not promote mold or mildew growth, making it ideal for high-humidity areas like basements. By placing Cerazorb between the heating system and the concrete slab, you create a thermal break that allows heat to rise efficiently.
In the past, heating a slab meant trying to warm several inches of concrete, which was inefficient. With our current approach, we focus on heating a thin layer above the slab, resulting in faster response times and warmer temperatures. This method allows for a more effective heating solution, as we are heating a smaller area rather than a thick slab of concrete.
Let's take a look at a project overview featuring basement tile with TempZone cable. In this example, we used a 240-volt TempZone cable system. It's important to note the dimensions of the heated area compared to the total square footage. On average, we recommend heating about 80% of the room, avoiding areas under cabinets, bookshelves, and other heavy furniture. For this particular project, the total square footage of the basement was approximately 1,300 square feet, with about 1,166 square feet heated. The total wattage for this installation was 10,494 watts, requiring 43.9 amps and 320 amp non-GFI breakers.
When planning your installation, it's essential to provide us with accurate dimensions in a sketch. We need dimensions for every part of the room, including the location of power sources, the thermostat, doors, and any permanent fixtures. Permanent fixtures include plumbing, columns, and floor vents, which should not be heated. If you have expansion joints in the concrete, please let us know their locations so we can plan the heating layout accordingly.
It's crucial to communicate any obstructions in the space, such as columns or vents, as they will affect the available square footage for heating. If you fail to inform us of these elements, you may end up with an inadequate heating system. Remember, you cannot cut the heating cable or mat, so it's better to have slightly less heating than too much. Our engineers will work with you to create a SmartPlan that outlines the heating layout and specifications.
The SmartPlan will provide important information on electrical requirements, including the number and size of breakers needed for the installation. This plan should be shared with your electrician to ensure they understand where to place power sources and how to wire the system correctly.
As we discussed earlier, the installation process involves creating a "sandwich" of materials. The concrete slab is at the bottom, followed by the Cerazorb, the heating cable, and finally, the flooring material. For tile applications, you will first lay down a thin layer of thinset to secure the Cerazorb to the slab. After that, the heating cable is installed according to the SmartPlan, and then another layer of thinset is applied before placing the tile on top.
When installing tile, it's essential to use modified thinset, as this is the best adhesive for both securing the Cerazorb and setting the tiles. Before laying the Cerazorb, ensure the concrete slab is clean and level. Any protruding spots should be ground down to create a smooth surface for optimal adhesion.
During the installation, you will need an ohm meter and a circuit check to ensure the heating system is functioning properly. The ohm meter allows you to test the resistance in the cables at various stages of the installation process. We recommend testing the system upon arrival and at each installation step to confirm everything is working correctly. The circuit check will alert you if there is any damage to the cables during installation.
Once the Cerazorb is in place, you will attach fixing strips to hold the heating cables in position. Pay attention to the spacing of the cables, as indicated in your installation plan. Each cable will have markers to help you maintain the correct distance between them.
After the cables are secured, you will cover them with thinset or self-leveling compound. It's crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific product you are using, including any required curing times. Never turn on the heating system before the thinset has fully cured, as this can compromise the integrity of the installation.
Once the thinset has cured, you can begin laying the tile. Be sure to back butter each tile to ensure proper adhesion and avoid hollow sounds after installation. Clean the grout lines as you go to prevent any damage to the heating cables underneath.
Regarding the electrical installation, it is essential to follow local codes and regulations. Many jurisdictions require that a licensed electrician handle the wiring for the heating system. This ensures that the installation is safe and compliant with all necessary standards.
Finally, we discussed the various thermostat options available for controlling your heating system. Our thermostats come with programming capabilities and can be controlled via smartphone apps. It's essential to set the appropriate temperature limits based on the flooring material you are using to prevent damage.
In summary, we have covered the process of installing electric floor heating in basements, including the differences between TempZone and Environnn, the importance of insulation, and the steps for a successful installation. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us. Thank you for joining us today, and we hope you found this information helpful.
