Illinois winters are notorious for their chill, turning ceramic tile floors into uncomfortably cold surfaces that shock the system first thing in the morning. Homeowner Julia M. Billen solved this common pain point by installing a targeted in-floor heating system in her Kildeer home. The result is an energy-efficient sanctuary that delivers consistent warmth where it matters most, proving that luxury and practicality can go hand-in-hand.
Project Details
- Location: Kildeer, IL
- Room Type: Bathroom
- Flooring Type: Tile, Marble, or Stone
- Total Room Size: 40 sq. ft.
- Heated Area: 24 sq. ft.
- System Voltage: 120V
- System Wattage: 360 Watts
- Amperage: 3.0 Amps
- Estimated Operating Cost: $0.06 per hour*
Targeted Warmth for Maximum Comfort
For many homeowners in the Midwest, the "shock" of stepping onto a freezing cold bathroom floor is an unpleasant daily ritual. In a compact 40-square-foot bathroom, utilizing space efficiently is key. The challenge for this Kildeer project was to provide luxurious floor warming without overcomplicating the installation or overheating unused areas (like under the vanity).
The solution was the TempZone™ Easy Mat. By using a specific 3' x 8' mat, the installation covered 24 square feet—the exact high-traffic area where the homeowner stands and walks. This "spot heating" approach is a hallmark of smart design; it ensures the user feels the warmth immediately upon stepping out of the shower or standing at the sink, without wasting energy heating the floor beneath cabinets.
Paired with the nSpire Touch Programmable Thermostat, the system offers "set it and forget it" convenience. The radiant floor heating system warms the tile directly, which retains heat exceptionally well. This creates a consistent thermal comfort level that forced-air systems simply cannot replicate, turning a standard bathroom into a private spa.
Featured Products
- TempZone™ Easy Mat (120V, 3' x 8'):Designed for quick installation, this mat features heating cable secured to a mesh fabric. It allows for fast roll-out and ensures proper spacing of the heating element for even heat distribution.
- nSpire Touch Programmable Thermostat:A sleek, modern controller with a touchscreen interface. It allows the homeowner to schedule heating times to match their lifestyle, ensuring the floor is warm when they wake up and off when they leave for work.
- Circuit Check (SS-01):An essential installation tool that monitors the circuit during the tile installation process, sounding an alarm if the heating wire is accidentally damaged, ensuring a perfect install every time.
