Let’s face it: There is nothing more jarring than stepping onto freezing cold tile during a Kildeer winter morning. For this homeowner, the goal was simple—eliminate the "morning chill" and add a touch of functional luxury to their master bath renovation. By installing a WarmlyYours floor warming system under the new tile, this project transformed a standard bathroom into a warm sanctuary, blending energy efficiency with high-end comfort.
Project Details
- Location: Kildeer, IL
- Room Type: Bathroom
- Total Room Size: 50 sq. ft.
- Heated Area: 38 sq. ft. (Installation Area)
- System Voltage: 120V
- Total Wattage: 444 Watts (3 Amps)
- Flooring: Tile, Marble, or Stone
- Hourly Operating Cost: $0.07 (based on IL average)
- Key Products: TempZone™ Cable, Prodeso Membrane, nSpire Touch Thermostat
Cold Tiles to Cozy Smiles
The Challenge: The Shock of Winter In Kildeer, Illinois, winters are long and temperatures drop deep below freezing. For Julia M. Billen, the homeowner, the beautiful new tile planned for the bathroom renovation came with a hidden downside: stone and tile naturally siphon heat away from the feet, making the floor uncomfortably cold. The challenge was to integrate a warming solution that wouldn't raise the floor height significantly or complicate the tile installation.
The Solution: A Hybrid of Heat and Protection The solution was a combination of the TempZone™ Electric Floor Heating Cable and the Prodeso Membrane. This duo is a powerhouse for bathroom remodels. The Prodeso Membrane serves as an uncoupling layer, which protects the grout and tile from cracking due to subfloor movement—a common issue in bathrooms. The flexible heating cable was then easily pressed into the membrane's channels at a 3.75-inch spacing. This setup allowed for full coverage of the 50 sq. ft. room (heating the key traffic areas) without the need for waiting on thin-set to cure before tiling.
The Outcome: Efficient Luxury The result is a bathroom that feels as good as it looks. Controlled by the nSpire Touch Programmable Thermostat, the floor is warm exactly when it needs to be—typically during the morning shower rush and the evening wind-down. The system provides consistent radiant floor heating, turning the floor itself into a gentle radiator that warms the objects and people in the room, not just the air near the ceiling.
Featured Products
- TempZone™ Floor Heating Cable (120V): This free-form cable allows for maximum flexibility. It easily navigates around curves, angles, and fixtures (like toilets and vanities) to ensure every step is warm.
- Prodeso Membrane: An installation lifesaver. This polypropylene membrane allows for quick cable installation and provides essential crack isolation for tile, marble, and stone floors.
- nSpire Touch Thermostat: A sleek, programmable thermostat with a 3.5” touchscreen. It includes a floor sensor to maintain the perfect temperature and a Class A GFCI for safety in wet environments.
