From Frigid Floors to Cozy Comfort: A Duluth Kitchen Transformation

A homeowner in Duluth, Minnesota, wanted to upgrade their kitchen and eliminate the icy-cold shock of tile floors, a common problem in northern climates. By installing 89 sq. ft. of TempZone™ electric floor heating, WarmlyYours provided a powerful and efficient solution. This project transformed the most-used room in the home into a cozy, inviting space, adding significant comfort and value without a massive utility bill.

Project Details

Location: Duluth, Minnesota
Heated Space Type: Kitchen
Heated Area: 89 sq. ft.
Flooring: Tile, Marble, or Stone
Power: 1328 Watts, 120 Volts, 11 Amps
Operating Cost: ~$0.20 per hour
Products Used: TempZone™ Flex Rolls, SmartStat™ Programmable Thermostat

Conquering the Cold in a Duluth Kitchen

In Duluth, MN, winters are a serious business. For homeowner Steve Opseth, this meant the beautiful new tile flooring in his 94 sq. ft. kitchen was often uncomfortably cold underfoot. This common issue can turn the "heart of the home" into a room you dread entering without slippers. The challenge was to find a floor warming solution that could effectively combat the cold tile and radiate comfort throughout the space.

The perfect solution was an 89 sq. ft. radiant floor heating system from WarmlyYours. The project utilized TempZone™ Flex Rolls, which are ideal for rectangular or slightly irregular spaces like this kitchen. The rolls were laid out over the wood subfloor before the new tile was installed, ensuring a seamless and invisible installation. The system was paired with a SmartStat™ programmable thermostat, giving the homeowner precise control to schedule warmth for chilly mornings or cozy evenings.

The result is a total transformation. The in-floor heating system radiates gentle, even warmth from the ground up, warming the tile, the surrounding objects, and the people in the room. This creates a luxurious, consistent comfort that forced-air systems simply can't replicate. Mr. Opseth's kitchen is now a welcoming, cozy space year-round, proving that even in the coldest climates, you never have to start your day with cold feet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to run electric floor heating in a kitchen in Duluth, MN?

The operating cost depends on your room size, wattage, and local electricity rates. This 89 sq. ft. kitchen system in Duluth, MN, costs about $0.20 per hour to operate. For 8 hours of use a day, that's roughly $48 per month.

2. Can radiant floor heating be the only heat source in this kitchen?

In many cases, yes. A radiant floor heating system of this size (1328 watts) provides a significant amount of warmth. In a well-insulated space, it can often serve as the primary or sole heat source, especially when paired with a smart thermostat.

3. What flooring works best with the TempZone™ system?

This system is optimized for use under tile, marble, and stone, as seen in this project. These materials are excellent conductors and retain heat well. TempZone™ is also approved for use under laminate, luxury vinyl, and other floating floors.

4. Is in-floor heating energy efficient?

Yes. Radiant floor heating is very efficient because it heats the room from the ground up, directly warming you and the objects in the room, rather than just heating the air (which then rises to the ceiling). This direct warmth allows you to feel comfortable at a lower thermostat setting, saving energy.

Quotes

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