3/16ʺ or 5mm Low-Volt Staples (Pack of 25) (FHE-ROUGH-IN-STL)

Yes. Unlike the heating cable for electric floor heating, the cold lead wires can be trimmed.

One thermostat can control multiple heating mats/cables as long as all the heating elements are using less than 15 amps:

TempZone™ will cover aprx. 120 sq. ft. for 120V systems and 240 sq. ft. for 240V systems on one thermostat.

Environ™ will cover aprx. 150 sq. ft. for 120V systems and 300 sq. ft. for 240V systems on one thermostat.

Slab Heat will cover aprx. 90 sq. ft. for 120V systems and 180 sq. ft. for 240V systems on one thermostat.

Reflective insulation is not effective with conductive heating, which is how embedded floor heating and snow-melting systems transfer heat. To be effective, the reflective insulation surface needs to face an air space (air gap), which allows the reflected heat to be redirected.

An effective solution considers the insulating material's R-Value. This is the rating of a material's insulating properties. The "R" stands for "resistance" and refers to the material's resistance to heat flow, or temperature conduction.

Yes, the sensor wires may be trimmed.  Most local code requirements call for 6“-7“ of extra wire from the gang box.

Most of the installation — laying out the heating element, placing the floor sensor, and pouring self-leveling cement — can be completed as a DIY project by a competent homeowner. However, the final thermostat wiring connection must be completed by a licensed electrician in most jurisdictions.

WarmlyYours makes DIY installation easier with:

• SmartPlan® — a free custom layout service that maps out your exact cable placement, sensor location, and electrical requirements
• Circuit Check — a monitoring device that alerts you if the heating cable is damaged during installation
• 24/7 technical support — available throughout your installation

Always check local electrical codes before beginning any floor heating installation.

Yes — insulating underlayment is strongly recommended when installing electric radiant floor heating over a concrete basement slab. Without it, a significant portion of the heat will conduct downward into the cold concrete rather than upward through the floor surface where you want it.

WarmlyYours recommends ThermalSheet® insulating underlayment for basement slab installations. It improves system efficiency, reduces operating costs, and helps the floor reach target temperature faster.

Skipping underlayment on a basement slab is one of the most common — and most costly — installation mistakes.

Operating costs for electric radiant floor heating in a basement depend on your local electricity rate, the size of the heated area, and how many hours per day the system runs.

As a real-world example, a finished basement playroom in Whitchurch-Stouffville, Ontario cost approximately $0.19 CAD per hour to operate — significantly less than running a portable electric space heater, and with whole-floor comfort rather than point-source heat.

In the US, typical operating costs range from $0.01–$0.15 USD per hour depending on system size and local electricity rates. Use the WarmlyYours Operating Cost Calculator to estimate your specific project.

Electric radiant floor heating can serve as a primary heat source in a well-insulated basement, particularly for finished basement spaces used as living areas, playrooms, or home offices.

Unlike forced air systems, radiant heat warms objects and people from the floor up — which is especially effective in basements where cold radiates upward from the concrete slab. This makes it a more efficient and comfortable option than forced air in below-grade spaces.

For larger or poorly insulated basements, a heat loss calculation (available free through WarmlyYours SmartPlan®) will confirm whether the system can meet the full heating load or whether it should supplement an existing system.