Builders and homeowners usually use heated floors for tile floors, particularly in a bathroom. But electric floor heating can work with almost any type of flooring and has benefits that extend beyond traditionally tiled rooms like the bathroom or the kitchen. Laminate flooring has become a popular choice for homeowners desiring a heated flooring solution.
Installing electric radiant heating under laminate flooring is an excellent way to add warmth and efficiency to any room in the house. This guide will walk through the process of installing an electric floor heating system beneath laminate flooring, from understanding the basics to the final installation steps.
You can check out this video on electric radiant floor heating installation for a visual explanation.
What Is Electric Floor Heating?
Radiant floor heating, like electric floor heating, is a modern supplement to traditional home heating systems. Instead of blowing warm air through ducts, electric floor heating uses wires or mats installed beneath the flooring to generate heat. These heating elements work like an electric blanket for the floor, warming up and radiating heat upward into the room.
Zonality and Control
One of the key advantages of electric floor heating is its zonal control. Unlike whole-house heating systems, each room with electric floor heating typically has a thermostat. This allows homeowners to customize the temperature in individual spaces, providing more precise control over comfort and energy usage.
Types of Electric Floor Heating
Electric floor heating systems typically come in two forms: electric cable systems and electric mats. Cable systems allow for more flexibility in custom layouts, while mats offer simplicity and ease of installation. Which type will work for you depends on the room’s size and your needs.
Benefits of Electric Floor Heating
Electric floor heating offers several advantages over traditional heating methods, including energy efficiency and improved air quality.
Energy Efficiency
Radiant heat warms objects directly, making it more efficient than forced-air systems that heat the air. This direct transfer of heat means less energy is wasted.
Improved Air Quality
Without blowing air around, electric floor heating doesn’t circulate dust and allergens, making it an excellent choice for allergy sufferers. Improved air quality can lead to a healthier living environment.
Silent Operation
Electric floor heating systems operate silently, creating a peaceful home environment. Not having to hear the constant hum or click of a forced-air system can significantly enhance the ambiance of a home.
Even Heat Distribution
Radiant heat spreads evenly across the floor, eliminating cold spots in the room. This uniform heat distribution helps maintain a consistent temperature throughout the space.
Space-Saving
With no need for bulky radiators or vents, electric floor heating frees up valuable wall and floor space. This can be particularly beneficial in smaller homes or apartments where every square foot counts.
Compatibility of Electric Radiant Heating with Laminate Flooring
Many homeowners wonder if they can install electric radiant heating under laminate flooring. Most modern laminate floors are compatible with electric floor heating systems. Modern laminate flooring, with its multiple layers of synthetic materials bonded together, has become increasingly durable and waterproof.
Checking Compatibility
Before you make a decision, check with the flooring manufacturer to ensure compatibility. Most laminate flooring can handle the heat from electric floor heating systems, but it’s always best to verify before installation. Manufacturers often provide specific guidelines and recommendations that should be followed to avoid any warranty issues.
Choosing the Right System
When choosing an electric floor heating system for laminate flooring, pick a floating system that doesn’t require adhesive. This pairs well with the floating installation method most laminate floors use. Floating systems are easier to install and allow for better expansion and contraction of the laminate with changes in temperature and humidity.
How Do I Install Electric Floor Heating Under Laminate Flooring?
Installing electric floor heating under laminate flooring is a project that careful DIYers can tackle. However, it’s important to follow each step precisely to ensure a safe and effective installation.
Now, let’s get to the actual installation steps.
Ensure that your subfloor is clean and free of debris. For remodeling projects, remove the old flooring and thoroughly clean the area. Clear away any dust, dirt, or construction materials to provide a smooth surface for installation.
Using an ohmmeter, measure the resistance of the heating element between the two core wires. Write this number down on the mat’s UL tag and in the installation materials that came with the flooring. Compare the value to what is listed on the UL tag. Some variance is allowed, but it shouldn’t be more than 15% in either direction.
Next, measure the continuity between the core wire and the ground wire. The reading should either be O/L or Infinity. If the heating element fails this test or the previous one, don’t install it. An improperly functioning heating element will cause you problems down the road or prevent the system from working at all.Â
Lay down the underlayment that will sit between the subfloor and the heating mats. Typically made of synthetic or real cork, underlayment sheets should be staggered to avoid overlapping seams. Cut pieces as needed to cover the entire floor, then tape the pieces together. Don’t fasten the underlayment to the subfloor.
Position the heating mats so that the cold leads can reach the thermostat location. Use the cut-and-turn method to fit the mats to the room’s shape, being careful not to cut the heating cables.
Tape the mats to the underlayment to keep them in place. Cut channels in the underlayment for the cold leads and floor sensor, ensuring they’re level with the heating mat. Perform another ohm test to verify the heating element is still functioning correctly.
With the heating system in place, install the laminate flooring, treating the installation as if the heating elements weren’t there. Once the flooring is installed, perform a final ohm test to ensure the heating elements still function.
Finally, connect the wires from the heating element to the thermostat. This step varies depending on the specific thermostat, so follow the instructions provided with the kit. Given the potential dangers of working with electricity, I strongly recommend hiring a licensed electrician to help.
Rooms That Make Sense for Electric Floor Heating
While electric floor heating can be installed throughout the home, some rooms benefit more from this heating solution.
Bathrooms
Warm floors are particularly appreciated in bathrooms, especially on chilly mornings. Stepping out of the shower onto a heated floor can provide an added touch of luxury and prevent the shock of cold tiles against bare feet.
Kitchens
Heated floors can make long periods of standing more comfortable in the kitchen. Considering how much time is spent cooking and preparing meals, an extra layer of comfort can make a significant difference.
Basements
Notoriously cold basement floors can be transformed into cozy spaces with radiant heating. Basements are typically cooler than the rest of the house, making electric floor heating a practical solution to make these areas more livable.
Living Rooms
Create a warm, inviting atmosphere in the main living areas of the home. Radiant floor heating can add a bit of elegance and comfort to one of the most used rooms in the house.
Bedrooms
Step out of bed onto a comfortably warm floor for a luxurious start to the day. Heated floors in the bedroom can enhance personal comfort and transform the space into a genuine sanctuary.
Costs of Electric Floor Heating for Laminate Flooring
The cost of installing electric floor heating under laminate flooring can vary widely depending on factors such as room size, type of system, and labor costs.
Material Costs
Homeowners can expect to pay between $6 and $20 per square foot for materials and installation. These costs cover the heating elements, underlayment, and any other necessary components.
Installation Costs
While this may seem like a significant up-front cost, the comfort and potential energy savings make it a worthwhile investment. Professional installation might add to the total cost but ensures a properly functioning system.
Long-term Savings
Electric floor heating can lead to long-term energy savings. Radiant heating’s efficiency might lower monthly energy bills, and the added home value could provide a good return on investment.
Final Thoughts About Installing Radiant Heating Under Laminate
Adding electric radiant heating under laminate flooring is an excellent way to add comfort and efficiency to your home. While the process requires careful planning and execution, the result is a warm, cozy floor that can enhance the enjoyment of any room.
Weigh the initial costs against the long-term benefits of increased comfort and potential energy savings. With proper installation and care, an electric floor heating system can provide years of warmth and comfort beneath beautiful laminate flooring.
