New Heating Mats Allow Homeowners to Enjoy the Comfort of Heated Floors in Their Bathrooms, Kitchens, or Family Rooms

Many homeowners love the look of tile, wood, or laminates but dread stepping out of their soothing shower onto cold tile, especially during those frigid winter months. And many love tile or wood in their kitchens and living areas but worry about their little ones playing and pitter-pattering on cold floors.

"It's very easy to install," says company principal Julia Stalfort. "You can do it yourself: all you need to do is tape the Environ II system on the underlayment pad, then lay the laminate or carpet over it, and your floor can get warm. It takes a few seconds." The heating mat is then hardwired to a thermostat with an in-floor temperature sensor taped to the heating mat. The thermostat needs to be wired to a regular 110-volt circuit by an electrician.

In addition to providing warmth, these new floor heating mats are energy efficient. Because it is under the carpet or laminate and over the foam pad, it provides additional insulation from the cold sub-floor. The Environ II is constructed of an ultra thin heating wire that exists in four layers of foil, quickly and efficiently distributing heat. A 120 square foot coverage would probably cost about 40 cents a day, on average.

Other benefits of radiant floor systems include:

* Silent operation.
There's no hum or whistle of a forced air system.

* Energy savings.
Evenly distributed heat from a radiant floor heating system can allow the thermostat to be set two to four degrees less than in a forced-air heating system. This can reduce energy costs by 10 to 40 percent.

* A healthier home.
Forced air systems can spread dust, pollen, and germs. Dust mites and molds love carpet but don't like warmth. European research performed in 21 households shows a 50 percent to 80 percent reduction in domestic dust mite populations in the households with radiant floor heating, thereby improving the quality of life (particularly for allergy sufferers).

* Even, quiet warmth.
Even wood, tile, or uncovered concrete floors can benefit from a radiant system.

* Radiant heat
is less likely to dry out your breathing passages and skin.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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