By Lance Charnock, Account Manager Flooring Distributors of America

Radiant floor heat is not a new concept.  It has been used for centuries in one form or another. The Romans used to channel hot air under their floors, and the Koreans used hot flue gasses under their floors before venting through a chimney. The technology however, has changed. Modern forms of Radiant Floor Heat are made possible through electricity. Electric Radiant Floor Heat systems allow equal distribution throughout the entire floor, not just localized areas where a register or fireplace may be present.  This allows the room to heat from the bottom up, warming the feet and body first. The room’s air temperature may only be 65 degrees, but since the entire surface of the floor radiates about the same amount of heat as the human body it feels much warmer. 

Laticrete captures the latest technology with their patented Floor Heat Systems. With heat mats for virtually every room layout, there isn’t a floor Laticrete can’t heat. Imagine the cost savings in being able to shut off the vents in unoccupied rooms of your house, simply because you have Laticrete Floor Heat. Less furnace means less gas, which means less bill.  It’s that simple. With easy to read digital thermostats and power source options of 120VAC or 240VAC, no job is too big or too small.  Kits are available in more popular room sizes offering even more savings.

The subfloor in which the Laticrete Floor Heat System is installed over can impact energy savings as well. The most energy cost savings are usually seen when installed over concrete. This provides a significant thermal mass. Once this thermal mass is up to temperature it could keep a home comfortable for 8 to 10 hours with no further heat input. I would recommend a thermal barrier for applications over plywood on or above grade. Laticrete 170 Isolation Mat can be used as a great thermal barrier for plywood subfloor applications. This forces the warmth up, rather than being drawn down and away from the intended area to be heated. The electrical use of the Laticrete Floor Heat System per room is comparable to a small lamp in your living room. If installed in a basement the effects would be felt throughout the entire house. Laticrete Floor Heat installed throughout the entire basement of a home would dramatically change the use of the homes furnace. This results in real savings for the homeowner. 

*Always check with manufacturer to determine if your flooring material is suitable for in-floor heating.

For this, and other energy saving and green products visit us at www.floorlife.com. To layout your customized Laticrete Floor Heat system, use the room tool floor layout available on www.laticrete.com.