Installing a Floor Heating System

Floor heating systems require the installation of heating cable underneath, and prior to, the installation of the floor covering. This type of installation may be carried out on new constructions as well as in existing homes.
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Typically, heating cable may be installed on practically any surface: plywood, smooth concrete, ceramic, acoustic membrane, etc. Always check with the sub-floor material manufacturer to ensure compatibility before installing your floor-heating system.

The same can be said of the floor covering. All types may be installed over heating cable: vinyl, ceramic, floating floor, engineered wood, etc.; make sure that you verify with the manufacturer to ensure that the company’s product is compatible. Carpeting, however, may only be installed on top of concrete floors (where the cables were embedded in the concrete during construction).

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Why Install a Floor Heating System?
Taking the Measurements
Determining the Starting Point
Preparing the Installation Plan
Preparing the Area
Installing the Heating Cable
Installing the Sensor
Wiring the Cable and the Sensor to the Junction Box
Installing the Floor Covering
Connecting the Cable and Sensor to the Thermostat
Starting the Floor Heating System
Important Note:
This guide relates to cable systems to be installed on the floor and not embedded into the concrete. Additionally, it assumes that the requisite electrical wiring is already in place between the electrical distribution box and the thermostat. Certain specific conditions apply for systems with several heating elements connected to a single thermostat; please refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for any such installation. Note that, in the Province of Québec, any electrical connection must be completed by a master electrician.

Why Install a Floor Heating System?

The goal of a floor heating installation is not simply to enjoy the luxury of having warm feet when standing on the ceramic tiles of your bathroom floor; floor-heating systems can be used as the primary heating elements for your entire home.

Among the many advantages:
  • Up to a 28% reduction in energy costs
  • Improved heat distribution (improved comfort)
  • Zero airborne dust, unlike forced air systems
  • Invisible system (no baseboard heaters or heating vents)
  • And of course - warm feet

Most of us are aware that hot air rises. As such, only the air that “happens” to pass in front of the electrical baseboard heaters is warmed; and the farther we get from the heaters, the less the generated heat is felt. Add to this the fact that, whatever heat is actually generated, it is quickly drawn to the ceiling before we even have the chance to enjoy its warming effects. The same applies to forced air systems: a fan “pushes” the heat, which then rises to the ceiling; and these systems generate airborne dust particles as well.
The result? Areas in the room benefiting from the most heat are either near the ceiling or next to baseboard heaters and heating in the room must be increased to ensure there is enough warmth for the room’s occupants.

Floor heating systems, on the other hand, are designed to allow heat distribution where it’s needed - right above the floor and throughout the entire room. In fact, no matter where you are in a room with floor heating, the heat level remains constant because you are always standing or walking on the actual heat source. Besides, which part of the human body is usually the first to feel cold? Our feet. We all know it’s true: as long as our feet are warm, we don’t feel the need to heat the room as much. This results in savings on energy costs.

Taking the Measurements

Because the cables are delivered in pre-defined lengths to cover specific surfaces, and may not be extended, modified or cut, accurate measurements are critical to the success of the project.

If the room is empty (e.g.: new construction), begin by tracing the outlines of fixed furniture items, sanitation equipment, cabinets, appliances, etc., directly on the floor and in their exact locations using a marker.

Then, take all measurements directly from the floor before transferring them onto a piece of graph paper where you will trace the exact (scale) plan of the room, with all fixed furniture, sanitation equipment and appliances, etc. clearly outlined. Measure all lengths twice to ensure their accuracy.

Calculate the total area of the room (length x width). Subtract the areas where you should not install heating cables: under counters, bathtub, toilet, etc. Then subtract the areas where it is needless to install cables: on either side of the toilet, in the closet, under appliances, etc. These surfaces may be used as buffer-areas to install excess cable, if required.

Note: It is not recommended that a carpet or rug be placed on top of a heated floor. If you intend to install heating cable in the entranceway to your home, you must subtract the entranceway area covered by carpet or rugs. This does not apply for temporary rugs used during baths and showers.

The length of heating cable required will be calculated based on the remaining floor surface area. Keep in mind that the cable is not cut to the exact length: it is manufactured in pre-determined lengths. For this reason, you must order lengths of cable equal to, or shorter than, the calculated surface. It is highly recommended that you bring your floor plan with you when you visit your retailer.

When ordering, you must know the type of room and base floor the system will be installed in to determine the type of cable system required. During installation, the spacing between cables can vary from 4 cm (1 ½ in.) to 7.5 cm (3 in.) depending on the type of covering and base floor (concrete or plywood). As a result, these two pieces of information - type of room and base floor – have a direct effect on the length of cable required.
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