Heat Pumps and Electric Heating - electric radiant heat question

Hi
I seem to recall seeing a home improvement show where they installed an electric radiant heat floor where they installed the coils on the plywood subfloor then put the backerboard on top of that and then the tiles on top of the backerboard. Has anyone seen this ?

Also, if anyone has specific experience with a particular brand, i'd love to hear it. Thanks

Never heard that one. I suppose it would work but you would need to grout it and then be very lucky to miss the coils while attaching the tile backer. Whichever way you do it, insulate under the floor. I have no idea why they never show insulation on those shows but radiant heat is not picky. It will heat down just as well as it will heat up.

There are several types of electric floor warming systems available. Search the web for "warm floor". I would hesitate to put any under backerboard simply because it would make it more difficult to service if ever needed. The type I have is very thin and installs directly under the tile. The wire is taped down to the sub floor and is embedded in the thinset used to glue the tile down. Care has to be taken when laying the tile so that the wire isn't damaged and there are no voids between it and the tile. Be sure to plan ahead for electrical needs. Ideally the floor heat should have it's own dedicated circuit. There must be provision for GFCI protection, but most of the thermostats used for this purpose have a built-in GFCI. Consider using one that has automatic set-back so you can have it turn on at least an hour before needed. If the floor you want to heat is un-insulated (as mine is), it will take a while to warm up.

Doug M.

Might check out http://www.warmlyyours.com/check out

Have used their set up and it worked out just fine people love a warm floor

ED;)