ThermoSoft Blog

Tell us about your project and let our experts help you. Our team of Radiant Experts is ready to help! We can help find the right radiant heat product for any project from indoors to the outdoors. Just tell us a little about yourself and your project to get started. Contact an Expert 1-800-308-8057 Why ThermoSoft's WarmStep Mats are the Answer For You NO Embedding in Cement, NO Sleepers, NO Transformers The Benefits of the Simplest and Fastest Installation for Wood, Vinyl, and Laminate Tested for compatibility with adhesives, floor coverings, and install methods When paired with FidBox, moisture and temperature datalogging provided Specially engineered permeable fabric for nail or glue installation 8-10 W/ft² heat output perfect for wood floors FiberThermics heating elements included for safety under combustible floor material 1/16' thickness - no vertical deflection Made in the USA & UL Listed ThemoSoft never compromises on your comfort or safety, so why would you? Take your gorgeous wood floors to the next level and bring warmth and coziness into your home all winter. Thanks to ThermoSoft’s innovative designs and attention to detail, adding radiant heat to your wood floors is safer and easier than ever. Don’t miss out on a chance to transform your home into a luxurious, cozy retreat. Be sure to check out WarmStep®: the only electric radiant heat for direct nail or glue down wood floors. No embedding of the heating elements in cement required. We also offer an all-in-one system for floating floors, or cable if you are pouring a new concrete subfloor! Visit us online or contact our experts today to learn more! GET FREE GUIDE >> Don't Trust Just Any Floor Heating Systems – Insist on ThermoSoft Products ThermoSoft offers the best-performing and most reliable radiant electric heat solutions on the market. Our systems are safe and can be installed quickly during a room remodel or a new home build. ThermoSoft products are made in America and are backed by our best-in-class customer service. We design and manufacture our systems here in Vernon Hills, Illinois with the highest quality control. We have an in-house team of qualified professionals to offer guidance and advice every step of the process – from selection to installation and beyond for years to come. Discover all the possibilities to bring warmth & joy into your life! Certified, Tested & Approved COMPLETE YOUR BATHROOM UPGRADE WITH THERMOTILE ThermoTile floor heating mats for tile and stone will take your bathroom to the next level! Add floor heat to enhance your space and make your bathroom feel like a luxurious spa. Call us or click here to transform your entire bathroom!

Tell us about your project and let our experts help you. Our team of Radiant Experts is ready to help! We can help find the right radiant heat product for any project from indoors to the outdoors. Just tell us a little about yourself and your project to get started. Contact an Expert 1-800-308-8057 Why ThermoSoft's WarmStep Mats are the Answer For You NO Embedding in Cement, NO Sleepers, NO Transformers The Benefits of the Simplest and Fastest Installation for Wood, Vinyl, and Laminate Tested for compatibility with adhesives, floor coverings, and install methods When paired with FidBox, moisture and temperature datalogging provided Specially engineered permeable fabric for nail or glue installation 8-10 W/ft² heat output perfect for wood floors FiberThermics heating elements included for safety under combustible floor material 1/16' thickness - no vertical deflection Made in the USA & UL Listed ThermoSoft never compromises on your comfort or safety, so why would you? Take your gorgeous wood floors to the next level and bring warmth and coziness into your home all winter. Thanks to ThermoSoft’s innovative designs and attention to detail, adding radiant heat to your wood floors is safer and easier than ever. Don’t miss out on a chance to transform your home into a luxurious, cozy retreat. Be sure to check out WarmStep®: the only electric radiant heat for direct nail or glue down wood floors. No embedding of the heating elements in cement required. We also offer an all-in-one system for floating floors, or cable if you are pouring a new concrete subfloor! Visit us online or contact our experts today to learn more! GET FREE GUIDE >> Don't Trust Just Any Floor Heating Systems – Insist on ThermoSoft Products ThermoSoft offers the best-performing and most reliable radiant electric heat solutions on the market. Our systems are safe and can be installed quickly during a room remodel or a new home build. ThermoSoft products are made in America and are backed by our best-in-class customer service. We design and manufacture our systems here in Vernon Hills, Illinois with the highest quality control. We have an in-house team of qualified professionals to offer guidance and advice every step of the process – from selection to installation and beyond for years to come. Discover all the possibilities to bring warmth & joy into your life! Certified, Tested & Approved COMPLETE YOUR BATHROOM UPGRADE WITH THERMOTILE ThermoTile floor heating mats for tile and stone will take your bathroom to the next level! Add floor heat to enhance your space and make your bathroom feel like a luxurious spa. Call us or click here to transform your entire bathroom!

Tell us about your project and let our experts help you. Our team of Radiant Experts is ready to help! We can help find the right radiant heat product for any project from indoors to the outdoors. Just tell us a little about yourself and your project to get started. Contact an Expert 1-800-308-8057 Why ThermoSoft's WarmStep Mats are the Answer For You NO Embedding in Cement, NO Sleepers, NO Transformers The Benefits of the Simplest and Fastest Installation for Wood, Vinyl, and Laminate Tested for compatibility with adhesives, floor coverings, and install methods When paired with FidBox, moisture and temperature datalogging provided Specially engineered permeable fabric for nail or glue installation 8-10 W/ft² heat output perfect for wood floors FiberThermics heating elements included for safety under combustible floor material 1/16' thickness - no vertical deflection Made in the USA & UL Listed ThermoSoft never compromises on your comfort or safety, so why would you? Take your gorgeous wood floors to the next level and bring warmth and coziness into your home all winter. Thanks to ThermoSoft’s innovative designs and attention to detail, adding radiant heat to your wood floors is safer and easier than ever. Don’t miss out on a chance to transform your home into a luxurious, cozy retreat. Be sure to check out WarmStep®: the only electric radiant heat for direct nail or glue down wood floors. No embedding of the heating elements in cement required. We also offer an all-in-one system for floating floors, or cable if you are pouring a new concrete subfloor! Visit us online or contact our experts today to learn more! GET FREE GUIDE >> Don't Trust Just Any Floor Heating Systems – Insist on ThermoSoft Products ThermoSoft offers the best-performing and most reliable radiant electric heat solutions on the market. Our systems are safe and can be installed quickly during a room remodel or a new home build. ThermoSoft products are made in America and are backed by our best-in-class customer service. We design and manufacture our systems here in Vernon Hills, Illinois with the highest quality control. We have an in-house team of qualified professionals to offer guidance and advice every step of the process – from selection to installation and beyond for years to come. Discover all the possibilities to bring warmth & joy into your life! Certified, Tested & Approved COMPLETE YOUR BATHROOM UPGRADE WITH THERMOTILE ThermoTile floor heating mats for tile and stone will take your bathroom to the next level! Add floor heat to enhance your space and make your bathroom feel like a luxurious spa. Call us or click here to transform your entire bathroom!

Tell us about your project and let our experts help you. Our team of Radiant Experts is ready to help! We can help find the right radiant heat product for any project from indoors to the outdoors. Just tell us a little about yourself and your project to get started. Contact an Expert 1-800-308-8057 Why ThermoSoft's WarmStep Mats are the Answer For You NO Embedding in Cement, NO Sleepers, NO Transformers The Benefits of the Simplest and Fastest Installation for Wood, Vinyl, and Laminate Tested for compatibility with adhesives, floor coverings, and install methods When paired with FidBox, moisture and temperature datalogging provided Specially engineered permeable fabric for nail or glue installation 8-10 W/ft² heat output perfect for wood floors FiberThermics heating elements included for safety under combustible floor material 1/16' thickness - no vertical deflection Made in the USA & UL Listed ThermoSoft never compromises on your comfort or safety, so why would you? Take your gorgeous wood floors to the next level and bring warmth and coziness into your home all winter. Thanks to ThermoSoft’s innovative designs and attention to detail, adding radiant heat to your wood floors is safer and easier than ever. Don’t miss out on a chance to transform your home into a luxurious, cozy retreat. Be sure to check out WarmStep®: the only electric radiant heat for direct nail or glue down wood floors. No embedding of the heating elements in cement required. We also offer an all-in-one system for floating floors, or cable if you are pouring a new concrete subfloor! Visit us online or contact our experts today to learn more! GET FREE GUIDE >> Don't Trust Just Any Floor Heating Systems – Insist on ThermoSoft Products ThermoSoft offers the best-performing and most reliable radiant electric heat solutions on the market. Our systems are safe and can be installed quickly during a room remodel or a new home build. ThermoSoft products are made in America and are backed by our best-in-class customer service. We design and manufacture our systems here in Vernon Hills, Illinois with the highest quality control. We have an in-house team of qualified professionals to offer guidance and advice every step of the process – from selection to installation and beyond for years to come. Discover all the possibilities to bring warmth & joy into your life! Certified, Tested & Approved COMPLETE YOUR BATHROOM UPGRADE WITH THERMOTILE ThermoTile floor heating mats for tile and stone will take your bathroom to the next level! Add floor heat to enhance your space and make your bathroom feel like a luxurious spa. Call us or click here to transform your entire bathroom!

Need help with a project? Tell us about your project and let our experts help you. Our team of Radiant Experts is ready to help! We can help find the right radiant heat product for any project from indoors to the outdoors. Just tell us a little about yourself and your project to get started. Contact an Expert 1-800-308-8057 Why ThermoSoft's WarmStep Mats are the Answer For You NO Embedding in Cement, NO Sleepers, NO Transformers The Benefits of the Simplest and Fastest Installation for Wood, Vinyl, and Laminate Tested for compatibility with adhesives, floor coverings, and install methods When paired with FidBox, moisture and temperature datalogging provided Specially engineered permeable fabric for nail or glue installation 8-10 W/ft² heat output perfect for wood floors FiberThermics heating elements included for safety under combustible floor material 1/16' thickness - no vertical deflection Made in the USA & UL Listed ThemoSoft never compromises on your comfort or safety, so why would you? Take your gorgeous wood floors to the next level and bring warmth and coziness into your home all winter. Thanks to ThermoSoft’s innovative designs and attention to detail, adding radiant heat to your wood floors is safer and easier than ever. Don’t miss out on a chance to transform your home into a luxurious, cozy retreat. Be sure to check out WarmStep®: the only electric radiant heat for direct nail or glue down wood floors. No embedding of the heating elements in cement required. We also offer an all-in-one system for floating floors, or cable if you are pouring a new concrete subfloor! Visit us online or contact our experts today to learn more! GET FREE GUIDE >> Don't Trust Just Any Floor Heating Systems – Insist on ThermoSoft Products ThermoSoft offers the best-performing and most reliable radiant electric heat solutions on the market. Our systems are safe and can be installed quickly during a room remodel or a new home build. ThermoSoft products are made in America and are backed by our best-in-class customer service. We design and manufacture our systems here in Vernon Hills, Illinois with the highest quality control. We have an in-house team of qualified professionals to offer guidance and advice every step of the process – from selection to installation and beyond for years to come. Discover all the possibilities to bring warmth & joy into your life! Certified, Tested & Approved COMPLETE YOUR BATHROOM UPGRADE WITH THERMOTILE ThermoTile floor heating mats for tile and stone will take your bathroom to the next level! Add floor heat to enhance your space and make your bathroom feel like a luxurious spa. Call us or click here to transform your entire bathroom!

Cheat Sheet For Laminate Over Radiant Heat Learning the basics of laminate floor heating. GET THE BASICS OF LAMINATE OVER RADIANT HEAT With so many options out there, it can be hard to decide which system is right for you. We've collected this cheat sheet to help you choose the right laminate over radiant heat heating system for your home. Cheat Sheet for Laminate Over Radiant Heat We love radiant heating, and we've seen it bring comfort and happiness to homes all over the world. But not everyone has had a pleasant experience with heated floors. When radiant heat isn't done properly, it can cause frustration and discomfort for homeowners. But take heart! All it takes to avoid common mistakes is a little knowledge. To help you out, we've put together this cheat sheet for laminate over radiant heat. Here's what you need to know: Choose the Right Heating System There are many options available when it comes to radiant floor heating. Each system has its own benefits, so the right option for you will depend on your project. Here is an overview of three of the most popular systems: ThermoFloor is a modern electric heating system that can be installed under all types of floor coverings. It is the only electric underfloor heating system that can be installed under carpet, vinyl, and timber laminate floors. WarmStep is an inexpensive electric floor warming mat system for use under ceramic tile, natural stone, marble, and other types of flooring. Warmstep mats are easy to install and provide luxurious warmth in minutes. ThermoFilm is the only thin electronic heating element that can be fitted to almost any surface. Its patented construction provides excellent heat transfer to a wide variety of surfaces such as glass, metal, plastic, and wood. Choose the Right Thermostat There are a number of factors that go into choosing the right thermostat. It is recommended to look for a thermostat with an LCD touch screen display, which offers easy-to-use controls and allows you to easily adjust the floor temperature with the touch of a button. Furthermore, purchasing a model with Wi-Fi capability means you can control the heating from your computer or mobile device for maximum convenience. Here are some thermostats that fit the bill: OJ Wi-Fi Enabled Touch Screen Thermostat:   This thermostat is designed for laminate floors with radiant heating systems and can be controlled from anywhere using your smartphone, computer or tablet. The thermostat has an easy-to-use interface and optimal features such as floor protection and automatic power off. Mysa Smart Thermostat:   This Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat has advanced smart features including remote access, data tracking and energy reports. The Mysa Smart Thermostat also works with most U.S. electrical systems. OJ Touch Screen Thermostat:   With seven days of programming and adjustable temperature hold, this touch screen thermostat combines ease of use with technology to help you save energy while keeping your laminate flooring comfortable at all times. Less Is More If you're figuring out how many feet of laminate flooring with radiant heating you need for your home, there's one thing to keep in mind: You should always get a little bit less laminate floor heating product than the square footage of your home or room. You might be wondering why, but it's because you can't cut the heating element! So if you order too much, you can't make it fit. You have to use what fits best in your area. Also, you'll need to keep furniture and fixtures that sit on the ground out of the square footage you're planning to heat. Nothing can sit on top of the heated flooring. The heating element should never go under furniture or carpet, either. The best way to calculate how much product you'll need is by subtracting about 10% from the square footage of your room. Hire a Licensed Electrician to Wire Everything Hiring a licensed electrician is the only legal way to wire everything. While serious DIYers may be able to wire lamps or fans, it is absolutely illegal to hook your electrical system up to your new radiant floor heating system. It is also extremely dangerous—the kind of danger that can burn your house down or electrocute somebody. The last thing you want when you're installing a radiant heat system in your home is to have an accident that leaves it unlivable. If you didn't pay attention in high school physics class, don't worry: just call a professional and let them handle it for you. ThermoSoft Is Here to Help! We want you to enjoy your floor heating experience, and we'd be happy to help. We hope this will act as a helpful cheat sheet for laminate over radiant heat, and we're here to answer any other questions you might have. And remember, this is just a guideline, so we encourage you to check out the site for more information. Give us a call at (800) 308-8057 and we'll be happy to answer any questions you may have. You can also check out our article Best Laminate Flooring for Radiant Heat. Thermostats: https://www.thermosoft.com/collections/floor-heating-thermostats ThermoFloor: https://www.thermosoft.com/collections/thermofloor-mats  WarmStep: https://www.thermosoft.com/collections/warmstep-mats ThermoFilm: https://www.thermosoft.com/pages/floor-heating-indoor-solution Why ThermoSoft's Floor Heating Systems are the Answer For You With these benefits in mind, where can you add comfort and value at the same time? Look no further than ThermoSoft floor heating systems! We have the fastest warm-up time in the industry, and installation is simple and DIY-friendly. Benefits of ThermoSoft Floor Heating Available for All Types of Flooring: Tile, Laminate, Solid and Engineered Wood, Vinyl, Cement Slab, and Carpet Exceptional Comfort: Warms rooms and not ceilings, Uniform, ideal heat pattern, Say goodbye to drafty rooms, Invisible and silent, Individual room control Cleaner, Healthier, Maintenance-Free: No dirty vents or ducts, No more drying out your air Energy-Saving: 100% Efficiency, More comfort, less energy, Use less energy by needing less heat Easy to Install: Designed with installation in mind, Tools already in your toolbox, Simple hookup, We’re here to support you ThemoSoft never compromises on your comfort or safety, so why would you? Start enjoying each space more than ever with ThermoSoft floor heating systems. Visit us online or contact Thermosoft today. Need help with a project? Tell us about your project and let our experts help you. Our team of Radiant Experts is ready to help! We can help find the right radiant heat product for any project from indoors to the outdoors. Just tell us a little about yourself and your project to get started. Contact an Expert 1-800-308-8057 GET FREE GUIDE >> Don't Trust Just Any Floor Heating Systems – Insist on ThermoSoft Products ThermoSoft offers the best-performing and most reliable radiant electric heat solutions on the market. Our systems are safe and can be installed quickly during a room remodel or a new home build. ThermoSoft products are made in America and are backed by our best-in-class customer service. We design and manufacture our systems here in Vernon Hills, Illinois with the highest quality control. We have an in-house team of qualified professionals to offer guidance and advice every step of the process – from selection to installation and beyond for years to come. Discover all the possibilities to bring warmth & joy into your life! Visit Heating Products by ThermoSoft Certified, Tested & Approved COMPLETE YOUR BATHROOM UPGRADE WITH THERMOTILE ThermoTile floor heating mats for tile and stone will take your bathroom to the next level! Add floor heat to enhance your space and make your bathroom feel like a luxurious spa. Call us or click here to transform your entire bathroom!

Heating Laminate Flooring Laminate floors are a great choice for any room of the house, because they are inexpensive, durable, and come in a large variety of options. However, like wood and tile, laminate can be cold on your feet. For this reason, many homeowners are looking to floor heat to take the chill out of their flooring. The first thing we must do is select a floor heating system to warm your laminate. The two most popular systems today are ThermoFloor® and ThermoTile®. Both systems are powered by electricity and have thermal cables which distribute heat. The main difference between the two is their method of installation. Let us take a look at both options to see which one is right for you.  ThemoFloor Designed specifically for laminate flooring, ThermoFloor is the most popular choice for heating laminate today. The beauty of this system is it can be installed directly under your flooring unlike other systems that require embedment in cement or mortar. This simplifies the installation process, saving a great deal of time and material expenses. Since laminate flooring requires an underlayment, this system conveniently comes with a pre-attached underlayment. This provides cushion, soundproofing, thermal insulation, and moisture wicking which is essential for protecting laminate from water damage.  ThermoTile If you prefer to go with a more traditional method you can opt for the ThermoTile system. As the name would imply, it is primarily used to heat tile and stone flooring but can also be paired with a variety of other flooring types. This system is available in mat form or loose cable. The downside is that it must be imbedded in concrete which is time-consuming and will also raise your floor height. The main benefit is that the system itself has a lower price point than that of the ThermoFloor system. Shape of the Area If you have an oddly shaped room that you would like to heat, we recommend using the ThermoTile cable system. With loose cable, you have the flexibility to follow the contour of the room and install around obstacles such as cabinetry, toilets and other permanent fixtures. ThermoTile mats also offer a degree of flexibility since you can cut and turn the mesh, however it's important to mention that you cannot cut the heating cable itself. Voltages and Coverage Each system has its own maximum coverage. For example, a 120-volt ThermoFloor system can cover up to 200 square feet and a 240-volt system can cover up to 400 square feet. So, if the space you want to heat is less than 200 square feet, you can get away with using a 120-volt system. If it's greater than 200 square feet, then the 240-volt system would be your best bet. A 120-volt ThermoTile system will accommodate a room up to 150 square feet and a 240-volt system will cover up to 300 square feet. It is possible to extend your coverage for either system by adding an additional 15-amp supply to increase your available power. The Final Word If you are looking to enjoy warm laminate in your home, there are two main floor heating systems available. ThermoFloor is the most popular option due to its quick and easy installation. If you have an irregularly shaped room with a great deal of fixtures to avoid, it is best to select the ThermoTile cable system. Either system will result in a comforting warm laminate floor that will provide gentle even heat throughout your space. If you are having trouble deciding or need assistance with project planning, reach out to one of our floor heating experts by calling (800) 308-8057. You can also learn more about ThermoFloor, by reading the following article:"The Best Way to Heat Laminate Flooring" which goes further in depth about the system and its benefits. Website: ThermoFloor Website: ThermoTile Mats Website: ThermoTile Cable Why ThermoSoft's Floor Heating Systems are the Answer For You With these benefits in mind, where can you add comfort and value at the same time? Look no further than ThermoSoft floor heating systems! We have the fastest warm-up time in the industry, and installation is simple and DIY-friendly. Benefits of ThermoSoft Floor Heating Available for All Types of Flooring: Tile, Laminate, Solid and Engineered Wood, Vinyl, Cement Slab, and Carpet Exceptional Comfort:Warms rooms and not ceilings, Uniform, ideal heat pattern, Say goodbye to drafty rooms, Invisible and silent, Individual room control Cleaner, Healthier, Maintenance-Free: No dirty vents or ducts, No more drying out your air           Energy-Saving: 100% Efficiency, More comfort, less energy, Use less energy by needing less heat Easy to Install: Designed with installation in mind, Tools already in your toolbox, Simple hookup, We're here to support you ThemoSoft never compromises on your comfort or safety, so why would you? Start enjoying each space more than ever with ThermoSoft floor heating systems. Visit us online or contact Thermosoft today. Need help with a project? Tell us about your project and let our experts help you. Our team of Radiant Experts is ready to help! We can help find the right radiant heat product for any project from indoors to the outdoors. Just tell us a little about yourself and your project to get started. Contact an Expert 1-800-308-8057 GET FREE GUIDE >> Don't Trust Just Any Floor Heating Systems - Insist on ThermoSoft Products ThermoSoft offers the best-performing and most reliable radiant electric heat solutions on the market. Our systems are safe and can be installed quickly during a room remodel or a new home build. ThermoSoft products are made in America and are backed by our best-in-class customer service. We design and manufacture our systems here in Vernon Hills, Illinois with the highest quality control. We have an in-house team of qualified professionals to offer guidance and advice every step of the process – from selection to installation and beyond for years to come. Discover all the possibilities to bring warmth & joy into your life! Visit Heating Products by ThermoSoft Certified, Tested & Approved COMPLETE YOUR BATHROOM UPGRADE WITH THERMOTILE ThermoTile floor heating mats for tile and stone will take your bathroom to the next level! Add floor heat to enhance your space and make your bathroom feel like a luxurious spa. Call us or click here to transform your entire bathroom!

SOME MISTAKES TO AVOID As with any installation it is important to follow the manufacturer guidelines closely to ensure a successful installation. That being said, we are all only human, and we make mistakes from time to time. Over the years we have noticed some common errors and misconceptions that we wanted to bring to light so they could be avoided in the future. Here are a few mistakes to avoid when installing an in-floor heating system.  Wiring Your Power Module Incorrectly Each thermostat has a maximum of 15 amps that it can support. If heating a large space requiring additional amperage, you will either need an additional thermostat or an OJ Power Module.  The power module essentially acts as a slave to your thermostat. Once your mats or cables are connected, and the thermostat is connected to the power module, you will be able control the floor heating system from a single thermostat. If wired incorrectly, the mats or cables connected directly into the power module could end up running constantly. It is important to make these connections correctly so that they can be controlled from your thermostat. Overheating will waste energy, cause uneven heat in the room, and potentially damage your flooring so make sure to reach out to us regarding any questions on this. Supplying Too Much Voltage Electric floor heating systems come in either 120 or 240 volts. It is very important provide the correct voltage to the mats so they operate as intended. Electricians know that certain appliances run more efficiently on 240v than they do on 120 volts. All the floor heating thermostats that we offer can run on either voltage. The same is not true however for the heating systems themselves. If a system designed to accept 120 volts is supplied with 240v (double the rated voltage), the mat will actually receive four times the power it is equipped to handle.  This will cause the cable to overheat and ultimately fail. In rare cases, this can even create a fire hazard if inferior heating systems are used. Luckily, we have systems like WarmStep® and ThermoFloor® with our patented FiberThermics® technology possessing an inherent Thermal Cut Off (TCO) for overheat protection across the entire length of the heating element. The self-fusing nature of the heating cable offers major safety advantages over traditional metal heating wires. Supplying Too Little Voltage If the floor heating system is supplied with less voltage than it needs, for example a mat designed to accept 240 volts is supplied with 120 volts, you will not cause any overheating.  You will encounter the opposite issue, underheating. The system simply will not be able to provide the heat needed to warm your flooring. Cutting the Heating Cable It is always best to work with our team to plan your floor heating installation.  We will help select the correct amount of cable for your space and provide a detailed layout for your reference. If however, you are in a situation where you have a length of cable that is too long for the room, cutting the cable in the field is NOT an option. Once cut and spliced, the system will either cease to operate, or it will work temporarily until it overheats and shorts out. Also, floor heating systems like ThermoTile or ThermoSlab require embedment in concrete or cement which is highly alkaline. This is why it's important the cables are hermetically sealed. Our factory installed shrink connectors have a special adhesive ensuring nothing seeps in. This prevents the elevated pH levels from corroding the heating element which will eventually lead to failure. If you were to end up with an excess of cable for your room, it is best to either exchange for a shorter size, run it into an adjacent room, or talk to our team to see if decreasing the cable spacing is possible for your floor covering. Nicking the Heating Cable If the cable becomes nicked at any point during installation, it will likely cause the floor heating system to short out. If it doesn't short out on the spot, it will eventually fail due to the corrosive nature of cement previously mentioned. To avoid nicking the heating cable, we always recommend using a plastic trowel to spread your cement or mortar as metal trowels have sharp edges that can create issues. Floor Sensor Placement The floor sensor is a crucial component of the floor heating system because it communicates the floor temperature to the thermostat allowing for precise controls. One misconception is that the sensor needs to be placed in the center of the room when really it just needs to be 6-12 inches into your mats or cable. Doing so will not create any issues, however it will create some extra work that could have been avoided. What will create issues is placing the sensor too close or far from the heating elements. They should always be placed evenly between the heating wires to provide the most accurate reading possible. For example, if the sensor is too close to the heating wire, your thermostat will think the floor is warmer than it is and run your system at a lower setting resulting in a reduced operating temperature. InstAlarm Another misconception is that an InstAlarm can be used to verify the resistance of your floor heating cables. Although the purpose of this tool does involve resistance, it is for a different purpose. The InstAlarm alerts the installer to the loss of continuity in a heating cable at any point during the installation. For example, if a heating cable is accidentally nicked or spliced during installation, the continuity could be lost and the InstAlarm will sound alerting you to the fault. This allows you to address the issue before going any further with the installation. We are Here to Help Our number one priority at ThermoSoft is ensuring a high-level customer experience. Whether you need a custom layout for your project, live assistance during an installation, or just have questions about one of our products, we're here for you. Our floor heating experts are just a call or a click away. You can also schedule a time to meet with us live, one-on-one, from your smartphone and we will assist you from project planning through completion. Website: ThermoSoft Website: WarmStep Website: ThermoTile Website: ThermoSlab Why ThermoSoft's Floor Heating Systems are the Answer For You With these benefits in mind, where can you add comfort and value at the same time? Look no further than ThermoSoft floor heating systems! We have the fastest warm-up time in the industry, and installation is simple and DIY-friendly. Benefits of ThermoSoft Floor Heating Available for All Types of Flooring: Tile, Laminate, Solid and Engineered Wood, Vinyl, Cement Slab, and Carpet Exceptional Comfort: Warms rooms and not ceilings, Uniform, ideal heat pattern, Say goodbye to drafty rooms, Invisible and silent, Individual room control Cleaner, Healthier, Maintenance-Free: No dirty vents or ducts, No more drying out your air             Energy-Saving: 100% Efficiency, More comfort, less energy, Use less energy by needing less heat Easy to Install: Designed with installation in mind, Tools already in your toolbox, Simple hookup, We're here to support you ThemoSoft never compromises on your comfort or safety, so why would you? Start enjoying each space more than ever with ThermoSoft floor heating systems. Visit us online or contact Thermosoft today. Need help with a project? Tell us about your project and let our experts help you. Our team of Radiant Experts is ready to help! We can help find the right radiant heat product for any project from indoors to the outdoors. Just tell us a little about yourself and your project to get started. Contact an Expert 1-800-308-8057

The History & Fundamentals of Radiant Heat Radiant heat is a form of heat which is transmitted through electromagnetic waves. The sun is the most obvious example of radiant heat. Radiant heat is used in a wide range of applications such as cooking and heating systems. In this article, we will learn exactly what radiant heat is and provide a brief into its origins  Radiant Heat Explained Radiant heat is when an object emits electromagnetic waves that can be absorbed by other objects. In other words, radiant heat can travel through a vacuum which means it does not need a medium to move. This sets radiant heat apart from convective or conductive heat which does require a medium to transfer energy. We already mentioned the sun as a source of radiant heat because it emits a large number of electromagnetic waves which warm the earth after traveling through a vacuum of space. This same process is also used to apply heat in other ways. For instance, a microwave can heat food without any direct contact between the food and the heat source. In-floor heating systems are another example of using radiant heat. For instance, the Thermotile cable heating system directs heat up through the tile flooring and throughout the room. History Of Radiant Heat The history of radiant heat is actually quite interesting as it traces back to ancient civilizations. Believe it or not, the Romans first embraced the power of radiant heat back in 350 BC. They did this by using furnaces to force heat through chambers in the floors which would then heat the inside of the structure. Most notably, the heat from this system would radiate up through the floor and create a comfortable and even temperature throughout the rooms. This underfloor heating system was called a "hypocaust" and it was a huge innovation for engineering. In the early 1900s, scientists began studying similar methods which led to the first hydronic radiant heating systems. This in turn lead to the modern electric radiant heating systems which are taking over the floor heating industry due to their ease of installation and their superior efficiency. Why is Electric Floor Heating So Popular Today? Unlike forced air, which is hottest by the vent, radiant floor heating systems provide an even distribution of heat throughout the room. The heat comes from the ground up gently warming your feet and objects in the room. Since the heat is lower in the room you can experience comfort at a lower temperature making for efficient heat use. Electric radiant heat systems such as our WarmStep® line comes in thin, easy-to-roll-out mats powered by a thermostat. They do not need to be imbedded in concrete, which saves time and money. Also, using floor heating means relying less on forced air systems with dirty air ducts. This translates to cleaner air which is both dust and allergen-free. Lastly, with radiant floor heating, air doesn't become dried out as it does with forced air allowing you to breathe easy all year long. Takeaway Radiant heat is a versatile form of heat transfer that has been used throughout history in buildings and homes in the form of floor heat. Although the systems of today are more advanced than the ones used by the Romans, the principles of radiant heat remain unchanged. Floor heating offers a variety of benefits such as cleaner air, efficiency, and even heat distribution. Speak to a knowledgeable member of our U.S. based support team to learn how to add floor heat to your home. Website: Hypocaust Website: ThermoTile Cable Website: WarmStep Why ThermoSoft's Floor Heating Systems are the Answer For You With these benefits in mind, where can you add comfort and value at the same time? Look no further than ThermoSoft floor heating systems!  We have the fastest warm-up time in the industry, and installation is simple and DIY-friendly. Benefits of ThermoSoft Floor Heating Available for All Types of Flooring: Tile, Laminate, Solid and Engineered Wood, Vinyl, Cement Slab, and Carpet Exceptional Comfort: Warms rooms and not ceilings, Uniform, ideal heat pattern, Say goodbye to drafty rooms, Invisible and silent, Individual room control Cleaner, Healthier, Maintenance-Free: No dirty vents or ducts, No more drying out your air           Energy-Saving: 100% Efficiency, More comfort, less energy, Use less energy by needing less heat Easy to Install: Designed with installation in mind, Tools already in your toolbox, Simple hookup, We're here to support you ThermoSoft never compromises on your comfort or safety, so why would you? Start enjoying each space more than ever with ThermoSoft floor heating systems. Visit us online or contact Thermosoft today. Need help with a project? Tell us about your project and let our experts help you. Our team of Radiant Experts is ready to help! We can help find the right radiant heat product for any project from indoors to the outdoors. Just tell us a little about yourself and your project to get started. Contact an Expert 1-800-308-8057 GET FREE GUIDE >> Don't Trust Just Any Floor Heating Systems – Insist on ThermoSoft Products ThermoSoft offers the best-performing and most reliable radiant electric heat solutions on the market. Our systems are safe and can be installed quickly during a room remodel or a new home build. ThermoSoft products are made in America and are backed by our best-in-class customer service. We design and manufacture our systems here in Vernon Hills, Illinois with the highest quality control. We have an in-house team of qualified professionals to offer guidance and advice every step of the process – from selection to installation and beyond for years to come. Discover all the possibilities to bring warmth & joy into your life! Visit Heating Products by ThermoSoft Certified, Tested & Approved COMPLETE YOUR BATHROOM UPGRADE WITH THERMOTILE ThermoTile floor heating mats for tile and stone will take your bathroom to the next level! Add floor heat to enhance your space and make your bathroom feel like a luxurious spa. Call us or click here to transform your entire bathroom!