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Old 11-30-2012, 10:13 AM   #5
Sisuitl
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Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 83
Undertile heat is wonderful.

Current draw depends on how much heating wire you put down. We have a small 8x10 bathroom running about 650 watts, the somewhat larger kitchen uses around 1500 watts. As far the the electrical supply is concerned, subfloor is no different than baseboard.

Installation is simple as long as you work methodically and pay attention to details (and instructions). It can be installed under floor types other than tile, but then you wouldn't have the advantage of tile's thermal mass. No idea how well that would work.

Your subfloor needs to be stable enough to support a tile bed. Boats will always flex more than houses so the installer should be careful about potential chaff points especially where the supply wires exit the bed and turn up the wall. I wouldn't use the metal strapping with clips that some manufacturers include to fasten the wires to the subfloor; that stuff is sharp. Better to use the systems with the wires sewn to plastic netting or tack them down with hot melt glue.

Undertile doesn't respond quickly. It takes time for the tile bed to heat up. The thermostat (depending on $$ and programming) balances the in-bed probe and the room temperature, sometimes creating a lag when you want the heat on NOW. Usually not a problem with a dirt house's daily routine and programmable thermostats. I'm not sure that you'd want it as the sole heat source in a small, poorly insulated box on the water with a door that opens and closes often.

Any electrical heat system in our climate has the problem that it doesn't dehumidify and circulate air like other systems, helping mold to grow. Again, probably not good to rely on it as the sole source.
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