How to Install Subfloor Radiant Heat

Radiant heat is growing in popularity and is particularly popular in luxury homes. Instead of hot air blowing in from vents, the radiant heating is flowing from under your floor. According to Home Depot, energy costs can be reduced by 25 to 50 percent because of the ability of the heat to become trapped in your floor. And because hot air rises, your heat is starting in the logical location. Radiant heat can be produced in a subfloor by an electrical wire.

Heating mats
Wire cutter
Staple gun
14-gauge tinned copper wire
Electrical tape
Crimping sleeve
Crimper
Insulation

Instructions

- 1
  Unroll the heating mat and cut it to the length of your flooring. Strip off the insulation at the end of the two wires running down the mat. Turn the mat so the wire ends face the wires that will power the mat. Have a helper hold the mats to the underside of the subfloor. Staple them in place between the subfloor brackets. Don't staple the 2-foot area of mat where you'll need to attach the wire.
- 2
  Crimp a black wire onto a mat wire with a crimper and copper sleeve. Do the same with the white wire onto the other mat wire. Slip the crimping sleeve over the top of the wire that is at the end of the mat. Put a stranded 14-gauge tinned copper wire inside. Squeeze your crimping tool. This will crush the sleeve tightly over the wires. Cover the connection with electrical tape.
- 3
  Install insulation between the joists by placing it snugly inside. Keep it an inch from the heating mats.

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