If you’ve ever tiptoed across icy bathroom tiles in the middle of a chilly Alberta winter ❄️, you’ve probably wondered: Is there a better way to keep my feet (and house) warm? The answer is a resounding yes—and it comes in the form of in-floor heating systems.
At Stripped Electrical, we specialize in electrical systems that bring comfort, efficiency, and innovation to your home. Whether you’re planning a full renovation or simply upgrading one room at a time, in-floor heating is a powerful and often underappreciated option that can transform how you feel in your home—especially during those long, frigid months we know all too well in Alberta.
So… is in-floor heating hot or not? Let’s break it down.
What Is In-Floor Heating? (And How Does It Work?)
In-floor heating—also known as radiant floor heating—warms your home from the ground up. Rather than blowing hot air like a furnace, it uses a network of electric heating cables or hydronic tubes installed beneath the floor to gently and evenly warm your space.
There are two main types:
- Electric radiant heating: Uses electric cables installed under your flooring
- Hydronic radiant heating: Uses hot water pumped through tubing beneath the floor
As an electrical company, we at Stripped Electrical focus on the electric version, which is perfect for renovations, single-room installs, and homes without access to a boiler system.
Why In-Floor Heating Just Makes Sense in Alberta
Alberta winters are no joke. The dry, bitter cold can seep into every corner of your home—especially your floors. That’s why radiant heat can be a game-changer in our province. Here’s why more and more homeowners are making the switch:
✅ Top Benefits of In-Floor Heating Systems
1. Total Comfort, Top to Bottom
Radiant heat warms people and objects directly, rather than blowing hot air around the room. That means no cold spots, no drafts, and a consistent cozy feeling from floor to ceiling. It’s a completely different experience from traditional forced-air systems.
Imagine stepping out of the shower onto a warm tile floor instead of cold stone. That’s comfort you can feel.
2. Energy Efficiency = Cost Savings
Electric in-floor heating systems can be more energy-efficient than baseboard heaters or forced-air systems—especially in well-insulated homes.
Because it heats evenly and maintains warmth longer, radiant systems don’t need to work as hard to maintain your preferred temperature. That means:
- Lower thermostat settings
- Reduced energy waste
- Potential long-term savings on your utility bill 💰
3. Whisper-Quiet Operation
Unlike furnaces that kick on with a rumble or vents that whistle when air moves through them, radiant floor heating is silent. No clunks, no bangs—just a warm, peaceful room.
4. Better Air Quality
Radiant heat doesn't blow air around, which means:
- No dust or allergens circulating
- No dry air irritating your skin or throat
- Great for anyone with allergies, asthma, or dry winter symptoms
5. Ideal for Zoned Heating
One of the coolest (or warmest?) features of electric radiant systems is zoned heating. You can control the temperature of each room separately using smart thermostats, which means:
- Keep your bedroom toasty at night 🛏️
- Let the guest room chill until needed
- Save energy where you don’t need heat
6. Space-Saving Design
No ducts. No vents. No radiators. Radiant systems are completely hidden under your floor, giving you more design freedom. That’s great for:
- Bathrooms and kitchens 🛁
- Basements
- Garages and workshops
- New additions or renos
7. Increased Home Value
Smart upgrades like in-floor heating can add value to your property—especially when marketed as a luxury feature. Buyers love the idea of warm bathroom floors and energy efficiency.
When (and Where) to Install In-Floor Heating in Alberta
The best time to install radiant heating is during:
- Renovations (bathrooms, kitchens, basements)
- New home construction
- Flooring replacements
It’s especially ideal under:
- Tile
- Stone
- Laminate
- Some engineered hardwoods
Note: It's less ideal under thick carpets or real hardwood, which can insulate too much or be affected by heat.
🧑🔧 What Does Installation Look Like?
At Stripped Electrical, we make the process as seamless as possible. Here’s how it typically works:
- Consultation & Planning
We evaluate your space, flooring, and heating needs. - System Design
We customize a plan that fits your room layout, floor type, and thermostat preferences. - Installation
We install the electric heating mats or cables under the floor—safely and to code. - Connection & Thermostat Setup
We hook it up to your dedicated circuit and connect a programmable thermostat. - Testing & Approval
Everything is inspected, tested, and ready to go before we hand it over.
We also take care of all permits and inspections as needed—no guesswork or hassle for you. 🔧
Still Need a Furnace? Here’s the Deal.
Radiant heating is not meant to fully replace a furnace or boiler in all cases—especially in larger homes or extreme cold snaps. However, it can:
- Be your primary heat in smaller spaces
- Supplement existing heating systems
- Improve comfort in notoriously cold areas like basements and bathrooms
Think of it like a hybrid system: let your furnace do the heavy lifting, and let radiant heat make your most-used rooms ultra-comfortable.
Is In-Floor Heating Expensive?
While the upfront cost is higher than just installing a baseboard or vent, the long-term payoff is real. You’ll see benefits in:
- Comfort levels
- Monthly heating costs
- Property value
- Energy efficiency
Plus, electric radiant heating systems are typically more affordable and easier to install than hydronic (water-based) systems—especially in renovations.
📞 Ready to Get Warm and Stay That Way?
Don’t let your toes suffer through another freezing Alberta morning. Whether you want to add radiant heat to your ensuite or you’re planning a full-home reno, Stripped Electrical is here to help.
We’ll walk you through your options, design a system that suits your space, and make installation effortless and code-compliant. Because your comfort should never be an afterthought.
🛠️ Contact Stripped Electrical Today
📧 Email: hello@strippedelectrical.ca
📞 Call: 780-932-1776
🌐 strippedelectrical.ca
