Want more information on radiant heating choices? Check out our blog post entitled, Types of Radiant Floor Heating.

Items Needed for DIY Easy Heat Mat Installation

• Easy Heat Kit also known as a Radiant Floor Mat Kit
• Scratch Coat Mortar
• Floor Tile of Your Choice
• Utility Knife
• Staple Gun with Staples

Instructions for DIY Radiant Floor Mat Installation

Step 1: Dry Fit the Easy Heat Mat

• NOTE: Electrical inspection is required before installing the Easy Heat Mat, and even during and/or after its installation. Contact a local electrical authorized inspector to get more information.
• After electrical setup is done, fit the mat by laying it onto the floor to make sure the size is correct for the area to be heated. Make sure the mesh side is down.
• If the room is not in a rectangular shape, you can cut the mesh and support strands to make the mat the suitable shape. But, DON’T CUT THE HEATING CABLE. This will make it lose its electric connection! Also do not place the heating cable too far apart than suggested by the manufacturer, because the floor will probably not warm to a comfy, warm temperature in certain areas.
• TIP: All you have to do is lay the Easy Heat mat in the areas where you usually stand. The heat will just spread all over the floor.

Step 2: Install Thermostat Sensor

It’s important to install a tester or a sensor that will measure the temperature of the floor to avoid the overheating. If a thermostat will be used to control the floor heating system, install the thermostat sensor wire to make sure it is implanted through the mortar.

Step 3: Attach Easy Heat Mat to Sub-floor

You’re now ready to lay down the easy heat mat onto the sub-floor. Staple down the mat to the subfloor using the staple gun. Be sure to avoid stapling through any of the electrical wires.

Step 4: Apply Mortar and Set Tiles

Completely cover the mat with an even scratch coat of mortar. Make sure it’s level with the heating cables. The coat of mortar should be level and applied all over the entire floor, including areas that won’t be warmed. Watch for the scratch coat to dry completely. Set the tiles in the usual way.

Want to start from scratch with your DIY bathroom remodeling project? Check out our great blog post entitled, DIY: How to Demolish Your Bathroom.

Air-Heated Radiant Floors

Radiant air floors are rarely installed in home because they are just not very cost efficient. That’s because air simply does not hold large amounts of heat. You can always combine them with solar air heating systems. But, solar power is only useful during daylight hours. Therefore, the system would be ineffective at night and on cloudy, overcast days. That’s when heating demands are highest. Air-heated radiant floors, combined with solar air heating systems is only recommended for situations where heat is only needed during the day. One example would be an office building that closes at dusk.

Electric Radiant Floors

Electric radiant floors usually require electric cables that are built directly into the floor. They are not very cost efficient, unless there is a thermal mass included. This could be thick, concrete flooring. It’s also helpful when your electric company bills on “time-of-use” rates. This allows you to “charge” the concrete flooring with heat during low usage hours. This is generally 9PM to 6AM. The heat is then stored in the concrete, which is used to warm the house for eight to ten hours without anymore “charging.” This helps to keep your electric costs down because you are not using this energy during peak electric rate hours (daytime).

Electric radiant floors are a great choice for homeowners who have added on to the home. Sometimes, it’s not practical to extend your home current heating system to the new addition to the house. But, you don’t want your new den, home office or studio to always be cold and uncomfortable. Another option in this case is to look into mini-split heat pumps.

Hydronic Radiant Floors

Hydronic (liquid) systems are the most cost efficient radian heat systems. They also seem to be the most popular for very cold climates. With the hydronic radiant floor system, heated water is pumped from a boiler, into tubing that’s been laid under the flooring. Typically, the room temperatures are controlled by the regulation of the hot water that flows through each looped tube. The installation costs depend on the home’s size, the way the homeowner wants the system installed, the type of flooring cover, site remoteness and the labor costs being charged by your installer.

For more home heating ideas, check out Chimney-Free Gas Fireplaces.

DIY gas fireplaces are designed to keep your home warm. They are an amazing alternative for homes without chimneys, including townhouses, apartments and condominiums. As they continue to become popular in the DIY market, manufacturers continue to add options for consumers. Here are three types of gas fireplaces that don’t require you installing a costly chimney to vent out dangerous emissions:

Vented Gas Fireplace

Pros of DIY Vented Gas Fireplaces

• The vent can be installed through a wall or through the roof.
• The vent pulls the air into the house from the outside, and back out again.
• They look like the traditional fireplaces that require chimneys to operate.
• They burn the same way traditional fireplaces do:
• Burn at low temperatures.
• The fire is steady.
• The flames are soft and yellow.

Safety Features

• Comes with a ventilation pipe installed that removes all emissions and vents them to the outside.
• The vent acts as a chimney by getting rid of fatal gasses, venting them to the outside of the house.

Direct Vent Fireplace

Pros of Direct Vent Fireplaces

• The vent can be installed horizontally through a sidewall or vertically through the house’s roof.
• The enclosed vent draws air into the house from the outside, then vents the combusted air back outside the home.

• The front glass, which has many tiny holes in it, allows the heat to pass through it and go directly into the room.
• Designed to efficiently eliminate drafts and loss of heat.

Safety Features

• During the combustion process, none of the air from inside the home is used.
• Any and all harmful waste created during the heating process is vented to the outside of the home.
• Uniquely designed to reduce the chances of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Ventless or Vent-Free Fireplace

Pros of Vent Free Fireplaces

• It doesn’t require a vent, flue or chimney to operate properly and safely.
• Can be conveniently installed just about anywhere in your home.
• Doesn’t require you putting a hole in your wall or roof to accommodate a vent.
• Being ventless means there is no vent for the heat to use to escape from the room.
• Can heat the room and operate safely using natural gas or propane.

Safety Features

• Comes with a sensor that will turn the fireplace off if unsafely high emissions levels are detected.
• Operates at very high temperatures, which burns off CO2.

Visit Plumbing with PEX for more DIY heating ideas.

• BTU/hr: 60,000
• Design Pressure: 435 psi
• Design Temperature: 450 Degrees F
• Plates: Stainless Steel
• Number of Plates: 10
• Braze Material: Copper
• Weight: 3 lbs.
• Applications: Radiant Floor Heating, Snow Melt, and Domestic Water Heating
• For Radiant Floor Heating: GPM (Boiler Side): 6.2, GPM (Radiant Water Side): 6.1, Pressure Drop (Boiler Side): 8.6 PSI, Pressure Drop (Radiant Water Side): 5.9 PSI, B&G Pump Selection: NRF-36, Pipe Size: 1"
• For Snow Melt: GPM (Boiler Side): 6.2, GPM (Snow Melt Water Side): 4.3, Pressure Drop (Boiler Side): 8.7 PSI, Pressure Drop (Snow Melt Water Side): 3.5 PSI, B&G Pump Selection: NRF-36, Pipe Size: 1"
• For Domestic Water: GPM (Boiler Side): 2.5, GPM (Domestic Water Side): 1.3, Pressure Drop (Boiler Side): 1.6 PSI, Pressure Drop (Domestic Water Side): 0.3 PSI, B&G Pump Selection: NBF-9U, Pipe Size: 3/4"

• BTU/Hr: 60,000
• Design Pressure: 150 PSIG (10.35 bar)
• Design Temperature: -40 F min, 250 F max
• Number of Plates: 10
• Channel Plates: Stainless Steel ASTM 316L
• Brazing Material: Copper
• Weight (lbs): 2

Applications:
Radiant Floor Heating:

• Boiler Side: Water 180 Degree F Supply, 160 Degree F Return, Flow: 6.2 GPM, Pressure Drop: 8.6 PSI
• Radiant Floor Side: Water 120 Degree F Supply, 100 Degree F Return, Flow: 6.1 GPM, Pressure Drop: 5.9 PSI

Snow Melt Application:

• Boiler Side: Water 180 Degree F Supply, 160 Degree F Return, Flow: 6.2 GPM, Pressure Drop: 8.7 PSI
• Snow Melt Side: 40% P.G. 130 Degree F Supply, 100 Degree F Return, Flow: 4.3 GPM, Pressure Drop: 3.5 PSI

Domestic Water Heating:

• Boiler Side: Water 180 Degree F Supply, 130 Degree F Return, Flow: 2.5 GPM, Pressure Drop: 1.6 PSI
• Domestic Water Side: Water 50 Degree F Supply, 140 Degree F Return, Flow: 1.3 GPM, Pressure Drop: 0.3 PSI

• BTU/Hr: 60,000
• Design Pressure: 435 PSIG (30 bar)
• Design Temperature: -310 F min, 450 F max
• Number of Plates: 10
• Cover Plates: Stainless Steel ASTM 316L
• Channel Plates: Stainless Steel ASTM 316L
• Brazing Material: Copper
• Weight (lbs): 3

Applications:
Radiant Floor Heating:

• Boiler Side: Water 180 Degree F Supply, 160 Degree F Return, Flow: 6.2 GPM, Pressure Drop: 8.6 PSI
• Radiant Floor Side: Water 120 Degree F Supply, 100 Degree F Return, Flow: 6.1 GPM, Pressure Drop: 5.9 PSI

Snow Melt Application:

• Boiler Side: Water 180 Degree F Supply, 160 Degree F Return, Flow: 6.2 GPM, Pressure Drop: 8.7 PSI
• Snow Melt Side: 40% P.G. 130 Degree F Supply, 100 Degree F Return, Flow: 4.3 GPM, Pressure Drop: 3.5 PSI

Domestic Water Heating:

• Boiler Side: Water 180 Degree F Supply, 130 Degree F Return, Flow: 2.5 GPM, Pressure Drop: 1.6 PSI
• Domestic Water Side: Water 50 Degree F Supply, 140 Degree F Return, Flow: 1.3 GPM, Pressure Drop: 0.3 PSI

• BTU/Hr: 60,000
• Design Pressure: 150 PSIG (10.35 bar)
• Design Temperature: -40 F min, 250 F max
• Number of Plates: 10
• Channel Plates: Stainless Steel ASTM 316L
• Brazing Material: Copper
• Weight (lbs): 2

Applications:
Radiant Floor Heating:

• Boiler Side: Water 180 Degree F Supply, 160 Degree F Return, Flow: 6.2 GPM, Pressure Drop: 8.6 PSI
• Radiant Floor Side: Water 120 Degree F Supply, 100 Degree F Return, Flow: 6.1 GPM, Pressure Drop: 5.9 PSI

Snow Melt Application:

• Boiler Side: Water 180 Degree F Supply, 160 Degree F Return, Flow: 6.2 GPM, Pressure Drop: 8.7 PSI
• Snow Melt Side: 40% P.G. 130 Degree F Supply, 100 Degree F Return, Flow: 4.3 GPM, Pressure Drop: 3.5 PSI

Domestic Water Heating:

• Boiler Side: Water 180 Degree F Supply, 130 Degree F Return, Flow: 2.5 GPM, Pressure Drop: 1.6 PSI
• Domestic Water Side: Water 50 Degree F Supply, 140 Degree F Return, Flow: 1.3 GPM, Pressure Drop: 0.3 PSI

• BTU/Hr: 60,000
• Design Pressure: 435 PSIG (30 bar)
• Design Temperature: -310 F min, 450 F max
• Number of Plates: 10
• Cover Plates: Stainless Steel ASTM 316L
• Channel Plates: Stainless Steel ASTM 316L
• Brazing Material: Copper
• Weight (lbs): 3

Applications:
Radiant Floor Heating:

• Boiler Side: Water 180 Degree F Supply, 160 Degree F Return, Flow: 6.2 GPM, Pressure Drop: 8.6 PSI
• Radiant Floor Side: Water 120 Degree F Supply, 100 Degree F Return, Flow: 6.1 GPM, Pressure Drop: 5.9 PSI

Snow Melt Application:

• Boiler Side: Water 180 Degree F Supply, 160 Degree F Return, Flow: 6.2 GPM, Pressure Drop: 8.7 PSI
• Snow Melt Side: 40% P.G. 130 Degree F Supply, 100 Degree F Return, Flow: 4.3 GPM, Pressure Drop: 3.5 PSI

Domestic Water Heating:

• Boiler Side: Water 180 Degree F Supply, 130 Degree F Return, Flow: 2.5 GPM, Pressure Drop: 1.6 PSI
• Domestic Water Side: Water 50 Degree F Supply, 140 Degree F Return, Flow: 1.3 GPM, Pressure Drop: 0.3 PSI

• BTU/Hr: 60,000
• Design Pressure: 150 PSIG (10.35 bar)
• Design Temperature: -40 F min, 250 F max
• Number of Plates: 10
• Channel Plates: Stainless Steel ASTM 316L
• Brazing Material: Copper
• Weight (lbs): 2

Applications:
Radiant Floor Heating:

• Boiler Side: Water 180 Degree F Supply, 160 Degree F Return, Flow: 6.2 GPM, Pressure Drop: 8.6 PSI
• Radiant Floor Side: Water 120 Degree F Supply, 100 Degree F Return, Flow: 6.1 GPM, Pressure Drop: 5.9 PSI

Snow Melt Application:

• Boiler Side: Water 180 Degree F Supply, 160 Degree F Return, Flow: 6.2 GPM, Pressure Drop: 8.7 PSI
• Snow Melt Side: 40% P.G. 130 Degree F Supply, 100 Degree F Return, Flow: 4.3 GPM, Pressure Drop: 3.5 PSI

Domestic Water Heating:

• Boiler Side: Water 180 Degree F Supply, 130 Degree F Return, Flow: 2.5 GPM, Pressure Drop: 1.6 PSI
• Domestic Water Side: Water 50 Degree F Supply, 140 Degree F Return, Flow: 1.3 GPM, Pressure Drop: 0.3 PSI

• BTU/Hr: 60,000
• Design Pressure: 435 PSIG (30 bar)
• Design Temperature: -310 F min, 450 F max
• Number of Plates: 10
• Cover Plates: Stainless Steel ASTM 316L
• Channel Plates: Stainless Steel ASTM 316L
• Brazing Material: Copper
• Weight (lbs): 3

Applications:
Radiant Floor Heating:

• Boiler Side: Water 180 Degree F Supply, 160 Degree F Return, Flow: 6.2 GPM, Pressure Drop: 8.6 PSI
• Radiant Floor Side: Water 120 Degree F Supply, 100 Degree F Return, Flow: 6.1 GPM, Pressure Drop: 5.9 PSI

Snow Melt Application:

• Boiler Side: Water 180 Degree F Supply, 160 Degree F Return, Flow: 6.2 GPM, Pressure Drop: 8.7 PSI
• Snow Melt Side: 40% P.G. 130 Degree F Supply, 100 Degree F Return, Flow: 4.3 GPM, Pressure Drop: 3.5 PSI

Domestic Water Heating:

• Boiler Side: Water 180 Degree F Supply, 130 Degree F Return, Flow: 2.5 GPM, Pressure Drop: 1.6 PSI
• Domestic Water Side: Water 50 Degree F Supply, 140 Degree F Return, Flow: 1.3 GPM, Pressure Drop: 0.3 PSI