We recommend SunTouch UnderFloor be installed in all floor areas where floor warming is desired. If SunTouch is being installed to heat the space, and not just the floor, first perform a heat loss calculation.
How many UnderFloor Mats are needed for my Installation?
To obtain an accurate measurement, look under the subfloor to see where mats can be stapled. Looking carefully at each joist bay, measure:
1. The width of each bay from the center to the center of each adjoining floor joist and also verify the space between each side to side (this should be 1.5″ less than the OC measurement for modern 2-by lumber (2″x8″, 2″x10″, etc).
Our UnderFloor mats are designed only for 3 different joist spacing most commonly used in North American Construction. 16″ refers to the actual dimension of the Orange Mat material while the Blue Foil is approx. 1.5 – 2″ narrower than the Orange Mat so the foil can completely fit within the bay.
2. The length of open area in that bay that can receive a mat, and select the mat from the available sizes that fits each joist space. Remember that these mats cannot be cut shorter or narrower to fit, and CANNOT be cut or modified in any way to fit multiple joist bays. Do not include in these measurements areas that contain items that would obstruct installation of the mat (return air ducts, supply ducts, drain pipes, etc).
Once you have a list of your sizes, you can choose them from the available size listing on our site. See All UnderFloor mat sizes here. Or you can Email, Call or Fax us and we will be HAPPY to assist you.
Will a few mats warm other areas adjacent?
No. Wherever mats are not installed, the floor above will not be warm. The heat does not spread sideways more than a few inches. So, if you want the floor heated, cover as much as possible. Remember, more than one mat may be installed in a joist bay where there are barriers such as cross bracing. You can run mats from both edges toward the middle of appropriate lengths.
Click here to view a gallery of images showing a typical installation. Select mats for the easiest wiring possible. If all the power leads end up at one end of the room, it will be much easier to wire them together in the junction boxes. The junction box(es) must be accessible after all finishing work is completed, according to Electrical Code. Be sure to position the mats so that this is possible. You can bring several mats to each Junction Box, and then join several J-Boxes together with conduit.
How Do I choose Voltage: 120 or 240 Volt?
First, NEVER mix 120-VAC mats and controls with 240-VAC mats and controls. Observe these general voltage guide-lines:
1. For areas totaling up to about 190 SqFt. (about 15 amps), use 120-VAC mats with a 120-VAC SunStat.
2. For areas exceeding about 190sq.ft.and up to about 350 Sq.Ft. use 240-VAC mats with a 240-VAC FloorStat to have mats totaling 15 amps or less. Each SunStat control or SunStat Relay is limited to 15 amps max.
3. Use 240-VAC mats and a 240-VAC SunStat Relay control system or a contractor system (see wiring diagrams in manual) for mats totaling more than 15 amps at 240 VAC. Regardless of the voltage requirements in a particular installation, make sure the circuit breaker can handle the load. Follow all electrical codes for determining the size of the breaker.
Are SunTouch UnderFloor mats Safe for me and my family?
Yes. Safety is the most important issue – Look for a UL (Underwriters Laboratory) Listing – ALL SunTouch Floor Heat Systems have this listing. See the UL Listing You’ll see Watts actually manufactures SunTouch products in the USA – unlike others who just re-package someone else’s imported product, from countries like India & South Africa. Plus, all our Thermostats have been safety certified by independent testing agencies and all include GFCI protection BUILT-IN for shock protection. And, unlike our competitors, have NEVER had a safety recall for our electric floor heating products.
SunTouch UnderFloor heating mats also are the safest in regards to Electro Magnetic Field, with a virtually ZERO reading that has been INDEPENDENTLY tested and verified. Tested and found to have the LOWEST readings of any manufacturer. We don’t just SAY we have low EMF – we back it up with test results, unlike our competition. See the ZERO EMF details here.
SunTouch is the only Electric Radiant Floor Heat Manufacturer who offers a solution for ALL electric radiant under floor heating projects. And, SunTouch offers an Industry Leading 25 Year Warranty on ALL products. It’s even transferable!
Why should I choose to give Warm Your Floor my hard-earned money?
We love this question! Warm Your Floor is the nation’s leading radiant heat, floor-warming resource. Making your floors warm and cozy is all we do. And we have the largest inventory in the U.S., from the leading manufacturers, in stock and ready for immediate delivery – 99.6% of orders ship the same day you order. We are a brick & mortar distributor with a real office, showroom and large warehouse — packed with floor heating solutions. We are Floor Warming Experts and have been offering the best prices and service since 1999.
