QUESTIONS and ANSWERS
What's this going to cost?
A: While prices do vary with size, needs, and style, our all-in-one kits are affordable, high quality, and safe.
Check out our quick quote tool to estimate which all inclusive kit will best fit your needs.
Comparing multiple radiant heat companies, we estimate electric floor heating systems to cost between
$5-$14/SQFT in heating materials on the smaller end (20-50 SQFT) and $3-$7/SQFT on larger systems. (100-245 SQFT)
and an additional $8-20/SQFT to have it installed with a beautiful floor covering.
A: While prices do vary with size, needs, and style, our all-in-one kits are affordable, high quality, and safe.
Check out our quick quote tool to estimate which all inclusive kit will best fit your needs.
Comparing multiple radiant heat companies, we estimate electric floor heating systems to cost between
$5-$14/SQFT in heating materials on the smaller end (20-50 SQFT) and $3-$7/SQFT on larger systems. (100-245 SQFT)
and an additional $8-20/SQFT to have it installed with a beautiful floor covering.
Is electric floor heating SAFE?
A: Keeping your home and family safe is our #1 priority. You’ll always feel comfortable knowing our heat system wires and control units are UL listed and GFCI protected. Meaning they have been tested and approved for the highest U.S. and Canada safety certifications.
How do I choose between the 120V and a 240V heating cables?
A: There are a few variables depending on your home or electrical set up. In general, 120V heating cables must be connected to 120V power. 240V heating cables must be connected to 240V power sources.
• Is there already a dedicated circuit available in the room? 120v or 240v?
• 120V breakers only require one breaker spot, 240V requires two. Check your home's breaker box to see what is available.
• Determine the remaining amps available in the electrical panel. 120V uses twice the amount of amps vs. 240V at the same wattage.
Please note: While the amps are different between 120v and 240v, the cost per kilowatts will still be very close unless you are heating over 100sqft, in which case, 240V would be optimal for cost efficiency. If you need further assistance, contact us, or an electrician.
What size breaker do you recommend?
A: We recommend a dedicated 20 Amp breaker for each heat wire system within a room. All of our heat wire sizes carry a constant 12.2 amps or less. Please call to verify in special instances, or if multiple systems are being used in conjunction with the proper use of relay systems.
Where can we place the thermostat?
A: It is always recommended to place the thermostat in the same room as the heat system.
Always install out of reach of children and lock the controls when not in use.
Never install the thermostat in a wet or high humidity area. 4'-5' away from shower entrances is recommended.
Can I space the wires unevenly? What are the spacing rules?
A: Yes! Custom create your space! Warmer here, cooler there. A good way to picture heat distribution, is each heat wire in a line, will spread heat evenly over a 3" wide area, depending on heat loss. We offer two spacing options with Prova membrane 3" and 4". Using cable straps, 3" Spacing is recommended.
What are the heat wire spacing rules?
A: Spacing closer than 2" or over 4" is never recommended. Always maintain 3" separation from walls and from permanent fixtures like cabinets, 6" from heat sources, and 6" from the wax toilet seal. Never run heat wires under permanent objects like tubs or walls.
Before installing flooring, ALWAYS verify the floor temperature sensor has been installed properly.
Hardwood floors, vinyl,or carpet? Which floor covering materials can be used with this system?
A: Almost any! Because all heat wires are to be covered with a cement based mortar. As long as the temperature remains within the flooring manufacturer’s temperature ratings. Also, most wood flooring will require use of of 1/4" sleepers accompanied with cement based mortar covering. Here's what Mohawk says:
https://www.mohawkflooring.com/assets/files/Mohawk%20Underfloor%20Heating.pdf
What temperature will my heated floor reach?
A: The temperature of your floor will range anywhere between 75°F to 95°F. The floor's actual temperature will depend on multiple factors including room heat loss, floor insulation, sub floor material, and the room’s configuration. The heat wires themselves will never exceed 113 degrees as per factory settings.
Can I trim or cut the orange or black wires?
A: The orange wire is the heating and resistance part of the wire and can NEVER be cut or trimmed. This will change the resistance of the heat wire, void all warranty, and could make the wire dangerous if put into use.
The 10' black wire at the lead of your spool with informational tag, is the unheated cold lead. This black piece containing 3 smaller colored wires, CAN be trimmed shorter to better fit into the wall to reach the thermostat. It can also be lengthened with an available 20' extension if needed. There is also a black factory tail end. This cannot be cut or trimmed.
Can I heat my tile or stone shower?
A: Yes, as long as a couple of precautions are taken.
A separate heat wire system is recommended to be installed in the shower. Legally, We cannot warranty, remove or repair heat wires that are installed within a shower area. If a problem was to occur, it would be optimal to only have the shower affected, not the entire bathroom. You can (within amperage limits) connect 2 heat wire systems in series to work through one thermostat.
Can I heat my fiberglass tub or bath tub?
A: No. Because there is usually a gap of air between the sub floor and the base of the fiberglass. This will render the below heat ineffective. The air spacing around the heat wires may also cause heat wire overheating.
Where can I find more detailed instructions?
A: Included in every kit is a quick install guide that goes through the most important steps for your installation. If trouble occurs or you need the full installation manual it is available on the top of this page as a downloadable PDF
Is a certified electrician required?
A: Yes. All electrical work, including wiring and connecting the thermostat to the heating system, should be completed by a certified electrician or someone with competent electrical knowledge. Youtube Degrees are not accepted.
What is the full WARRANTY?
A: TrulyWarm warranties it's heat system to work properly for 25 Years
We also include a 1 Year warranty on our Thermostat Control units.
For all accessories, we offer a 30 day money-back guarantee if for any reason you are un-satisfied.
Installation over 200sqft?
A: Multiple heat wires can be connected in series to one thermostat.
For example:
40 SQFT + 18SQFT (A common Shower Set up) with 120V supply can be run through one thermostat. Over 160 SQFT with a 120V system, a second thermostat is recommended.
For larger systems, 240V is always recommended. In some situations, 240V is not available so we offer many sizes and power options.
Over 300 S.F. with 240V supply requires adding a relay to the system
We offer power relay modules in our accessories category.
What is a power relay and do I need one?
A: A power relay links to a thermostat to know when to turn on and off but has its own dedicated circut from the breaker box. This ensures larger systems have enough power to distribute the proper amperages.
How much does it cost to add a sub panel?
A: There are many variables depending on size, materials, which electrician you use and geographical location, but from our research, it should be in the ball park of $500-$1200 for a professional installation of a sub panel.
Is insulation required under heat wires?
A: Insulation beneath the heat wires is always a good idea, but never required. You are welcome to use a cork or similar underlayment (max ¼”) or insulation boards to help prevent heat loss with our cable strap system, the Prova uncoupling membrane will insulate some, better than the loose cables alone. Heat wires installed over cement slab will take much longer to reach full potential heat without insulation. Heat wires over Prova, insulation, or plywood sub floors will perform much more quickly and efficiently.
What cement based mortar do you recommend?
A: Self leveling is the easiest and most effective method to cover the system evenly but has a much longer dry time before tile may be installed. If self leveling is not the best method for you or will not work for your install, we recommend modified thinset mortar, because of the polymers and glues it contains for better hold and quicker dry time.
How long before we can turn on the heat system after installation?
A: It takes 2-4 weeks for the cement based mortar to fully cure. Energizing the system too early can weaken the mortar and may cause future cracking. NEVER test the heat wire while it is still on the spool. Once the system is fully installed and properly connected, it may be turned on long enough for the temperature sensor to register a 1° change in heat. Immediately power down the system and let it remain off for 2 weeks. At this point it is recommended to slowly break in the heating system and sub floor by only heating 5° above cold startup temp. The next day, increase this amount another 5° to a total of 10° above cold start up temp, and so forth. During break in, do not heat longer than 1 hour.
Rugs?
A: Yes and No,
During colder months, when the heat system is likely to be on, the floors should remain open.
Rugs are only okay to use when the heat floor system will remain off, like during warmer months.
Rugs, large flat furniture, low couches, even skirted couches can cause those small areas to overheat and ruin the floor heat system.
Can these heat wires be used to heat a slab or driveway as a snow or ice melting system?
A: No, Truly Warm heat wires are for interior use only.
Can I use mosaic tiles with Prova uncoupling membrane with or without heat wires installed?
A: No, The minimum tile size over Prova uncoupling membrane is 2"x2"
How much thin-set mortar will I need with Prova Uncoupling Membrane?
A: Thin set mortar coverage may vary with mortar consistency, angle at which the trowel is used, substrate leveling, Etc.
To bond Prova membrane to the subfloor, one 50 lb. bag of mortar will cover approximately 100-150 sqft.
A layer of mortar must be applied to the subfloor before each section of Prova Membrane is set. Once the entire floor has a layer of mortar and membrane, heat wires can then be installed. After the heat system has been installed via proper instructions and the Temperature sensor is also in place, the final layer of Modified thin set, or Self leveling mortar may be applied and tile layed out.
To bond Tile to Prova membrane:
1/4" Square notched trowel - Approximately one 50 lb bag of mortar per 50-60 sqft
3/4" Square notched trowel - Approximately one 50 lb bag of mortar per 40-50 sqft
With Heat wires installed in Prova Membrane the mortar coverage will increase slightly:
1/4" Square notched trowel - Approximately one 50 lb bag of mortar per 60-70 sqft
3/4" Square notched trowel - Approximately one 50 lb bag of mortar per 50-60 sqft
Proper thin-set mortar consistency?
A: Self Leveling mortar or thin set below Prova Membrane or to cover a loose wire heat system; should be semi-fluid, but still workable or able to hold notches.
To attach Tiles above Prova Membrane or above loose wire cables: Mix to a fairly fluid consistency, but still able to hold a notch, Peanut butter is a good consistency example.
Can Truly Warm Heat Wires be used with another Uncoupling membrane Such as Ditra Heat or Heat Matrix?
A: Each heat wire specifications and spacing are set up and configured designed to our products and system.
However, Our heat system spacing is versatile and can be used with 2.5", 3", 3.75" and 4" spacing. Ditra Heat spacing is set at 3.65" and is within our spacing requirements.
A: Keeping your home and family safe is our #1 priority. You’ll always feel comfortable knowing our heat system wires and control units are UL listed and GFCI protected. Meaning they have been tested and approved for the highest U.S. and Canada safety certifications.
How do I choose between the 120V and a 240V heating cables?
A: There are a few variables depending on your home or electrical set up. In general, 120V heating cables must be connected to 120V power. 240V heating cables must be connected to 240V power sources.
• Is there already a dedicated circuit available in the room? 120v or 240v?
• 120V breakers only require one breaker spot, 240V requires two. Check your home's breaker box to see what is available.
• Determine the remaining amps available in the electrical panel. 120V uses twice the amount of amps vs. 240V at the same wattage.
Please note: While the amps are different between 120v and 240v, the cost per kilowatts will still be very close unless you are heating over 100sqft, in which case, 240V would be optimal for cost efficiency. If you need further assistance, contact us, or an electrician.
What size breaker do you recommend?
A: We recommend a dedicated 20 Amp breaker for each heat wire system within a room. All of our heat wire sizes carry a constant 12.2 amps or less. Please call to verify in special instances, or if multiple systems are being used in conjunction with the proper use of relay systems.
Where can we place the thermostat?
A: It is always recommended to place the thermostat in the same room as the heat system.
Always install out of reach of children and lock the controls when not in use.
Never install the thermostat in a wet or high humidity area. 4'-5' away from shower entrances is recommended.
Can I space the wires unevenly? What are the spacing rules?
A: Yes! Custom create your space! Warmer here, cooler there. A good way to picture heat distribution, is each heat wire in a line, will spread heat evenly over a 3" wide area, depending on heat loss. We offer two spacing options with Prova membrane 3" and 4". Using cable straps, 3" Spacing is recommended.
What are the heat wire spacing rules?
A: Spacing closer than 2" or over 4" is never recommended. Always maintain 3" separation from walls and from permanent fixtures like cabinets, 6" from heat sources, and 6" from the wax toilet seal. Never run heat wires under permanent objects like tubs or walls.
Before installing flooring, ALWAYS verify the floor temperature sensor has been installed properly.
Hardwood floors, vinyl,or carpet? Which floor covering materials can be used with this system?
A: Almost any! Because all heat wires are to be covered with a cement based mortar. As long as the temperature remains within the flooring manufacturer’s temperature ratings. Also, most wood flooring will require use of of 1/4" sleepers accompanied with cement based mortar covering. Here's what Mohawk says:
https://www.mohawkflooring.com/assets/files/Mohawk%20Underfloor%20Heating.pdf
What temperature will my heated floor reach?
A: The temperature of your floor will range anywhere between 75°F to 95°F. The floor's actual temperature will depend on multiple factors including room heat loss, floor insulation, sub floor material, and the room’s configuration. The heat wires themselves will never exceed 113 degrees as per factory settings.
Can I trim or cut the orange or black wires?
A: The orange wire is the heating and resistance part of the wire and can NEVER be cut or trimmed. This will change the resistance of the heat wire, void all warranty, and could make the wire dangerous if put into use.
The 10' black wire at the lead of your spool with informational tag, is the unheated cold lead. This black piece containing 3 smaller colored wires, CAN be trimmed shorter to better fit into the wall to reach the thermostat. It can also be lengthened with an available 20' extension if needed. There is also a black factory tail end. This cannot be cut or trimmed.
Can I heat my tile or stone shower?
A: Yes, as long as a couple of precautions are taken.
A separate heat wire system is recommended to be installed in the shower. Legally, We cannot warranty, remove or repair heat wires that are installed within a shower area. If a problem was to occur, it would be optimal to only have the shower affected, not the entire bathroom. You can (within amperage limits) connect 2 heat wire systems in series to work through one thermostat.
- All parts of the heat wires must be installed under a waterproof membrane or vapor barrier
- Thermostat must be placed more than 4' away from wet areas like the shower entry
- The heat wires must be fully encased in cement based mortar
- Consult your local building codes and regulations
Can I heat my fiberglass tub or bath tub?
A: No. Because there is usually a gap of air between the sub floor and the base of the fiberglass. This will render the below heat ineffective. The air spacing around the heat wires may also cause heat wire overheating.
Where can I find more detailed instructions?
A: Included in every kit is a quick install guide that goes through the most important steps for your installation. If trouble occurs or you need the full installation manual it is available on the top of this page as a downloadable PDF
Is a certified electrician required?
A: Yes. All electrical work, including wiring and connecting the thermostat to the heating system, should be completed by a certified electrician or someone with competent electrical knowledge. Youtube Degrees are not accepted.
What is the full WARRANTY?
A: TrulyWarm warranties it's heat system to work properly for 25 Years
We also include a 1 Year warranty on our Thermostat Control units.
For all accessories, we offer a 30 day money-back guarantee if for any reason you are un-satisfied.
Installation over 200sqft?
A: Multiple heat wires can be connected in series to one thermostat.
For example:
40 SQFT + 18SQFT (A common Shower Set up) with 120V supply can be run through one thermostat. Over 160 SQFT with a 120V system, a second thermostat is recommended.
For larger systems, 240V is always recommended. In some situations, 240V is not available so we offer many sizes and power options.
Over 300 S.F. with 240V supply requires adding a relay to the system
We offer power relay modules in our accessories category.
What is a power relay and do I need one?
A: A power relay links to a thermostat to know when to turn on and off but has its own dedicated circut from the breaker box. This ensures larger systems have enough power to distribute the proper amperages.
How much does it cost to add a sub panel?
A: There are many variables depending on size, materials, which electrician you use and geographical location, but from our research, it should be in the ball park of $500-$1200 for a professional installation of a sub panel.
Is insulation required under heat wires?
A: Insulation beneath the heat wires is always a good idea, but never required. You are welcome to use a cork or similar underlayment (max ¼”) or insulation boards to help prevent heat loss with our cable strap system, the Prova uncoupling membrane will insulate some, better than the loose cables alone. Heat wires installed over cement slab will take much longer to reach full potential heat without insulation. Heat wires over Prova, insulation, or plywood sub floors will perform much more quickly and efficiently.
What cement based mortar do you recommend?
A: Self leveling is the easiest and most effective method to cover the system evenly but has a much longer dry time before tile may be installed. If self leveling is not the best method for you or will not work for your install, we recommend modified thinset mortar, because of the polymers and glues it contains for better hold and quicker dry time.
How long before we can turn on the heat system after installation?
A: It takes 2-4 weeks for the cement based mortar to fully cure. Energizing the system too early can weaken the mortar and may cause future cracking. NEVER test the heat wire while it is still on the spool. Once the system is fully installed and properly connected, it may be turned on long enough for the temperature sensor to register a 1° change in heat. Immediately power down the system and let it remain off for 2 weeks. At this point it is recommended to slowly break in the heating system and sub floor by only heating 5° above cold startup temp. The next day, increase this amount another 5° to a total of 10° above cold start up temp, and so forth. During break in, do not heat longer than 1 hour.
Rugs?
A: Yes and No,
During colder months, when the heat system is likely to be on, the floors should remain open.
Rugs are only okay to use when the heat floor system will remain off, like during warmer months.
Rugs, large flat furniture, low couches, even skirted couches can cause those small areas to overheat and ruin the floor heat system.
Can these heat wires be used to heat a slab or driveway as a snow or ice melting system?
A: No, Truly Warm heat wires are for interior use only.
Can I use mosaic tiles with Prova uncoupling membrane with or without heat wires installed?
A: No, The minimum tile size over Prova uncoupling membrane is 2"x2"
How much thin-set mortar will I need with Prova Uncoupling Membrane?
A: Thin set mortar coverage may vary with mortar consistency, angle at which the trowel is used, substrate leveling, Etc.
To bond Prova membrane to the subfloor, one 50 lb. bag of mortar will cover approximately 100-150 sqft.
A layer of mortar must be applied to the subfloor before each section of Prova Membrane is set. Once the entire floor has a layer of mortar and membrane, heat wires can then be installed. After the heat system has been installed via proper instructions and the Temperature sensor is also in place, the final layer of Modified thin set, or Self leveling mortar may be applied and tile layed out.
To bond Tile to Prova membrane:
1/4" Square notched trowel - Approximately one 50 lb bag of mortar per 50-60 sqft
3/4" Square notched trowel - Approximately one 50 lb bag of mortar per 40-50 sqft
With Heat wires installed in Prova Membrane the mortar coverage will increase slightly:
1/4" Square notched trowel - Approximately one 50 lb bag of mortar per 60-70 sqft
3/4" Square notched trowel - Approximately one 50 lb bag of mortar per 50-60 sqft
Proper thin-set mortar consistency?
A: Self Leveling mortar or thin set below Prova Membrane or to cover a loose wire heat system; should be semi-fluid, but still workable or able to hold notches.
To attach Tiles above Prova Membrane or above loose wire cables: Mix to a fairly fluid consistency, but still able to hold a notch, Peanut butter is a good consistency example.
Can Truly Warm Heat Wires be used with another Uncoupling membrane Such as Ditra Heat or Heat Matrix?
A: Each heat wire specifications and spacing are set up and configured designed to our products and system.
However, Our heat system spacing is versatile and can be used with 2.5", 3", 3.75" and 4" spacing. Ditra Heat spacing is set at 3.65" and is within our spacing requirements.
