1. What is an In Floor Heat Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the wattage required for in-floor heating systems based on the area to be heated and the desired watts per square foot.

Purpose: It helps homeowners and contractors properly size electric floor heating systems for optimal performance and energy efficiency.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( W \) — Total wattage required (Watts)
• \( A \) — Area to be heated (square feet)
• \( P \) — Watts per square foot (W/sq ft)

Explanation: The area is multiplied by the desired watt density to determine the total system wattage.

3. Importance of Proper Wattage Calculation

Details: Correct wattage ensures comfortable heat output, prevents system overload, and optimizes energy consumption.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the area in square feet and watts per square foot (default 12 W/sq ft for most residential applications). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical wattage per square foot?
A: Most residential systems use 10-12 W/sq ft, while bathrooms might use 15 W/sq ft for faster warm-up.

Q2: How do I measure the area accurately?
A: Measure the floor area excluding permanent fixtures. For irregular shapes, divide into rectangles.

Q3: When would I use higher watt density?
A: In rooms with high heat loss (like over a garage) or for faster warm-up times.

Q4: Does this include the thermostat?
A: No, the thermostat is separate. Choose one rated for your system's total wattage.

Q5: Should I add extra wattage?
A: For primary heat systems, add 10-15% extra. For supplemental heat, the calculated value is usually sufficient.