Electric radiant heating offers efficient, quiet warmth for floors, patios, garages, and indoor rooms. This guide compares five 120V radiant heater kits and units suitable for tile, laminate, outdoor use, and full-room warmth. Below is a quick summary table to help you compare core specs at a glance.
| Product | Type | Coverage | Thermostat | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LuxHeat 25sqft Floor Heating Mat Kit | Electric Floor Mat | 25 sq ft | UDG Programmable w/GFCI | Self-adhesive mat, cable alarm |
| Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 | Carbon Infrared Space/Outdoor Heater | N/A (spot/area heating) | Remote & 3 power settings | IP55 for indoor/outdoor use |
| Warming Systems 10 Sqft Mat | Electric Floor Mat | 10 sq ft | Programmable TH115-AF-120S | Installation monitor, UL listed |
| HeatTech 30 sqft Electric Floor Mat | Electric Floor Mat | 30 sq ft | AUBE TH115-AF-120S | Zero EMF, thin 1/8″ cable |
| GTDsupply 51 Sq Ft All-in-One Kit | Full Radiant Floor Kit | 51 sq ft | DHERT102/BW Touchscreen | Includes uncoupling membrane compatibility |
Content Navigation
- LuxHeat 25sqft Floor Heating Mat Kit – 120V System
- Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 Carbon Infrared Outdoor Heater
- Warming Systems 10 Sqft 120V Electric Floor Heating Mat
- 30 Sqft Electric Floor Heating Mat Kit – HeatTech 120V
- All-in-one 51 Sq Ft Electric Radiant Floor Heating Kit – GTDsupply
- Buying Guide: How To Choose A 120V Radiant Heater
LuxHeat 25sqft Floor Heating Mat Kit – 120V System
This LuxHeat 25sqft kit is a complete electric radiant floor system designed for installations under tile, laminate, and similar surfaces. The kit includes a pre-spaced 3″ self-adhesive heating mat, a cable monitor/alarm, and an OJ Microline UDG-4999 programmable thermostat with a floor sensor and built-in Class A GFCI.
- Installation Flexibility: Mat can be cut and turned (do not cut heater wire) and flips for layout customization.
- Safety & Monitoring: Cable alarm monitors for damage during install; thermostat includes GFCI protection.
- Warranty & Support: Backed by LuxHeat’s industry experience and a 25-year limited warranty.
This option emphasizes a turnkey approach with integrated safety features and a programmable thermostat suited for room-level control and underfloor sensing.
Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 Carbon Infrared Outdoor Heater
The Dr Infrared DR-238 is a 120V carbon infrared heating unit rated for both indoor and outdoor use (IP55). It provides clean, instantaneous radiant heat across three power settings: 900W, 1200W, and 1500W, and operates as a plug-and-go solution with remote control.
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- Indoor/Outdoor Use: IP55 rating suitable for patios, garages, decks, and restaurant outdoor areas.
- Variable Output: Multiple power settings allow adjustment for targeted heating needs.
- Ease Of Use: Standard 120V plug operation and remote control for on/off and mode changes.
As a carbon infrared unit, this heater is intended for area or spot heating rather than underfloor installation, offering portable radiant warmth for covered outdoor spaces or workshops.
Warming Systems 10 Sqft 120V Electric Floor Heating Mat
The Warming Systems 10 Sqft mat is a compact, UL-listed 120V mat intended for small bathrooms, entryways, or targeted zones. It ships with a digital programmable thermostat (TH115-AF-120S), a floor sensor, and an installation monitor alarm.
- Designed For Small Areas: 20″ x 6′ dimension fits compact zones; mat is 1/8″ thick for minimal floor buildup.
- Safety & Listings: UL listed for USA/Canada and rated safe for wet areas; includes an installation alarm to detect wiring damage.
- Thermostat Compatibility: 120V, 16A thermostat with simple programming and floor sensing capability.
This kit focuses on certified safety and straightforward installation for smaller installations where precise floor temperature control is desired.
30 Sqft Electric Floor Heating Mat Kit – HeatTech 120V
The HeatTech 30 sqft mat kit delivers mid-size coverage with a 20″ wide by 18.3′ long mat and includes an AUBE TH115-AF-120S 7-day programmable thermostat and floor sensor. The heating cable is 1/8″ thick and the system reports zero EMF.
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- Performance Specs: 120V, 3.0A, 360W total; 12 W/sqft output (approx. 41 BTU/sqft).
- Installation Convenience: Adhesive-backed mat lays flat without staples; mesh backing allows turns and rotations.
- Comfort Control: Programmable thermostat with floor sensing for scheduled temperature management.
This kit balances coverage and thin-profile installation for medium rooms or larger bathrooms where higher output per square foot is required.
All-in-one 51 Sq Ft Electric Radiant Floor Heating Kit – GTDsupply
The GTDsupply 51 Sq Ft kit targets larger installations and is marketed as an all-in-one solution. It includes heating cable, a DHERT102/BW programmable touchscreen thermostat (compatible with 120V systems), heat uncoupling membrane compatibility, and two floor temperature sensors.
- Larger Coverage: 51 sq ft capacity suited for kitchens, living areas, or sizable bathrooms.
- Membrane Compatibility: Designed for use with uncoupling membranes such as Schluter DITRA-HEAT for crack prevention and waterproofing.
- Programmable Touchscreen: Advanced thermostat with multiple cycles and floor-sensing control options.
This kit emphasizes integration with underlayment systems and advanced thermostat control for multi-room performance and substrate protection.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A 120V Radiant Heater
Selecting the right 120V radiant heater depends on the intended application, area size, installation constraints, and safety preferences. Below are key considerations and comparative perspectives to guide selection.
Type Of Radiant Heating
- Underfloor Heating Mats/Cables: Best for permanent floor heating beneath tile, stone, laminate, and some engineered wood. Provides even floor warmth and integrates with thermostats and floor sensors.
- Carbon Infrared Units: Portable or fixed units for spot/area heating (garages, patios, decks). Faster ambient heat, suitable for covered outdoor areas with appropriate IP ratings.
Coverage Area And Output
- Match kit square footage to room size. Choose a kit slightly larger than the usable floor area where possible to avoid gaps.
- Output measured in W/sqft is crucial: common values are ~12 W/sqft for moderate warmth. Higher output required for poorly insulated floors or colder climates.
Voltage, Amperage, And Circuit Requirements
- 120V Systems: Usually run on standard household circuits but check amperage. Many 120V mats draw between 1–15 amps; confirm breaker sizing and dedicated circuits if required.
- For higher loads or larger areas, a 240V system or multiple dedicated 120V circuits may be needed—consult an electrician.
Thermostat And Controls
- Floor Sensing Versus Air Sensing: Floor sensors provide direct control of floor temperature; air sensing controls ambient temperature. Dual-sensing thermostats combine both for precise comfort.
- Programmability: 7-day or multi-cycle scheduling can reduce energy use by aligning heat to occupancy patterns.
- Advanced Features: Wi-Fi, touchscreen, or remote control add convenience and remote monitoring capabilities.
Installation Considerations
- Substrate Compatibility: Ensure the mat or cable system is compatible with tile, stone, laminate, vinyl, or wood. Some kits require embedding in thinset or self-leveling underlayment.
- Membrane Requirements: For tile over large areas, uncoupling membranes help prevent tile cracking and facilitate waterproofing; kits compatible with such membranes reduce installation steps.
- Installation Monitoring: Kits with installation monitors or alarms help detect damage to heating elements during installation.
Safety And Certifications
- Look for UL or cULus listings and Class A GFCI protection on thermostats for wet-area installations.
- Installation alarms and cable monitoring provide additional assurance against wire damage during embedment.
Durability, Warranty, And Support
- Manufacturers offering multi-year limited warranties indicate confidence in product longevity; also evaluate brand support for troubleshooting and replacement parts.
- Consider proven industry experience for long-term technical support and product compatibility with other flooring systems.
Comparison Perspectives
- Small Area Heating: Choose compact, UL-listed mats with precise thermostats (e.g., 10–25 sq ft kits) for bathrooms and entryways.
- Medium To Large Rooms: Opt for 30+ sq ft kits or all-in-one solutions with membrane compatibility and multi-sensor thermostats for even heat distribution.
- Outdoor/Spot Heating: Use IP-rated carbon infrared units for covered patios or garages where underfloor mats are not applicable.
- Control And Efficiency: Programmable thermostats with floor sensing favor efficiency and comfort control; Wi-Fi and touchscreen models add convenience.
When To Consult A Professional
- If the installation requires modifications to electrical circuits, dedicated breakers, or junction boxes, hire a licensed electrician.
- For complex substrates, large areas, or integration with uncoupling membranes and thinset layers, consult an experienced installer to ensure warranty compliance and proper performance.
Use this guide to weigh the trade-offs among coverage size, thermostat functionality, installation complexity, and intended application to choose the most appropriate 120V radiant heater solution for your space.
Tips for Getting the Best HVAC Prices
- Prioritize Quality Over Cost
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