Electric floorboard heaters and radiant floor systems provide efficient, silent heat that blends with flooring and cabinetry. Below is a quick comparison of five relevant systems and alternatives selected for homes, bathrooms, and kickspaces.
| Product | Type | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| LuxHeat 20sqft Floor Heating Mat Kit | In-floor Radiant Mat | Self-adhesive mat, programmable thermostat, GFCI |
| LuxHeat 30sqft Floor Heating Mat Kit | In-floor Radiant Mat | Larger coverage, same thermostat & safety features |
| BLARALA 20 Sq.ft Electric Radiant Floor Heating System | In-floor Radiant Mat | CSA-certified cables, programmable thermostat |
| AIREPUSH Electric Kickspace Heater HTA15-ULTRA | Kickspace / Plinth Heater | Built-in thermostat & timer, 1500W plinth heater |
| Dreo Smart Wall Heater WH719S | Wall/Space Heater (Alternative) | Smart control, wide oscillation when floor option not possible |
Content Navigation
- LuxHeat 20sqft Floor Heating Mat Kit – 120v In Floor Heating System
- LuxHeat 30sqft Floor Heating Mat Kit – 120v Electric Radiant Heat Mat
- BLARALA Electric Radiant Floor Heating System, 20 Sq.ft Heated Floor Mats
- AIREPUSH Electric Kickspace Heater HTA15-ULTRA For Kickspaces
- Dreo Smart Wall Heater, Electric Space Heater WH719S (Alternative)
- Buying Guide: How To Choose An Electric Floorboard Or Kickspace Heater
LuxHeat 20sqft Floor Heating Mat Kit – 120v In Floor Heating System
This kit is a complete electric radiant heated flooring system sized for up to 20 sq. ft., designed for installation under tile, laminate, and similar finishes. The package includes a 3″ pre-spaced self-adhesive heating mat, a cable monitor/alarm, and an OJ Microline UDG-4999 programmable thermostat with a floor sensor and built-in GFCI for ground fault protection. The mat can be cut and turned (but the heater wire must not be cut), and wires must be embedded in thinset or self-leveling underlayment during tile installations. The product highlights 50 years of company experience and offers a 25-year limited warranty.
LuxHeat 30sqft Floor Heating Mat Kit – 120v Electric Radiant Heat Mat
The LuxHeat 30sqft kit offers the same system components as the 20sqft model but for larger coverage. It includes the self-adhesive heating mat, cable monitor/alarm, the UDG4-4999 programmable thermostat with floor sensor, and built-in GFCI. The mat is engineered to be cut and turned (without cutting the heater wire) and should be embedded in mortar or thinset for tile or underlayment for laminate. The kit emphasizes easy installation with pre-spaced wiring and adhesion features to keep the mat flat. The 30 sq. ft. coverage makes it better suited for larger bathrooms or small open-floor zones.
BLARALA Electric Radiant Floor Heating System, 20 Sq.ft Heated Floor Mats
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The BLARALA 20 sq. ft. system includes a heating mat, cable monitor/alarm, a programmable thermostat with dual sensors (air and floor), and temperature sensors for installation under tile and laminate. The system lists CSA-certified cables rated for wet locations and features GFCI detection, child lock, and overheat protection in its thermostat. Technical specs indicate 120V operation at roughly 12W/sq. ft., and the mat dimensions are provided for layout planning. The system targets bathroom and small-room installations where wet-area safety and code-compliant wiring are priorities.
AIREPUSH Electric Kickspace Heater HTA15-ULTRA For Kickspaces
The AIREPUSH HTA15-ULTRA is a kickspace (plinth) heater intended for installation under cabinets, vanities, or stair risers where in-floor radiant mats are not feasible. It offers 1500W output with an internal thermostat, remote control, timer, and adaptive voltage recognition for 120V/240V environments. The unit is only 4″ tall to fit tight spaces and is designed for rapid, even heat delivery from a low-profile grille. This model suits applications where warming the floor perimeter, toe-kick areas or bathroom base spaces is desired without redoing flooring.
Dreo Smart Wall Heater, Electric Space Heater WH719S (Alternative)
Although not a floorboard heater, the Dreo Smart Wall Heater is a low-profile option when installing in-floor systems is impractical. It offers 120° vertical oscillation for widespread warm-air distribution, smart controls via app and voice assistants, a precise thermostat with 1°F accuracy, and programmable schedules. The unit can be mounted on a wall and set to deliver steady room heat and rapid response where local radiant heating or kickspace units can’t be installed.
Buying Guide: How To Choose An Electric Floorboard Or Kickspace Heater
Selecting the right electric floorboard or kickspace heater involves technical, layout, and safety considerations. Below are the key factors to evaluate before purchase and installation.
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Heating Type And Application
- In-Floor Radiant Mats: Best for tile, stone, and some laminate installations. Mats get embedded in thinset or underlayment and heat the floor surface directly for even warmth.
- Kickspace / Plinth Heaters: Ideal when you cannot access subfloor installations or when renovating cabinetry. These warm air from low openings and heat toe-kick zones.
- Wall/Space Heaters: Consider as alternatives for retrofits or when floor and kickspace options are impractical.
Coverage And Power
- Calculate the square footage of the area intended for heating. Mat kits are sold by sq. ft.; choose a mat sized to cover the usable floor minus fixed fixtures.
- Check wattage per square foot (commonly 10–20 W/sq. ft.). Higher W/sq. ft. produces faster heat and is useful in colder spaces or under less conductive floor coverings.
- Confirm the circuit and breaker capacity for the total load. 120V mats often have lower amperage; 240V options may be available for larger zones.
Thermostat, Controls And Sensors
- Floor Sensor vs. Air Sensor: For radiant floors, a floor sensor provides accurate surface temperature control to protect flooring and maintain comfort.
- Programmable Thermostats: Look for programmable schedules, floor/air sensor inputs, and built-in GFCI detection for safety.
- Smart Controls: Wi-Fi or app control can add convenience but verify compatibility and reliability.
Safety And Certification
- Choose systems with GFCI protection built into the thermostat or separate protection for wet locations.
- Verify third-party certifications (CSA, ETL, UL) for wiring and heating elements when installing in bathrooms or wet areas.
- Thermostats with overheat protection and child locks increase safe operation.
Installation Requirements
- In-floor Mats: Require embedding wire in thinset, mortar, or self-leveling underlayment and are typically installed beneath tile, stone, or suitable laminates.
- Kickspace Heaters: Mount into cabinetry openings and require vent clearances for airflow. Confirm dimensions to ensure fit under cabinets or vanities.
- Electrical Work: Many systems require connection by a qualified electrician and adherence to local building codes.
Flooring Compatibility
- Confirm the manufacturer’s approved flooring types. Tile and stone are ideal for radiant mats due to good thermal conductivity.
- Some laminate and engineered wood require specific installation practices and temperature limits. Use floor sensors and follow manufacturer max temperature guidance to avoid damage.
Durability, Warranty, And Support
- Check warranty length and coverage, including mat lifetime or limited warranties for wiring and thermostats.
- Look for reputable brands with experienced technical support and clear installation documentation.
Comparison Perspectives
- Cost To Install vs. Operating Efficiency: Radiant floor systems can have higher upfront installation costs but offer efficient room-wide comfort and lower distribution losses.
- Retrofit Ease: Kickspace heaters and wall units are less invasive for remodels and can be installed without removing flooring.
- Zone Control: Smaller mats or kickspace units enable targeted heating and independent thermostatic control per room for energy savings.
- Moisture And Wet Area Considerations: Choose CSA/ETL-rated mats and GFCI-equipped thermostats for bathrooms and other wet zones to meet code and safety requirements.
Practical Tips For Installation Planning
- Sketch the room layout showing fixed fixtures and plan mat cuts and turns to avoid heating under permanent fixtures that don’t require heat.
- Allow professional electrical inspection for load calculations and circuit setup; some larger areas may need dedicated 240V circuits.
- Test mat continuity and insulation resistance during installation using the provided monitor/alarm to confirm wiring integrity.