Choosing the right under floor heater depends on room size, floor type, and installation preference. This guide compares popular electric radiant systems and a compact heated floor mat for targeted warmth. Below is a quick comparison to help you scan features before detailed reviews.
| Product | Type | Coverage | Includes Thermostat | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LuxHeat 20sqft Floor Heating Mat Kit | Electric mat kit | 20 sq ft | Yes (UDG Programmable) | Self-adhesive mat, alarm, GFCI |
| Warming Systems 15sqft Mat | Electric mat kit | 15 sq ft | Yes (TH115-AF) | Installation monitor, UL listed |
| LuxHeat 100sqft Floor Heating Mat Kit | Electric mat kit | 100 sq ft | Yes (UWG4 WiFi) | Wi‑Fi thermostat, large coverage |
| LuxHeat 50sqft Cable Kit | Loose‑lay cable | 50 sq ft | Yes (UDG4 Programmable) | Design flexibility for irregular layouts |
| GoGlowGal Heated Floor Mat (XL) | Portable floor mat (under desk) | Personal area | No (built-in controls) | Energy‑saving, 8 temps, portable |
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LuxHeat 20sqft Floor Heating Mat Kit
This complete electric radiant heated flooring system includes a 20 sq ft 120V self-adhesive heating mat, cable monitor/alarm, and an OJ Microline UDG-4999 programmable thermostat with built-in GFCI and floor sensor. The mat is pre-spaced (3″ spacing) and can be flipped, turned, or cut from the mesh to fit irregular areas while the red heater wire must remain intact.
Installation guidance requires embedding heater wires in a self-leveling underlayment, thinset, or mortar, making it suitable for tile and laminate floors. The included alarm/monitor helps detect wire damage during installation, and the thermostat provides schedule control. A 25-year limited warranty is provided by the brand.
Warming Systems 15 Sqft Electric Floor Mat
The Warming Systems kit contains a 15 sq ft, 20″ wide x 9′ long electric warming mat, a digital programmable thermostat (TH115-AF-120S), floor sensor, and an installation monitor. Rated at 120V and 16 amps, the mat delivers about 12 Watts per sq ft and is UL listed for USA and Canada.
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The mat is 1/8” thick and designed to be flipped and turned to match room layout. The installation alarm activates if the wire is damaged during placement. This kit emphasizes safety and UL certification, making it appropriate for wet areas like bathrooms when installed per manufacturer instructions.
LuxHeat 100sqft Floor Heating Mat Kit
Designed for whole-room coverage, this 100 sq ft 120V self-adhesive mat kit includes a UWG4-4999 Wi‑Fi programmable thermostat with built-in GFCI, floor sensor, cable alarm, and the pre-spaced wiring mat. The Wi‑Fi thermostat enables remote schedule adjustments and temperature monitoring via compatible apps.
Like other LuxHeat mats, the heater wires must be embedded in a leveling compound or thinset and the red heater wire must not be cut. The system supports tile and laminate installations and provides large-area electric radiant heat with an included monitoring alarm for installation safety.
LuxHeat 50sqft Floor Heating Cable Kit
This kit uses a loose-lay heating cable rather than a pre-spaced mat, offering greater design flexibility for irregular or custom floor layouts. The purchase includes 50 sq ft worth of heating cable, a programmable UDG4 thermostat with GFCI, installation alarm, floor sensor, and strapping guides for securing the cable.
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Loose cables are suitable where precise placement is required or where obstacles make mats impractical. As with other electric systems, cables must be embedded in appropriate underlayment or thinset, and wires cannot be shortened. The kit supports individual room control and includes safety monitoring for installation.
GoGlowGal Upgraded Heated Floor Mat (XL)
The GoGlowGal XL heated floor mat is a portable under-desk foot warmer with eight temperature levels, timer functions, and energy-saving operation (about 55W). It’s splashproof, quiet, and designed for targeted personal warmth without heating an entire room.
Controls offer simple temperature selection and an auto-off safety timer. The mat emphasizes low power consumption and non-intrusive warmth, making it suitable for offices, garages, and small living spaces where a full in-floor system is not required.
Buying Guide: Choosing The Right Under Floor Heater
Selecting an under floor heater depends on installation scope, floor covering, room function, and user control needs. Below are key considerations to evaluate before purchase.
1. System Type: Mat vs. Cable vs. Portable
- Pre-spaced Mats: Best for regular room shapes and tiled or laminate floors. Mats speed up installation and maintain even wire spacing.
- Loose Cables: Provide flexibility for irregular spaces, cutouts, or rooms with obstacles. Require careful layout and strapping before embedding.
- Portable Heated Mats: Designed for personal zones (under desks, near seating). No structural installation, lower power draw, and easy relocation.
2. Voltage, Wattage, And Coverage
- Match the kit’s voltage and wattage to your circuit capabilities and room heat load. Common kits are 120V in North America; larger installations may use 240V options (not covered here).
- Calculate required wattage per square foot—bathrooms and heated tile applications often use ~12–20 W/sq ft depending on insulation and climate.
- Confirm the kit’s stated coverage area and ensure overlap or gaps are avoided when cutting mats from mesh (not cutting heater wire).
3. Floor Type Compatibility
- Electric mats/cables work well under tile, stone, and certain engineered laminate floors when installed per manufacturer instructions.
- Some floor coverings require specific underlayment or thinset to ensure heat transfer and protect wiring.
- Portable mats are suitable on carpet or hard floors but provide only surface-level warmth.
4. Thermostat And Controls
- Programmable thermostats allow schedules and setpoint control for efficiency. Floor sensors provide accurate floor temperature reading.
- Wi‑Fi thermostats enable remote control and integration into home automation for convenience and energy management.
- For portable mats, onboard controls and timers offer simple operation and safety shutoff features.
5. Safety Features And Certification
- Look for GFCI protection, installation monitors/alarms, and UL listings where applicable.
- Installation monitors detect damage to heating elements during installation—useful for preventing failures.
- Follow manufacturer guidelines about embedding wires and never shorten heater wires; improper installation can void warranties and create hazards.
6. Installation Considerations
- Mats and cables usually require embedding in thinset, mortar, or a self-leveling compound before tile or finish flooring is installed.
- Evaluate access to electrical circuits and whether a qualified electrician is needed to wire the thermostat and GFCI.
- Loose cable layouts demand careful planning and additional materials (strapping/guides) compared to pre-spaced mats.
7. Performance And Energy Use
- Electric underfloor heating provides direct radiant warmth to surfaces, often improving comfort and reducing reliance on forced-air systems for localized heat.
- Consider average power consumption and whether programmable schedules or Wi‑Fi control can reduce runtime and energy costs.
- For small areas, portable heated mats deliver targeted warmth with low power draw compared to whole-room electric systems.
8. Warranty And Brand Support
- Check warranty length and what is covered (wire failure, thermostat, sensors). LuxHeat systems commonly list long-term limited warranties.
- Brand experience and support channels can simplify troubleshooting during installation and after-sales care.
9. Comparing Perspectives
- Installation Complexity: Mats are generally faster to install in regular rooms; cables require layout effort but offer design flexibility.
- Cost Perspective: Larger area kits result in higher material costs and possibly higher installation costs; portable mats are low-cost alternatives for personal zones.
- Use Case: For bathroom floors and full-room comfort choose mat or cable systems; for under-desk warmth choose a portable heated mat.
Use the guide above to match system capabilities with your floor type, room layout, and control preferences. Always follow local electrical codes and manufacturer installation instructions, and consult a licensed electrician for wiring and thermostat hookups when required.
Tips for Getting the Best HVAC Prices
- Prioritize Quality Over Cost
The most critical factor in any HVAC project is the quality of the installation. Don’t compromise on contractor expertise just to save money. - Check for Rebates
Always research current rebates and incentives — they can significantly reduce your overall cost. - Compare Multiple Quotes
Request at least three estimates before making your choice. You can click here to get three free quotes from local professionals. These quotes include available rebates and tax credits and automatically exclude unqualified contractors. - Negotiate Smartly
Once you've chosen a contractor, use the proven strategies from our guide — How Homeowners Can Negotiate with HVAC Dealers — to get the best possible final price.