heting options for a basement bathroom
I am finishing my basement. I added a bathroom that is 10’x6′. One 6 foot end is on the exterior wall, and one 10 foot side adjoins an unheated garage. I put a shower in the bathroom, and the unit is actually in the garage. I am looking at heatin options as the floor is concret slab, and will be tiled. I welcome any suggestions with regard to the electri radiant floor systems that are currently on the market. My other option is electric baseboard. What size baseboard would be enough for this room? Thanks.
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I don't think radiant floor is wise, because there is probably no insulation under the slab, and there is going to be quite a bit of heat transfer along the slab to the adjacent spaces. So, much of your heat would be wasted, and it would take a long time to get the room warm.
The standard under-tile electric heating systems are low wattage and are designed to take the chill off the floor, but don't have enough power to heat a room.
I think a wall unit would be better. If you get one with a fan, it will heat the room up fairly quickly. You'll need a throw rug on the floor if there is a shower in the room, because the floor will be chilly on your feet.
Vinyl would be warmer on the feet, but even so, a throw rug would be nice. There are some very nice high-end vinyls that look really good, and have some cushion to them, and are still less money than tile.
Consider getting an overhead heat lamp instead. I investigated heat/fan/light, wall heater fan, baseboard heat, toekick heater fan, all had their drawbacks. The heat lamp gets the heat where it's needed and it's relatively low wattage (compared to heater fan).
Here is an option: an electric radiant cove heater. They mount against the wall, up near the ceiling, perhaps over a window or door. The length determines the wattage. One about 35 inches long will be maybe 500 watts.
QMark's looks like this. The face has a tilt downward of about 20 degrees.
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With this and one of the under-tile electric heat methods, your bath will be comfy.
You can also use a series of heated towel bars to supplement baseboard heaters.
Yikes. Cold feet!
Consider thermally isolating the subfloor from the slab before using the electric radiant. Plywood or cement board over foam, or perhaps Dricore.
Warm feet, warm naked people.
Also, insulate those cold walls very well.