Heating the bathroom problem...

18 years ago

We are doing a big remodel on a 1950's colonial- there was a tiny master bath, we stole the adjacent closet and part of the bedroom to make a decent size bathroom, with airbath, shower and double vanity. Among many issues we are addressing, the heating for this room is a problem as most of the wall space for the baseboard heating is occupied with fixtures- it lays on an outside corner 2nd floor wall. The room is about 10' x 8'. The double vanity, door, and shower run along the inside wall, and the 6' tub and toilet are along the outside wall, with 2 windows so the baseboard CANNOT run where it was as the tub occupies most of the space. We will easily have 4 feet alongside the toilet, but that is all that is certain.

One solution we are considering is running the pipe under the front end of the vanity (same direction as the joists) with fins and putting a vent plate to allow the heat to rise (just under the front of the vanity so you wouldn't stepon it).

Another solution is the toe-kick units. But the vanity is on bun feet, so it wouldn't get built in...

Anyone have similar problem or possible solutions, would love some input. We are close to having to make a final decision! THanks!!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (10)

whidbey
18 years ago
What about electric radiant heat mats? :-)
pepperidge_farm
Original Author
18 years ago
yes, but would that heat the whole room, or just the floor?? is it efficient?? was thinking of putting that in anyway... we are debating this at home now for months... thoughts?
Related Professionals
Orlando Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Terre Haute Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Parkersburg Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Gary Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Vernal Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · London Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Frisco Bathroom Remodelers · Mankato Bathroom Remodelers · Riverside Bathroom Remodelers · Emporia Tile and Stone Contractors · DeRidder Tile and Stone Contractors · Peoria Tile and Stone Contractors · Harrisburg Tile and Stone Contractors · Eugene Tile and Stone Contractors · Calgary Tile and Stone Contractors
whidbey
18 years ago
We're building and are doing hydronic radiant floor heating. My husband is the plumber so it's not xosting much thank goodness. Everyone I know says if they could pick their favorite thing in their house, radiant heat is always their #1.

Radiant heat, whether electric or hydronic, is very efficient. I know a fair amount about hydronic heat, but am lacking in the electric department... sorry! I found a website for a leading manufacturer of electric floor mats (see below):

Hope this helps. :)

Here is a link that might be useful: ELECTRIC RADIANT HEAT MATS
capecodder
18 years ago
We have the same issue, and have decided to put electric heat in that room...I figure the only time I actually need to heat it is when I'm in it, that's why we decided not to do radiant heat.
pepperidge_farm
Original Author
18 years ago
Ah, thanks for the input. I think we will end up doing both, the sub-floor fins, as well as the electric radiant heat, because there is not that much floor space left, and neither will probably make for such a comfy temp. The hydronic would be great, but exceeds our DIY abilities as neither of us know anything about heating systems.
Maybe when we get to the kitchen we will be able to use it!
MongoCT
18 years ago
Some of the Runtal Omnipanel towel warmers have enough output to serve dual purpose, both as as a room warmer and a towel warmer. They're available in both hydronic and electric.

With the Runtal radiator as a primary source and the electric under-tile mats as a secondary, you should be fine.

Mongo
neverdunn
18 years ago
They make in-wall radiators, similar to toe-kick heaters that do exactly the same hing, but fit between the studs.
pepperidge_farm
Original Author
18 years ago
Mongoct- thanks for the suggestion! Actually love that product!! I think DH is even into the idea as well.

Do you know, I think I have to call them tomorrow, if the pressure drop from 3/4" copper tube in the current hydronic system into the radiator/towel warmer is a problem??? The connectors are only 1/2" NPT, there is NO info on their website with any technical information!!

That would totally work, functional towel warmer, functional heat- win/win!!

neverdunn, believe it or not, barely any wall to put a between the stud heater that is aesthetically pleasing on the side of the room (2 outside walls) where it is needed!

We are about done with the pipes and drains, need to decide on this before we close up the floors!
pepperidge_farm
Original Author
18 years ago
Another thought/question...

Mongo- if you run it in parallel, like a toe-kick heater would be I think, it would never fill- right??

I clearly don't get the plumbing with this unit :-(
pepperidge_farm
Original Author
18 years ago
Mongo- got the answer over at the Heating forum!! Monoflo tee- who knew?
Thank-you so much!! The bathroom is saved!

DH is the electircal expert and the construction guy, unfortunately, I am the plumbing "expert", the tiling "expert" with the handmade tiles with small grout lines that the spacers just don't work well with, the "do it right the first time" expert- that's where you guys come in ;-)
At least I have NEVER had a leak when I sweat!
I have convinced him to let me do the shower with Kerdi... I love your instruction photos!

I am sure I will have a few small questions when I get to that;)