Radiant Heating

[Highlander]

Wondering whether anyone has had experience with or knowledge of electrical radiant heating? I am proposing to construct a concrete apron adjacent to and just outside a concrete slab in a building? Unfortunately my doors are on the north side of the building which never gets any sun and accumulates ice buildup during the winter months. I am hoping to install an electrical type on a switch to turn it on only when needed. Most of the information on radiant heating incorporates liquid through piping but I am interested in the electrical type due to plumbing restrictions.

 

[Doc_Bob]

Wondering whether anyone has had experience with or knowledge of electrical radiant heating?

Depends on what you pay per KWH. I installed electric in my bathroom floor. I have it on a timer. Wonderful at 2 am. My guess is that using electric to heat an outdoor slab would cost alot of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. Unless heating that slab was mission critical, I would not do it. If you do it, make sure you insulate under the slab as you don't want to heat the earth underneath it.
Bob

 

[Defective]

I'll agree with Doc_Bob on the cost of electric.

What are the plumbing restrictions you're concerned about? A radiant heating system for ice melting in an outdoor slab can be pretty simple. Run the piping through, hook it to a water heater and an expansion tank, then put antifreeze in it. No connection to any other plumbing. You may, or may not, need a circulation pump.

Doc_Bob is also 100% right that you will want to insulate under the slab.

 

[Doc_Bob]

Not sure if you live on the sunny side of the State? I assume you do. Add some sloar hot water panels if you can. Make sure it hooks up with your hot water system and just dump the solar heated water through the pipes when needed.
Bob