Warm Your Frozen Toes With a Plug-in Radiant Floor
When it comes to heating your house, radiant floor heating may be one of the most energy efficient ways to go, but installing it is such a hassle that you're probably better just adding attic insulation and sealing up all of your windows instead. Well, now there's a plug in version of the radiant heating concept that's way cheaper and easier to install -- and yet still way more energy efficient than traditional hot air systems. It's called the RugBuddy, and it's basically a rolled-up radiant heating system that live underneath your favorite rugs and plugs into a regular outlet. It's not all that different from an electric blanket, except that it goes underneath your feet -- which helps take advantage of heat's tendency to rise. Instead of pumping hot water through subfloor tubing, like a full sized radiant system, the RugBuddy uses tiny heating elements to thaw out your toes. The RB is offered in a variety of sizes, so you should be able to find one that fits your rug. With this year's relentless winter weather, this gadget might really pay off.
[via CleanTechnica]













Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-14-2009 @ 11:52AM
L3 said...
I really like this idea. I would put one in front of my wife's rocker, one in the kitchen, a runner in front of the couch...
We installed the 'Warmly Yours' brand under our new bathroom tile and it is awesome. They make these throw rug style mats as well.
I wonder if the 'rugged use' factor is an explanation for the high price? I would love to just throw some heating pads on the floor!
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1-15-2009 @ 9:35AM
ryan said...
They have a similar item here in Japan. "Hot carpet" has been being sold for years. At 700+ watts though, it is HARDLY a good idea if you care about electric bills or the environment. Sweaters win again.
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