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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]This is possible, the technology is called "radiant floor heat."  Most commonly it's done with tubing that connects to radiator heat, but it can be done with electric mats that go under pretty much any kind of flooring.

People don't usually do the electric version over large areas because it costs a lot to operate, typically about three times as much as other kinds of heating.

[b]In a basement, if the floor wasn't insulated below when it was installed you'll be sending a lot of heat into the ground[/b], which is even less efficient. [/quote]

No. Heat rises, which is why radiant floor heating works in the first place. OP wouldn't be losing heat below if it's not insulated, though colder outside air may be seeping in. But also take into account that the ground temp underneath a basement floor would be warmer than surface air temps in winter. [/quote]

Hot air/liquid and such rise due to lower density. Heat in a solid will conduct in all directions. So if you're heating a thick basement slab with cold soil around it then you're losing heat that way.

Also, ground temp in the winter will be colder than the indoor temperature.

If you have a few inches of height to spare you can put in an inch of foam board with some plywood on top, then the heating mat plus flooring. The foam will reduce your heat loss through the slab.[/quote]

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