What is underfloor heating?
Underfloor heating is a system that simply warms your home from the floor up. There are two main types of underfloor heating, electric underfloor heating and hydronic underfloor heating. All heating systems are easy to install, energy efficient and are controlled using a smart thermostat. With todays technology underfloor heating systems have been designed to install easily. Below is a breakdown of the two types of floor heating and what is best system to use for your home.
1
Electric Underfloor Heating
Electrical systems use electrical cables to generate heat. This is done with a long, low-voltage electric cable which is coiled beneath the floor’s surface or installed in the form of a mat or mesh. Electric systems are safe to use in all rooms and with almost all floor surfaces, including wet ones such as bathrooms.
There are a number of different electric systems to choose from.
In-screed systems:
Heating coils are placed on top of the waterproofing membrane and beneath a layer of screed. Cable Mat floor heating is installed safely & discreetly in a sand cement screed under tile, or other floor finishes including stone, timber, vinyl, carpet and bamboo flooring. This type of system is cost-effective, safe and reliable.
Under-tile systems:
Here, the coils are placed directly beneath the floor. As the coils are so close to the surface, these systems heat rooms slightly faster than other electric systems.
In-slab systems:
The coils are embedded directly into the concrete slab with this system. It’s a popular and cost-effective choice for new builds.
2
Hydronic
Hydronic is a water system using a length of pipe set in the floor, a heat source and a pump to pump the water through the pipes to heat your floor.
With hydronic (hot water) systems, heated water is pumped from a boiler through a loop of flexible tubing embedded in the floor. These systems are generally used in large spaces, and are particularly appealing if you are looking to reduce your electricity usage.
Just like electric underfloor heating, it can also be installed during a renovation.
Underfloor heating can be used on most floor types for example: laminate, wooden floors, carpet, vinyl flooring, concrete, tile & stone.
Over the last few years underfloor heating is is becoming a great option to warm homes as it is energy efficient and provides the ultimate in comfort.