Things to consider when deciding on which underfloor heating to install.

There are two types of underfloor heating. Electric and hydronic underfloor heating systems.

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.

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. A variety of heat sources can be used to heat the water, the most common being gas boiler. And due to the thermal mass of concrete, off-peak energy sources or solar-type energy sources can be used to preheat the slab at lower running costs. Hydronic is best suited for larger areas (60m2 +).

There are two ways of installing these floor heating systems, wet and dry.
Wet, in-slab floor heating is typically embedded in concrete during an initial building process or in screed above concrete specifically for the purpose.

Dry installation is using electric cabling directly under the flooring for example carpet, wood, tile, vinyl... 

Which means floor heating can now be retrofitted into existing homes and not just for new builds.

Floor Height
Another thing to consider is your floor height. Electric systems can be installed with very little impact to increase the height of your floor. (2.2mm) However, if you are wanting the hydronic system there is more space required and need to be taken into account when renovation or with new builds.

Heat up times
Electric underfloor heating generally will heat the room quicker. The hydronic water floor heating system lets out a slow and steady heat and slab acts as a storage heater.

Can I install floor heating myself?
It's possible to install an electric system yourself with DIY floor heating kits. The thin floor heating systems construction and installation methodology does not require any special tools and is quickly stuck to a clean subfloor using the attached adhesive tape strips.

If you choose the hydronic water system, you'll need to hire a professional. 

Once you have decided which system to go with simply look at different options available to best suit your needs.
Click here to view the types of products available.