Full Answer
Why choose an electric underfloor heating system?
Electric systems are perfect for use as primary or secondary heat source. Heating a large area with electric underfloor heating is possible and efficient when paired with a smart thermostat or especially renewable energy. After installation an electric system is maintance free and totally out of sight.
Should I choose water-based or wet underfloor heating?
You will also need to be weary of placing heavy objects on parts of your electric underfloor heating system whereas there is no need to be cautious with a water-based underfloor heating system. Why Choose Water-Based or Wet Underfloor Heating?
What is the cheapest underfloor heating option?
Electric underfloor heating is often cited as the cheapest installation option when looking for underfloor heating. However, be cautious as there are high running costs with this underfloor heating system as it runs via electricity.
Are there any myths about underfloor heated floors?
There are a lot of myths surrounding both forms of Heated Floors so we have compiled information on both of these underfloor heating systems as well as an in-depth analysis of the benefits of water-based underfloor heating systems.
Is electric or water better for underfloor heating?
Warm Water Underfloor Heating More powerful in heat output than electric systems plus much more energy efficient than radiator systems and can completely remove the need for traditional radiators in your home.
Which type of underfloor heating is best?
Screeded wet underfloor heating systems are the most popular and effective type of underfloor heating. Pipes are clipped or stapled onto an insulation layer, then the screed is laid on top. The warm pipes effectively heat up the whole slab, giving even and consistent heat output.
Is electric underfloor heating a good idea?
Electric underfloor heating (UFH) is a tempting choice for heating your home. Also known as dry underfloor heating, not only is it easy to install and maintain, but it delivers an even spread of warmth across the whole floor surface, cutting out cold spots entirely.
Do heated floors use a lot of electricity?
Heated Floor Electricity Specifics Most heated tile floors and electric floor heating systems use 12 watts per hour per square foot, meaning a 100-square-foot room would use 1200 watts in total every hour (potentially up to 300 watts less than the average space heater).
What are the disadvantages of underfloor heating?
Underfloor heating consCost – The initial cost can be considerable and the installation of the system can cause a lot of upheaval in your home. ... Time – Underfloor heating takes longer to fire up than a radiator, so you have to use a timer to predict when you want heat in certain rooms.More items...•
How long does electric underfloor heating last?
30-40 yearsElectric In Floor Heating For example, electric underfloor heating, which supplies heat through cables or mats, can last upwards of 30-40 years.
What can go wrong with electric underfloor heating?
Floor heating is Ineffective Floor takes a long time to heat up - the most common cause of poor performance with electric underfloor heating systems is lack of insulation either directly beneath the heating or within the floor build.
What is the most efficient way to use underfloor heating?
For an efficient system and quick response times, set your underfloor heating temperature to 16°C in “off” periods. This will result in a quicker warm up time as the heating system needs to supply less energy.
Should you leave electric underfloor heating on all the time?
It is advised that in the depths of winter, an underfloor heating system should be kept on at all times. Although it should be at different temperatures depending on usage and activity in the house. This is because underfloor heating can take two to three hours to warm up, so it is best to not completely turn it off.
Are heated floors worth the cost?
When remodeling your bathroom, radiant floor heating is especially worth thinking about. You will save a lot on the labor cost if the flooring is being lifted up and changed anyway. The comfort and the cost savings of running the system on your heating bills will work out to your advantage in the longer run.
Can I put electric underfloor heating under laminate flooring?
While laminate flooring is suitable for use with both electric and wet underfloor heating systems, the recommended maximum temperature that the floor should be heated to is 27˚C, to avoid damaging the laminate.
Do heated floors increase home value?
Every homeowner wants to be comfortable in their own home. Radiant floor heat is truly “the gift that keeps on giving” — for current and future homeowners. Heated bathroom floors add resale value to any home.
What are the different types of underfloor heating?
The two types of underfloor heating are electric and wet, also known as dry and water underfloor heating systems respectively. Installing underfloor heating will help to keep rooms and floors warm through radiant heat, offering a space-saving solution as well as providing a perfect alternative to traditional radiators.
Can I install underfloor heating under any floor?
As mentioned before, the good news is that all underfloor heating systems can be installed under nearly every floor type, including tile, wood, stone, laminate and carpeted surfaces. This means that no matter the type of floor you already have, you will likely be able to upgrade to an underfloor heating system.
Which type of underfloor heating is best?
As with any home improvement project, deciding on the best options for your upgrades is a critical decision that needs to be made. You don’t want to pay lots of money for an appliance or system that isn’t suitable for your house or needs.
Electric Underfloor Heating Systems
Electric underfloor heating systems use electric cables that heat up when connected to mains electricity. A screed finish is often used in a new build property, and for existing properties, electric mats or tiles are regularly installed. Electric systems are usually preferred for existing structures as it is easier to install than a barrier pipe.
Wet Underfloor Heating System
Wet underfloor heating systems, also known as a water underfloor heating system or gas underfloor heating, works by hot water circulating through suitable polyethene barrier piping with separate circuits for different zones within the property. Zones are then connected to a manifold with regulating valves and a thermostat.
How does each underfloor heating system work?
Both systems produce radiant heat by heating the floor which means there is a much more even spread of heat compared with traditional central heating radiators. The floor area is larger than a traditional radiator and doesn’t need to be heated to a high temperature like radiators do which makes underfloor heating more energy efficient.
What types of projects are best for each underfloor heating system?
More commonly, electric underfloor heating is used in renovations or for smaller floor areas. This is because there is minimal impact on floor height and a faster installation time (depending on the size of the room).
How do the costs of each underfloor heating system compare?
When discussing costs, it is important to include material costs, installation costs, running costs and maintenance costs. It is also very dependent on the type of project.
So, what underfloor heating system is better?
It really comes down to what the project is and how large the heated area needs to be. Very large areas within new builds probably favour wet underfloor heating but everything else is perfect for electric. Just be mindful of running costs of each system and the maintenance costs to keep them at their peak performance.
Underfloor Heating Vs. Electric Underfloor Heating – The Facts
So you’ve decided that an underfloor heating system is right for your property. There’s however a wide range of factors that you will be facing when choosing which underfloor heating system is right for you. We’ve compiled the main features of both systems below:
Find out more about installing a wet underfloor heating system with Easyflow today!
If you are looking for more information on the hassle-free underfloor heating systems that we have available, get in contact with a member of our team of experts today.
What is hydronic underfloor heating?
Water systems, also known as hydronic underfloor heating or wet floor heating, involve pumping water, heated to an optimal temperature by a heat source (a traditional boiler or heat-pump) through underfloor heating pipes, also known as circuits, which are laid within or on top of the subfloor beneath your floor finish. Warmup offer a wide array of hydronic systems and heating pipes for all kinds of projects.
What is an electric floor heater?
Electric floor heaters are available as either a heated mat or heating cable-based system and both convert electric energy into radiant warmth. Heating mats use ultra-thin electric heating wires pre-attached to a ready-sized mat which can simply be rolled out and adhered to the subfloor. Heating cables take the form of a free-form electric wire which can be directly installed onto or within the subfloor.
What is warmup plc?
Founded in 1994, Warmup Plc is a certified ISO 9001:2015 British manufacturing company focused on the development of technologically advanced electric and hydronic underfloor heating solutions and heating accessories. Queen’s Awards for Enterprise 2020
Is underfloor heating better than electric?
If you are working on a renovation project, electric underfloor heating may be more suitable as it does not significantly increase the floor height. The Loose Wire System features a 1.8mm heating cable which can be fitted within a layer of levelling compound or adhesive and so has no affect on floor build-up. Electric systems are also preferable if you’re installing a heating system in just one or two rooms.
Is hydronic water cheaper to run?
Hydronic systems are more expensive to install but cheaper to run in the long-term. If you’re thinking about specifying a water system, get in touch with our Projects Division who can work with you in designing and installing a bespoke system perfect for your needs.
Can you install a water system without screed?
Other solutions like the Tectora Joisted Floor System or Contura Floating Floor System can be installed ‘dry’ without the need for screed.
Does screed need tile?
The Inscreed Cable electric heater is the only system that requires a deep layer of screed, whilst most of Warmup’s other electric products only require the use of tile adhesive or levelling compound. The Foil Heater can be installed totally dry.
What is underfloor heating?
A hot water underfloor heating system consists of a central boiler that is connected to a network of pipes. The boiler pumps hot water to the pipes, which carry the heat to different parts of the building. You can use one of several different fuel sources such as gas, diesel, wood or electricity to heat up the water in the boiler. In contrast, with an electric underfloor heating system, you can only use electricity. Hot water underfloor heating systems provide more flexibility and choice in terms of fuel.
Is underfloor heating cheaper than electric?
Underfloor water heating systems are much more expensive to install as compared to the electric versions. In addition to laying the pipes underneath the floor, there is also the cost of purchase and installation of the boiler. Electric underfloor heating systems are much cheaper to install and the process takes much less time as well. Another advantage with electric systems is that minimal space is required for fitting the electric coils underneath the floor. You can conserve more space if you install an electric system as compared to a hot water system, which requires bulkier pipes.
Can you install electric underfloor heating?
For both electric and hot water underfloor heating systems, installation is best performed during a renovation or during new construction. Both systems require the floor to be open. Electric system installation consists of laying electric coils underneath the flooring and encasing them in blankets. The flooring is laid on top of the coils. Hot water system installation consists of laying pipes under the floor and connecting the pipes to a central boiler that will provide the heated water.
Is underfloor heating reliable?
Both electric and hot water underfloor heating systems are quite reliable and long lasting. However, if there is a glitch, repairs and maintenance can be very cumbersome and costly. This is especially true of hot water systems, because there is the added risk of water leaks and structural damage.
