Underfloor heating – types, costs, advantages and disadvantages

Heating systems

Article Content:

Electric floor heating

Underfloor heating with hot water

The comparison between the two heating systems

Alternative heating – infrared heating

Advantages and disadvantages of underfloor heating

Cost of underfloor heating and savings opportunities

Examples of floor types suitable for underfloor heating

Underfloor heating was once considered a luxury exclusive alternative to traditional heating systems. However, the rapid development of technology nowadays offers lots of opportunities for people who want to install underfloor heating. We’ll present to you the types of heating systems available, costing models,  and the advantages and disadvantages of each system.

Lay underfloor heating – Overview of variants

Interior Design

Floor heating is often preferred because of the uniform and comfortable warmth they disperse in space. Two variants of underfloor heating are mainly offered – the underfloor heating electric model or underfloor heating hot water model. It is important however to be carefully informed about the two types and make good preparations before such a system is installed in the house. Underfloor heating is suitable for well-insulated rooms. This is not only true for the soil, but also for the ceiling, walls and windows. Unlike traditional heating systems, the heat is evenly distributed in the room. The floor heating keeps the bottom of the temperature with respect to the chimney, for example. This saves on heating costs.

Installing electric underfloor heating

Lay underfloor heating - types, costs, advantages and disadvantages

The electric underfloor heating model takes up less space when compared to the hot water model. It is ideal for new construction as well as renovations. Those wishing to renovate with this model must take several precautions, however. First, you must make sure that the old flooring is removed completely. Then a layer of suitable insulation is placed between the heating coils and the carpet. The next step is crucial – the right choice of flooring plays an important role in the efficiency of the heat gains. Materials that are suitable for underfloor heating are often marked as such on the packaging.

The important characteristics of electric underfloor heating:

Lay underfloor heating - types, costs, advantages and disadvantages

+ Easy to install, suitable for building

+ Matching Flooring – tiles retain heat for a long time (wood is less appropriate)

+ Range – suitable as a water heater for the bathroom, kitchen, hallway or balcony glass

– Quite expensive – more suitable as a supplemental heating system. A thermostat can save heat and money

Lay underfloor heating - types, costs, advantages and disadvantages

Hot water type underfloor heating

Lay underfloor heating - types, costs, advantages and disadvantages

The underfloor heating type that uses hot water works much like the electric version. Heated water is passed through a plastic or copper tube. It is important to have a boiler where water is heated and is then passed through the system. Today, many options are available. However, it is much easier to installthis model in a new building. The tubes are larger and therefore a heating system with hot water needs much more space compared to the electric model.

Comparison of electric and hot water underfloor heating models

Lay underfloor heating - types, costs, advantages and disadvantages

The choice between hot water and electric underfloor heating maintained is related to personal needs and should be discussed thoroughly with experts and professionals in advance. Whether the floor will be mounted as the only heating in the house, or will be combined with other types of heating systems, is also an issue that must be clarified in advance. If in all cases if multiple heating systems are combined, then each must have a separate control.

– The electric underfloor heating takes up less space compared to hot water systems

– The electric heater is ideal for small rooms and rooms with unique layouts.

– The electric heater can be installed quickly – you can also do most of it yourself, but an electrician must run on the line.

– The heater must be installed by professionals who not only lay down the tubes, but are connected to a steam boiler.

Alternative heating – infrared heating

Lay underfloor heating - types, costs, advantages and disadvantages

The infared heating system is another alternative that is also good for health and pocket. The principle is simple but effective – infrared light does not heat the air, but objects – walls, floors, ceilings, humans and animals. The infrared heating systems create an environment where the ground is warmer than the ceiling. The installation is similar to those of electric underfloor heating, but the carpets are thinner and easier to install. This method is effective. The following advantages and disadvantages should be taken into consideration:

Benefits of Radiant Heating:

Lay underfloor heating - types, costs, advantages and disadvantages

+ Reduces energy consumption and reduces heating costs.

+ Unlike conventional radiators, air does not circulate in the room – which is good for people with allergies.

+ The floor and ceiling are heated evenly.

+ Infrared heating is low compared to other traditional heating systems and fireplaces.

+ The wave heater takes up little space

– The infrared heater must be powered during the day. Although it is less expensive than the ordinary electric underfloor heating, the cost is even higher compared to heating with gas.

Advantages and disadvantages of underfloor heating

Lay underfloor heating - types, costs, advantages and disadvantages

+ Space saving – you do not need heating

+ Uniform heat throughout the room

+ Perfect for traditional cold as stone or tile floor

+ Suitable for new and existing buildings

+ Can be installed even partially

– Increases the cost of electricity

– Requires some preparation and complete renovations in the old

– Heats the room slowly

– All systems underfloor heating can not completely replace the conventional heating

– Is it difficult to repair

– There is a version of inflexible

Lay underfloor heating and associated costs

Lay underfloor heating - types, costs, advantages and disadvantages

Whatever model you decide on, you will want to get a cost estimate first. It depends on the following:

– Type of building being heated. New buildings offer some flexibility and standard products can be installed. If the building is older the cost will go up due in part to the use of specialized heating mats.

– Insulation – a room that is not well-insulated will suffer heat loss, so the cost of good insulation should be added to the total.

Lay underfloor heating - types, costs, advantages and disadvantages

– What is the floor area and floor covering that is placed later. Tiles save money and effectively manage the heat on all wood isolated. If you still want a wood floor

As a matter of principle for the costs of electric underfloor heating between 40-100 euros. The cost can vary greatly depending on the above criteria and it is therefore advisable to get several quotes. Installation and materials for underfloor heating with hot water cost a little more – from 50 euro. Here also play a different role requirements – always seek advice from professionals.

Flooring plays an important role – dissipating the heat flooring such as tiles or stone slabs to the running costs about 10% less. Regular maintenance – according to the manufacturer’s specifications are a must. Save money if the problems can be detected early.

 

Power Mat schematics

Lay underfloor heating - types, costs, advantages and disadvantages

Lay underfloor heating – Renovation of old building

Lay underfloor heating - types, costs, advantages and disadvantages

Installation of underfloor heating 

Lay underfloor heating - types, costs, advantages and disadvantages

Proper planning is essential for the proper heating 

Lay underfloor heating - types, costs, advantages and disadvantages

Planning for the kitchen – electric underfloor heating

Lay underfloor heating - types, costs, advantages and disadvantages

Heating plan detail

Lay underfloor heating - types, costs, advantages and disadvantages

Floor heating is perfect for the bathroom

Lay underfloor heating - types, costs, advantages and disadvantages

Underfloor heating with hot water system : Assembly

Lay underfloor heating - types, costs, advantages and disadvantages

Isolation and flooring with hot water system

Lay underfloor heating - types, costs, advantages and disadvantages

Hot water heating diagram

Lay underfloor heating - types, costs, advantages and disadvantages

Emitting floor heat – Stone tiles in wood design
Lay underfloor heating - types, costs, advantages and disadvantages
Laid with tiles and heated with underfloor heating Lay underfloor heating - types, costs, advantages and disadvantages
Conservatory with tiled and heated floor Lay underfloor heating - types, costs, advantages and disadvantages
Heating for the bathroom Lay underfloor heating - types, costs, advantages and disadvantages
Flooring that is not well suited for underfloor heating Lay underfloor heating - types, costs, advantages and disadvantages

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