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Underfloor heating is a clean, quiet, efficient alternative to traditional heating systems.  Underfloor heating systems are simple to install in a new build or when an additional room is being added.  They are actually so simple to install that underfloor heating kits have been designed for use by handymen or anyone who is skilled at DIY projects.

An underfloor heating kit comes complete with all the supplies you need to install your own system.  Although the kits vary, depending on the particular space for which they are to be used, they all include some basic parts, such as heating cable, electrical cables, underfloor heating insulation and a thermostat.

There are also heating mat kits that can be rolled straight onto the sub-floor and they are designed for use in larger spaces.  You will have to choose a specific type of heating mat kit depending on what type of floor the room has.  Lower wattage mats are for use under wood floors, whilst higher wattage versions are better under stone or tile floors.

You might consider using a combination of heating cable and heating mats to heat a smaller space with an irregular shape such as a bathroom.

There are DIY underfloor heating kits available for installation on any type of sub-floor.  If you are installing one in average size room it will probably require no more than two people. 

Adding underfloor heating to an existing room will result in the floor level being raised slightly.  It will probably not even be necessary to raise the skirting boards or modify the doors.

When installing an underfloor heating system, it is important to also install underfloor heating insulation.  The purpose of the insulation is to ensure that the warmth generated by the system is reflected up through the floor and into the room, not down into the sub-floor.

One way to insulate an underfloor heating system is to use polystyrene boards.  This type of board is quite strong and conducts very little heat.  Polystyrene boards are designed to be used on top of cement screeds or solid concrete sub-floors.  You will need to use a different type of underfloor heating insulation for wooden sub-floors.

For wooden sub-floors, tile-backer boards should be used.  Tile-backer boards have a polystyrene core, which is surrounded by glass fibre mesh, which is then coated with reinforced polymer cement.  This is to make the tile-backer board rigid.  It is attached to the wooden sub-floor with a flexible adhesive. 

The insulation boards are attached to the sub-floor with an adhesive.  The underfloor heating cables are laid over the insulation and finally the floor is fixed on top; this is also attached with an adhesive.

Tile-backer boards may also be used with concrete sub-floors, but should only with electric underfloor heating systems.  Polystyrene boards may be used with either electric or water underfloor heating systems.

Although it is strong, underfloor heating insulation is easily cut with a sharp knife.  It is also waterproof, lightweight for easy handling and resists rot.

Underfloor heating insulation is an essential part of an underfloor heating system.  Without it, you will lose a substantial percentage of the heat generated.

There are many advantages to having heating under the floor, which is why more and more people are opting for it.  Once reserved for the wealthy, DIY underfloor heating has now become a key element of many a homeowner’s renovation project.

Under tile heating is perfect for bathrooms and kitchens.  Tile floors help make the rooms easy to clean, but when stepping out of the shower or bath they can feel cold under foot.  Underfloor heating can put an end to that particular problem at a stroke.

Underfloor heating kits can be bought from many DIY stores and are easy to install by following the simple instructions.  They do not heat the floor to high temperatures, so there is no risk of being burned; instead they warm the floor to a comfortable temperature, so that walking around barefoot becomes pleasurable.  Thermostats are supplied with the kits, so you can set the temperature to suit yourself.  Cold winter days may mean setting the temperature just a little higher.

Underfloor heating is not designed to replace central heating radiators, as the heat given off is not sufficient to warm the whole room.  This makes for an extremely cost effective system, as the energy used is low when compared to other electric heating devices, such as fan heaters.  Another benefit of installing this system is that when the floor is wet, perhaps after it has been mopped, underfloor heating will gently dry it.  From a safety point of view, as the floor dries more quickly, the risk of slipping on a wet patch is considerably reduced.

Installing under tile heating is an ideal way to warm floors in rooms such as bathrooms, kitchens and conservatories.  These areas often have tiled flooring, which can make them feel cold, particularly during the winter months.  The level of heating in each room can be individually controlled, using thermostats.

Underfloor heating systems can be either electric or water powered.  Underfloor electric heating is powered directly from the property’s mains supply; it is easy to install and underfloor heating kits can be purchased from the larger DIY stores.  They are so simple to fit that it is possible to do the job yourself, without having to employ a professional.  The cables are small, usually around 3mm thick, which means they will have minimal effect on the floor level once tiles have been laid on top. 

Water powered underfloor heating takes its supply directly from the water tank or boiler.  This form of heating is best installed in new build properties, as it is easier to lay the pipe-work.  It is possible to install it in an existing property, though a professional may be required for any additional pipework that may be required.

You do not need to worry about the tiles becoming wet; underfloor heating is waterproof, so there is absolutely no risk of electrical shortages.  If installed under stone tiles, you will find that they retain heat better than ceramic tiles and it is therefore ideal for laying under this type of flooring.

For years, underfloor heating has been popular in northern Europe, and now it has caught on in the UK. But is it the right choice for you?

What is underfloor heating?

Underfloor heating is what it says, a heating system that is placed underneath your flooring. Thus, when you use an underfloor heating system, the floor itself becomes the conduit for heat.

Are there different types of underfloor heating systems?

There are two basic types of underfloor heating systems available – electric and water based. Both systems are virtually identical, except for the method of conducting heat. However, different floor types work better with the different types.

The difference between underfloor heating and radiator heating systems

Wall mounted radiators work like convectors, heating the air and working from the ceiling downward. With underfloor heating systems, the whole floor acts as an emitter for heat, working from the bottom upwards. What this means is that with underfloor heating, warmth is actually created in the area occupied by people, rather than being pushed downward.

The benefits of underfloor heating

One of the major benefits is that, without the need for radiators, you gain additional space in your room, whilst losing what are, in essence, dust catchers. In wet areas, such as bathrooms, your floor will dry more quickly. Plus, as mentioned above, the warm air tends to be where you are. Please note however, that depending upon your type of flooring, feeling the effects of your underfloor system can take longer than with traditional radiators.

Any time you are thinking about installing an underfloor heating system or a traditional heating system, cost and placement factors are always primary considerations.  Here are some key points to consider where cost and placement of these systems is concerned.

- Whenever you are using a radiator heating system, you need to be concerned with the space surrounding the radiator.  If any of that space should get blocked, it’s going to impair the operation of that unit.  Draperies and heavy pieces of furniture should not be placed in proximity to that radiator.  This results in dilemmas where decorating and the efficient use of space is the issue.

- When you use an underfloor heating system, placement is a moot point because there are no bulky or unsightly radiators to be concerned with.  You actually gain wall space, as well as decorating options when installing an underfloor heating system.

- Despite the fact that cost factors are about the same when you purchase and install a radiator or underfloor heating system, there are significant differences between the two when either system is being used.  Electric underfloor heating systems use far less electricity compared to radiator heating systems which saves you considerable money on your monthly electric bills.

- Additionally, an electric underfloor heating or water underfloor heating system will require considerably less maintenance than radiator heating systems, meaning that you will save money in the long run while still keeping the system operating efficiently.

Bathroom radiators are an essential part of your bathroom. For the room to be welcoming isn’t it essential that it be warm every time you step out of the bath?

Just because your bathroom radiator is a functional and practical item, it doesn’t mean you have to forego style. You would be amazed how the humble bathroom radiator has become something of a design statement. If you think every bathroom radiator is dull and boring, think again.

It doesn’t take long to find a wide range of radiators that really enhance any bathroom they are installed in. When you start your search, don’t think they have to be the usual boring shapes and sizes. Designer bathroom radiators are surprising in many ways and one of them is the fact that they come in all kinds of shapes and sizes.

For instance, how about having a tall thin radiator that has a mirror mounted on the front of it? Wouldn’t that solve a space problem, as well as providing a nice focal point for the room as a whole? Or what about long thin radiators that sit along the skirting, making the most of space that you would not be able to use in any other way? After all, heat rises, so having a bathroom radiator in this position could work very well for you.

So you can see that choosing a bathroom radiator doesn’t just have to be a case of finding one that fits the space you have, you can go for style as well.

Regardless of what type of floor heating system you are considering installing, there is one thing that all of them have in common: efficiency.  Anyone can testify to the fact that one of the most common bodily extremities that feels cold in the house more than any other part are the feet. Heating the surface beneath your feet helps to circulate heat around the exterior of your body in a more efficient manner, which means not only is your home being heated efficiently using an underfloor heating kit, but your body is as well. This of course means that thermostat temperatures can actually be set lower than with traditional heaters.

Underfloor heating kits can be installed in almost any home and in almost any situation. There are a variety of choices when it comes to determining which type will work best for your particular installation, ranging from wet underfloor heating, which relies upon water tubes running beneath the surface of the floor, to electric underfloor heating systems that use an underfloor heating thermostat in conjunction with an electric mat that regulates the temperature according to the preference of the user. Installation is a breeze, with electric heating mats being able to be cut to fit any type of flooring area. Under tile heating is the most common application for underfloor heating systems with the tile being installed directly on top of the heat mat, allowing a simple and effective heating system to be installed without any major disruption.

If you’re not the DIY type and are considering replacing your current home heating system with an underfloor heating system, you’re going to want to make sure that you choose the best company for the job.  Naturally, the initial consideration is the family budget so ensuring that you get the best value for the money is important.  Here are some suggestions for choosing the right company to do the job.

Start your search on the internet: There are numerous systems available whether they are electric or hot water underfloor heating systems.  You not only want to consider what system is right for your family’s needs but you want to look at your current budget in order to determine what you can feasibly afford.

Make sure that you investigate several companies: Don’t just go with the first company that you find when searching.  There are key things to consider when you are making this comparison.  Don’t be afraid to ask about their credentials in order to make sure they are licensed and certified at underfloor heating system installation, maintenance, and repair.

Do your price comparisons: Obviously the goal here is to get the most features for the least amount of money.  Remember that you do not have to spend a lot of money in order to get the best overall underfloor heating system.  Besides that, it’s the matter of your budget which should always be your first consideration.  Typically, electric underfloor heating systems are more cost-effective than hot water underfloor heating systems.

There are five key factors that will play a significant role in the decision making process when considering the installation of either an electric or hot water underfloor heating system.

Ease of Maintenance – Whether it is an electric underfloor heating system or a hot water underfloor heating system, they are long lasting and highly reliable.  Maintenance and repairs oftentimes can be a bit costly, but when you consider the savings you will realize in the long run, it’s all worth it with either system.

Efficiency Factors – Despite the fact that you are going to spend more on the purchase and installation of a hot water underfloor heating system, they tend to be more economical and energy-efficient over the long term.  The key difference where efficiency is concerned relates to the fact that water typically retains heat for longer periods of time whereas the heat from electricity decreases quicker.

Fuel Options – Depending on where you are located in the UK, electricity costs may make electric underfloor heating systems a less economically sound choice.

Installation, Maintenance, and Operational Costs – Compared to electric underfloor heating systems, hot water underfloor heating systems are more expensive to install because of the necessity of purchasing and installing a boiler.  Less space is required with an electric system, they are cheaper to install, and the installation process takes less time.

System Installation – It is advisable that installation be performed during either new construction or a home renovation.  The floor needs to be opened up in order to install either type of underfloor heating system.