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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.

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.

Do you live in a region that gets very cold in the winter months?  If so, you should know that floor heating solutions can help reduce your overall heating costs and warm your home much more efficiently.  When installing underfloor heating systems, you have the option to select from various electronic and hot water systems.

The most common rooms to find underfloor heating systems are the kitchen, living room, and children’s bedrooms, though it is possible to install such systems in any room of the home.  However, it makes more sense to install floor heating in rooms that are used the most.

Believe it or not, there are many layers to your floor including the base, concrete, and then the floor covering.  The floor heating is usually found between the concrete and the top layer.  Underfloor heating systems can be installed with any floor type ranging from hardwood floors to tile tops.

When it comes to heating your floors, there are many options out there.  Some underfloor heating systems include electronic heating mats, electronic heating cables, a hot water system, loose wire heater, and carbon heating system to name a few.

In most cases, DIY underfloor heating is a very real possibility and usually only takes one or two people to install.  There are plenty of underfloor heating kits available that make installation a snap.  These kits allow for affordable and efficient floor heating in your home, which in turn will help reduce your overall heating bill in the winter.

When it comes to having an underfloor heating system installed, you have two choices where the installation and set-up is concerned.  You can hire a professional contractor, or you can install it yourself as a DIY underfloor heating project.  Many people are choosing the latter method for the installation and set-up because it is considerably more cost-effective to do so.  If you are an avid DIY’er and want to take this project on, here are a few considerations.

There are electric underfloor heating systems known as “dry” systems, and there are hydro or “wet” underfloor heating systems.  The one you choose depends on your family budget and personal preference.  Additionally, you can install an under-flooring system, an under carpet heating system, or an under tile heating system.  So you have the initial considerations of flooring and type of underfloor heating system to contend with at the start of your DIY underfloor heating project.

Another thing that you want to consider when you are trying to decide on the type of heating system to install is the difficulty factor.  In other words, is one type of underfloor heating system more difficult to install than another? The answer is yes.  Typically, installing the hot water underfloor heating system is more challenging than installing an electric one.

Finally, even if you are an avid DIY’er and know what you are doing, you should still hire an electrical contractor or electrician to wire in your underfloor heating system.  It’s definitely better to rely on a professional to handle that portion of the installation.

There are several different types of underfloor heating systems that you can install in order to be have a more energy-efficient method for staying comfortable and warm when dealing with the UK winters.  The primary underfloor heating systems available on the market today include:

- Electric underfloor heating systems
- Forced air underfloor heating systems
- Hot water or wet underfloor heating systems

Here are some things to consider when trying to decide which of these systems you want to install.

Electric Underfloor Heating Systems – Electrically conductive cables or wires are placed under the flooring or tile and as the current passes through them, heat is given off, thus warming up the air surrounding the floor and the room.  Electric under tile heating systems work in similar fashion.

Forced Air Underfloor Heating Systems – This is probably the oldest method of heating a house or room on record, having been dated back to the time of the ancient Romans.  A series of ducts are installed under the flooring or tile and connected to a boiler or furnace which is typically powered by gas or oil.  The air is heated up and then forced up through the ducts and vents in order to heat the room.

Hot Water or Wet Underfloor Heating Systems – Metal pipes which are connected to a boiler are placed under the flooring or tile.  The boiler heats the water which is then passed through the pipes and enables the heat to radiate out and heat the room up.

Traditional heating systems

Here in the UK, traditional heating means convection heating. This is the actual movement of heat from one location to another through the air. With traditional heating, radiators are required, and the warmed air is circulated through a room, working from the top downward (warm air rises).

Other key elements of traditional convection heating systems include the following: The heat concentrates at the location of the source, in this case, the radiators. Convection currents create dust, which is then dispersed into the air, landing on furnishings and being breathed into our lungs. A room needs to maintain an average temperature of 22°C in order to remain comfortable. Heating for every room is controlled by a single thermostat, rather than by individual thermostats within every room. Radiators are ugly, take up precious wall space, and require continual maintenance. A gas-fired boiler, along with pumps and valves is required.

Underfloor heating systems

Underfloor heating, while coming with its own minimal set of issues, is often a better choice than traditional heating systems for several reasons: Reduced energy costs – with an annual savings averaging between 15 and 20%. Water, or wet, underfloor heating systems are maintenance-free, and will usually last for the lifetime of the home. Electric underfloor heating systems are relatively cheap to install. Radiated heat is more efficient than convection. The dust problem is eliminated. Warmth starts and the floor and moves upward, rather than vice versa. There is no need for radiators.

If you’re remodelling and considering electric underfloor heating, you’ll be pleased to know that very little preparation is needed to prepare for the installation.  In fact, the prep work can be done by nearly anyone, so if you plan to have a contractor install the underfloor heating system, ask if they offer discounts when the homeowner prepares the space.

First, of course, the existing floor covering will need to be pulled up and disposed of.  You may be able to recycle the floor covering—check with your local refuse dealer and ask if any provisions for recycling are available.  Second, sweep or vacuum the space well, being especially watchful of sharp objects. Nail heads, staples, or other debris from the former floor covering could have a negative effect on the efficiency or operation of your new underfloor heat.

If your new floor covering will be tile, ceramic, or engineered wood, you’ll want to make sure that your sub-floor is as level as possible.  Use filler to bring up any low spots and a sander or other tool to smooth out high areas.  Remember, tiles don’t bend around warps and high spots; there’s limited room for unevenness with those materials.  Nail down any loose or creaky boards, or better yet, use a high-quality screw.

Believe it or not, the hard work is now done!  With an electric underfloor system, you can lay out wires in your preferred pattern, or simply roll out a flexible mat that has wires embedded within it.  Hook it up to your electrical system and test the connection—you may want to have a licensed electrician do this part.  If the connection is good, then spread Thinset over the mat, and then lay your tiles or wood.  Grout if needed, and your system is ready to go!