Category: Underfloor Heating Controls

Many new builds now feature electric underfloor heating and also, because it is simple to retrofit onto existing flooring with minimal mess, it is increasingly popular in property updates. If you too are contemplating electric floor heating, read on before hitting any stores.

What is electric underfloor heating?
Electric underfloor heating is a modern take on the ancient concept of warming rooms from below the floors.  Instead of slow-burning fires that heat the ceiling and in turn the floor of the room above, the system has evolved to become electrically-powered heaters that are installed beneath a floor covering, often directly so.  They are usually wires on a reel or pre-positioned on a mat, although some systems also take the form of panelled sheets.  Electric floor heating works on the principle of rising heat, thus it warms the room from ground up.  This kind of heating, known as radiant heat, emits warmth that is even and ideally suited for the human physiology – the feet are warm while the air at head-level remains comfortably cool rather than stuffy, as is often the case with other forms of heating.  With radiant heat, comfort tends to be felt sooner and at a lower temperature so energy savings are achieved.

What benefits can I expect to gain from my electric underfloor heater?
Electric underfloor heating is advantageous in many ways, including the following:

• Luxuriate in extra comfortable warmth thanks to the gentle method of radiant heating
• Potentially lower heating bills thanks to targeted usage, optimal energy efficiency and sustainability
• Take advantage of free wall space for uninhibited interior design
• With the heater well insulated and hidden underground, there is no risk of burns
• Enjoy a healthier environment with reduced drafts and airborne allergens
• Be free of regular maintenance as required by conventional gas-fuelled radiators

Where can electric floor heating be fitted?
Electric floor heating is usually installed indoors and can be fitted in any rooms from kitchens to bathrooms.  It is also excellent for conservatories where traditional wall-mounted radiators are less practical.  The systems are operated by individual zones, which means you can choose to install the heater in an entire room or just a section of it as required.

Which system should I go for?
Electric underfloor heaters come in various forms and which type you choose would depend on the specifications of your project.  An irregularly shaped room with many units to work around would benefit from the flexibility of a loose cable heater.  Big areas, on the other hand, could be covered more conveniently with a pre-spaced matting heater that is simply rolled out over the floor.  Fully earthed systems such as the Warmup Foil Heater also makes shorter work of installation in wet areas as the integrated safety mechanism eliminates the need for additional grounding nets.

Your final floor finish could also affect the system you could use, as some products are intended solely for installation under certain materials such as tiles.  If you are not in a position to confirm the floor covering yet, but need to have the heating installed nonetheless perhaps to adhere to a project schedule, Warmup offers ultimate versatility in the form of their inscreed heater that is compatible with all floor surfaces.  Because it is fitted within concrete, the heating system will stay protected until the floor covering is ready to be put down.

What should I do about installation?
Installation of electric floor heating systems is relatively straightforward and can for the most part be taken on by a competent DIY-er or experienced tradesman.  It is however recommended that a qualified electrician connect the thermostat and for manufacturers’ instructions to be followed closely.  If in any doubt, always contact the manufacturer for clarification.  It is also worthwhile considering the use of insulation boards in conjunction with your underfloor heating system as they can significantly reduce heat-up times.

How do I know if a particular brand is reliable?
When shopping around for a system, it is more advisable to make your selection based on overall value rather than a direct price comparison.

• First and foremost, check that the heating element is insulated with high quality fluoropolymers and not cheap PVC plastic that will become brittle over time.
• Look for accreditations.  Safety marks such as BEAB, GS and DEKRA are based on some of the most stringent standards in Britain and Europe so you can be assured of high quality.
• The length of a product’s warranty is often an indication of the manufacturer’s confidence in its durability, so the longer the better. Market leader Warmup even offers a SafetyNet Installation Guarantee whereby a heater damaged accidentally during fitting will be replaced for free.
• Ascertain the level of support you will be entitled to pre and post-purchase, including useful services like free quotes, rapid delivery and technical help along the way.  A consumer-oriented company offering both telephone assistance and online resources that you can conveniently access around the clock is best.
• Ideally, choose a company that has dedicated service engineers as they will have both the technical know-how and the ability to respond quickly in the unfortunate event of a system malfunction.
• Ask for precise running costs of their systems.  A company that is heavily committed to research and development would be able to tell you that.

For more information regarding electric underfloor heating, contact Warmup on 0845 345 2288 or speak to a live consultant on their website www.warmup.co.uk.  You can also email them with your floor plan for a free quote with no obligation.