There are two forms of underfloor heating commonly in use; they are almost identical apart from obviously, that one uses electric heating cable while the other circulated heated water through a pipe. Water based systems use water heated at a lower temperature than in conventional radiators, which makes it ideal for use with a high efficiency condensing boilers; the lower operating temperature also makes it more suitable for use with heat pumps or solar water heaters.

Electric underfloor heating uses cables embedded into a screed or for existing properties this can now be achieved by use of a heating mats, cable kits, or carbon heating films. Running costs for electric underfloor heating is not expensive and in the case of a conservatory for example will be more efficient than radiators due to the fact that you are using the whole floor as a low temperature radiant room heater.

Underfloor heating provides the warmth to a room from the floor up rather than heating the ceiling space first which is normal with conventional radiators. Essentially, all systems work in the same way, a heating element warms a heat spreading device laid under the floor to achieve even warmth across it. The heat can be supplied to that element either by warm water or by electricity, hence the two main types of underfloor heating system, the wet system or electric element.

Underfloor heating is ideal for any location, but it is considered the perfect solution for bathrooms, particularly those with cold stone floors, conservatories and extensions, and a blessing in the kitchen area where a person can be standing for longer periods.

A thick carpet for example may have the effect of insulating your room from the very thing that’s trying to heat it and when choosing your carpet you should check that your choice of floor covering is compatible with underfloor heating. Carpeting a floor that has underfloor heating is a bit like putting a duvet cover on a radiator and is bound to have an effect. As a rule of thumb, the thicker the combination of underlay and carpet then the greater the insulating effect. It will still heat the room of course, but it will take longer using more precious fuel.

The heating mat is designed to be installed directly below tiles and stone flooring, cable mats are the perfect solution for larger square or rectangular rooms. The mats are available in two different outputs, 150watts per square metre for internal rooms and 200 watts per square metre for conservatories and other areas that may suffer high heat loss. A fully programmable digital thermostat included with every installation.

Electric underfloor heating is also more efficient than radiators as well as other convected heat. The electric system does not require periodic maintenance but importantly 100% of the electrical energy is turned into heat energy, rather than being lost as exhaust gases or transfer trough pipes to radiators. . Electric underfloor heating stands out as an excellent choice, particularly where there is no mains gas supply, then you have a choice of oil or LPG.

When choosing a heating system which uses in screed cables, you would take into consideration the aspect of the room, extension being built, or conservatory as this can have an effect upon the overall warmth of the area. Design parameters require output of between 130w/m² and 200w/m² dependent upon room where this is being installed or the construction type.

Naturally your electrician would ensure that all underfloor heating installations must be connected via an RCD (earth trip) protected circuit, this could be very important in a conservatory where water from open doors and windows is more likely than in other rooms. Thermostatic control is vital in order to keep the room at a pleasant temperature and ensure that you’re in screed underfloor heating remains the most cost effective choice of heating for your new room, which is a choice that you will never regret.

Floor boards will always require provision of insulated tile backing boards before heating can be installed. Mats and cables can be fitted directly on to ply-wood and moisture proof chipboard, providing that the floor is treated with a suitable priming solution. The heat output required will depend upon the room but this would vary from 100w/m² to 150w/m² dependent on floor base specification.

For both of the above installations, under tile cables offer a far more flexible heating solution in terms of area coverage and heat output. However, for rooms of a regular shape, underfloor tile mats provide a quick solution for these areas. It is important to note that your electrician must ensure that all underfloor heating installations must be connected via an RCD (earth trip) protected circuit. All underfloor heating applications in bathrooms, wet rooms and shower rooms must use heating cables with an earth screen.

Easy to install if you are contemplating laying a new kitchen or bathroom floor, or a laminate wooden floor to a living room or conservatory, efficient heat is yours at the click of a switch. With adequate floor insulation under tile heating cables and mats designed to 150w/m² will provide a full heating solution for most areas of the home. In certain circumstances a higher wattage of up to 200w/m² are recommended in conservatories for example. As a secondary heating arrangement to supplement other forms of heating, 100w/m² will provide sufficient output.

Insulation beneath your underfloor heating mat will help you get the best from your underfloor heating system and by fitting material that is suitable for your floor the warm up time can be reduced to as little as 20 minutes. This in turn leads to greater efficiency and lower running costs. The initial outlay of the Marmox insulation boards for example will be repaid over a short period by reduced running costs.

Underfloor heating provides the warmth to a room from the floor up, rather than heating the ceiling space first and this would apply to electric underfloor heating too.  Because the underfloor water heating system uses lower temperature water, the larger heating surface does not need to emit as much heat per square metre as a radiator. This means the boiler consumes less fuel, which in turn means lower running costs and less environmental damage. Good for your pocket and good for the environment.