If you’ve considered underfloor heating for your home, you’ve probably wondered about the benefits and drawbacks of each. You may have already heard about the benefits of electric underfloor heating with the help of vloerverwarming, or perhaps you’re wondering how this technology differs from other options. In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of various options, from ceramic tiles to propane-based radiant systems.

Electric underfloor heating

Before implementing electric underfloor heating, it is important to determine the wattage of your system. This will determine how many watts are used per square foot. Then you must find out what your local KWh costs are. This can be done by referring to your utility bill. You can find the list on the internet. Depending on the manufacturer, there are also options to purchase floor heating pads built into joist bays below the subfloor.

Propane-based radiant systems

While electric radiant floor heat is a popular choice, there are a few major drawbacks. For one, it costs more upfront. Plus, installing a hydronic system requires changes to your plumbing, which you can do yourself. Also, because the process involves laying a self-leveling compound, some parts of your home may be out of commission for a day or so. And you will still need to run a separate air conditioning system during the installation process.

Ceramic tiles

When you want to use underfloor heating to keep your floor warm, ceramic or porcelain tiles are the best option. Porcelain tiles are a great choice for underfloor heating, but you should be aware that they can be porous. Therefore, they are not suitable for the kitchen or bathroom. In addition, porcelain tiles are generally made of neutral colours, such as white and grey. They are also the easiest to heat and retain the warmth.

Cost

The cost of installing an underfloor heating system can vary significantly depending on the size of the property. There are a variety of factors that can impact the cost, including material costs and labour rates. London tends to be more expensive than the rest of the country. The average cost of installing an underfloor heating system for a standard sized new build property is around PS5,000-PS7,000, but can increase dramatically if retrofitting an existing property. The initial cost of an electric system for a single room can be between PS75 and PS100 per square metre, but costs can rise due to the size of the property and any additional requirements, such as the installation of loose wires and cables.

Installation

Underfloor heating installation is a straightforward process. There are a few things to remember and several guides available to help you through the process. The first step is to determine where you will place the underfloor heating pipes. Make sure to place them about 50mm apart. Make bends by hand as needed, but the pipes should be spaced evenly. You may want to consider hiring a professional to install the system, but if you are handy with tools, you can do it yourself.