Learn how to install underfloor heating

Underfloor heating is becoming more and more popular. In Scandinavia, around 80 per cent of homes are heated with this type of heating system, and coverage in the UK is also growing rapidly.

As a result, more electricians will be tasked with installing electric underfloor heating. While this can be overwhelming if it’s something you’ve never done before, the installation process is pretty straightforward.

These tips will help you install your heating system.

Check the subfloor
Before installing any type of underfloor heating system, you should check the type of floor on which the system will be laid.

If there is a concrete subfloor, you will need to put an insulating plate in place before installing the heating system.

Without the insulation board, the cold concrete will heat up first, which can dramatically affect the output of the system.

If there is a wood subfloor, there will not be the same kind of effect, but you may want to put the tile backing plate in place before you put in the heating system.

Ensuring that the subfloor is insulated will help your underfloor heating system operate at maximum efficiency.

Choose the system
There are several types of underfloor heating available, and which one is best for you will depend on many factors. These include subfloor, floor covering, and just personal preference.

You may want to install a wire on the screed. It is usually installed in newly built houses or extensions, as it is located within the screed, an integral part of the floor.

Of course, this option is not practical if you are installing the heating system under an existing floor.

In this case, you may want to use a heating mat or flexible element.

A heating mat is the ideal choice if you have tile, stone, or slate floors. It heats up very quickly and the heat transfer to these materials is high.

If you have laminate or wood floors, you may want to consider a flexible heating element. This is very thin and can be placed directly under the ground, without lifting the ground.

Installation
While the installation of the underfloor heating system is fairly simple and could be completed by anyone with DIY experience, the final connection should be made by a qualified electrician.

They will also be able to approve the installation and, if necessary, test the system.

Maintenance
Once installed, electric underfloor heating requires very little maintenance. There are no moving parts to corrode, so expect a service life of 15-30 years.

Underfloor heating is very popular and could replace central heating in the UK, just as it has in Scandinavia. These tips will help you learn how to install these systems.