Underfloor heating used to be considered an exclusive, luxurious alternative to traditional heating systems. However, the rapid development of technology now offers more options for people who want to install underfloor heating. What types of heating systems exist, what costs arise and how you can save, what advantages and disadvantages each system has - we will tell you about this and much more below!
Overview of the variants
It is often preferred because of the even and pleasant warmth it diffuses throughout the room. There are mainly twoVariants of underfloor heatingoffered – electric underfloor heating or underfloor heating with hot water. In any case, it is important to find out thoroughly about both types and to make the right preparations before installing such a system in the house. In order for underfloor heating to be effective, good insulation of the room is the first priority. Of course, this applies not only to the floor, but also to the ceiling, the walls and the windows. In contrast to traditional heating systems with radiators, the heat is distributed regularly throughout the room. Underfloor heating keeps the temperature lower compared to a fireplace, for example. This saves heating costs.
Electric
Electric heating takes up less space compared to heating with water. It is suitable for both new buildings and old buildings. If you want to renovate your apartment, you should follow a few basic rules when relocating. First you should make sure that the old floor covering is completely removed. A suitable insulation layer is then laid and the electrically controlled mats are placed on top. The next step is crucial – the right choice of flooring plays a big role in efficiency. The materials that are well suited for underfloor heating are often marked on the packaging.
+ Easy to install, also suitable for old buildings
+ Suitable floor covering - tiles retain heat for a long time, wood is rather unsuitable
+ Area of application – suitable as a heater for the bathroom, kitchen, hallway or glazed balcony
– Quite expensive – more suitable as an additional heating system. A thermostat can save heat and costs
– Repair work is often very difficult to carry out because the mats are located between the different floor covering layers
With water
The hot water version works similarly to the electric version. Water is piped into plastic or copper pipes. It is important to have a steam boiler where the water is warmed up and then passed on into the system. There are numerous options available these days. Nevertheless, it is much easier to integrate underfloor heating with water in a new building than in an old building. The tubes are larger and therefore a heating system with hot water requires significantly more space compared to electric mats. But here too you can do it yourself–only a few basic rules must be observed. The laying should be done in a spiral pattern so that the tubes are as close to each other as possible. This allows regular heat control in the room.
The choice between hot water and electric variants depends on personal needs and should be discussed thoroughly in advance with experts and specialists. Whether underfloor heating is installed as the only heating system in the house or combined with other types of heating is also a question that must be clarified in advance. In any case, if several heating systems are combined, each should have separate controls.
– Electric underfloor heating takes up less space compared to the water heating system
– Electric heating is well suited for smaller rooms and rooms with an unusual shape.
– The electric heater can be installed quickly – you can also install it yourself, but an electrician has to turn on the line.
– The hot water heater must be installed by skilled workers who not only assemble the pipes, but also connect them to a steam boiler.
Infrared heating
The infrared variant is an alternative heating system that is equally good for your health and your pocket. The principle is simple but effective - the infrared light does not warm the air, but rather objects - walls, floors, ceilings, people and animals. The infrared heating systems create an ambience where the floor is warmer than the ceiling. Installation is similar to that of electric underfloor heating, but the mats are thinner and easier to install. Such method is effective. The following advantages and disadvantages must be taken into account:
+ Reduces electricity consumption and saves heating costs.
+ Unlike ordinary radiators, the air does not circulate in the room - which is good for allergy sufferers.
+ The feet and head are warmed up evenly.
+ Infrared heating is cheap compared to fireplaces and other traditional heating systems.
+ The heat wave heating takes up little space
– The infrared heater must be supplied with electricity during the day and at night. Although it is cheaper than regular electric underfloor heating, the cost is still higher compared to gas heating systems, for example.
+ Space-saving – you don’t need radiators
+ Even heat throughout the room
+ Perfect for traditional cold floor coverings such as stone or tiles
+ Suitable for new buildings and old buildings
+ Can be partially laid yourself
– Increases electricity costs
– Requires a certain amount of preparation and thorough renovation work for the old building
– Warms up the room more slowly
– Not all underfloor heating systems can completely replace conventional heating systems
– Is more difficult to repair
– Is an inflexible variant
what costs are associated with it
First you need to get a detailed price quote in advance. The following factors play a role in pricing:
– what kind of building is being heated. New buildings offer a certain degree of flexibility. Standard products can be installed there. In any case, if it is an old building, the costs are usually higher - this is due to the height of the heated mats.
– Insulation and insulation – if the room is not well insulated, additional costs must be calculated.
– How large is the floor area and what floor covering will be placed on it later. Tiles save money and conduct heat well, while wood insulates. If you still want wooden flooring
Basically, electric underfloor heating costs between 40 and 100 euros. The costs can vary greatly depending on the criteria mentioned above and it is therefore advisable to get several offers. The installation and materials for underfloor heating with hot water cost a little more - around 50 euros. Different criteria also play a role here - which is why consultation with specialists is always recommended.
The floor covering plays an important role - heat-emitting floor coverings such as tiles or stone slabs can reduce running costs by over 10%. Regular maintenance work – in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications – is a must. You save money and problems can be discovered in good time. Combinations between: offer good savings opportunities
