Types of underfloor heating

• Underfloor heating - the essential guide
• Why underfloor heating?
• Types of underfloor heating
• Where to use underfloor heating
• How to install underfloor heating
• Flooring considerations
• Underfloor heating directory

Hot-water (or wet) systems

Wet systems basically use warm water from the central heating system. The water is pumped through plastic pipes that are laid on to a sub floor, before the new final surface is installed.

Underfloor heating of this type also reduces water-heating costs as it uses water at a lower temperature than standard radiators (about 40°C to 65°C to give a floor temperature of between 23°C and 32°C).

Electric mat (or wire) systems

Electric systems feature cables which are attached to open-weave mesh mats. There are, however, newer types where the elements are embedded into a continuous roll. The mats or rolls are spread out on the floor, connected together and are then linked up to the thermostat and mains power supply.

In general, whilst electric systems are cheaper to install, and cause less disruption to existing floor structure, they are more expensive to run than wet systems, which are more cost efficient.

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