Simon Whittaker, national sales manager of Amber Underfloor Heating, offers his advice on choosing and installing electric underfloor heating
Choosing electric underfloor heating has many benefits which Simon elaborates on below.
What are the benefits of electric underfloor heating compared to traditional heating systems?
Compared to radiators, electric underfloor heating produces consistent heat which helps reduce draughts and cold spots. It also doesn’t intrude into the room, maximising space.
Electric underfloor heating can be independent in each room, providing greater controllability. You don’t need to switch on the entire system and it can be controlled via a smart thermostat.
It’s easier to fit than traditional heating, requiring just an electrical feed and is less expensive to install. Electric systems have no moving parts compared to hydronic systems. There’s no need for a boiler or water pumps, and once installed, they require zero maintenance.
A major advantage is efficiency. Electric underfloor heating operates at a lower temperature than traditional radiators and can be powered by renewable electricity.
It also improves air quality as it doesn’t circulate air. This in turn reduces the circulation of dust and allergens, benefitting those with allergies or respiratory conditions.
Additionally, unlike radiators’ sharp edges, electric underfloor heating is hidden beneath the floor, reducing injury risks. It provides even warmth across the floor, ensuring a safe environment for babies and young children to move freely without the danger of exposed heating elements.
How does electric underfloor heating complement tiled flooring?
Tiles are an excellent flooring option – durable, easy-to-clean and available in many designs. However, tiles aren’t known for warmth.
Tiles work brilliantly with electric underfloor heating, replacing any chill with a consistently warm surface which feels more comfortable underfoot.
In a bathroom, electric underfloor heating helps reduce moisture by stopping steam condensing on cold tiles.
What’s the difference between installing a mat system and a cable system?
Heating cable and decoupling membrane systems are specifically engineered to safeguard tile and stone floors, making them a preferred choice for tilers when it comes to electric underfloor heating.
Today, the use of decoupling membranes is increasingly popular for tile installations. The combination of the cable and membrane system not only maintains the structural integrity of the floor but also provides the flexibility to install the heating cable precisely where it’s needed. Simply install the decoupling membrane and click your cable into the pre-determined spacings and away you go.
A heating mat (wire attached to a mesh) is ideal for larger, square-shaped rooms. The mat can easily be unrolled, the mesh cut as needed and then re-rolled in the opposite direction. Typically, this system is then topped with a self-levelling compound in preparation for the final floorcovering.
While the heating mat is often the preferred choice for most floor types other than tiles, the ease and speed of installation offered by the membrane and cable system is making the two options increasingly equal in popularity.
How can installers determine the appropriate wattage?
In simple terms, the wattage of electric heating is measured in watts per square meter (W/sq m). Most standard options range from 100 W/sq m to 200 W/sq m.
As a general guideline, without getting into complex heat loss calculations:
100W/sqm is enough to “take the chill off” the floor.
150W/sqm, the most popular choice) provides a comfortably warm floor. When paired with an insulation board, it can also serve as a primary heat source.
200W/sqm is typically used in uninsulated rooms, where more power is needed to generate sufficient heat.
Do you see any common mistakes during installation?
Electric underfloor heating is simple to install.
The most common mistake we see is using the wrong size heating cable or mat. While tilers often add 10% for waste when estimating materials, this approach doesn’t work for electric underfloor heating. If the mat or cable is too large for the room, it can’t be trimmed to fit or tucked behind a bath panel or kitchen kickboard.
To get the right size, measure the room dimensions, subtract any areas occupied by fixed furniture, and choose a cable or mat size based on that figure. Don’t forget to leave a small unheated border around the edges of the room.
How does Amber support installers?
You’re never more than a call away from expert advice.
Our design team can help select the perfect system for your project, while our technical team can assist with any installation queries.
technical@amberufh.co.uk
www.amberufh.co.uk
