When it comes to underfloor radiant heating, understanding the working principles of electric and water systems is crucial to making an informed choice.
Electric and Water Heating
Hydronic systems use water-filled pipes and have an extensive installation process, making them better for new construction or major renovations. In contrast, electric systems use wires or mats and are easier to install, making them good for retrofitting existing homes or smaller areas.
How Does Electric Underfloor Heating Work?
Often termed as a “dry” system, electric underfloor heating works by running electricity through heating wires installed beneath your floor. The electricity heats these wires, radiating warmth upwards, heating your floor and, ultimately, your room. Electric systems are highly efficient, transforming virtually all the electricity they consume into heat.
How does Water Underfloor Heating Work?
Alternatively known as a “wet” system, water underfloor heating circulates warm water through a series of pipes laid under the floor. This water is heated by a boiler or a heat pump, and its warmth is then transmitted to the floor above, which disperses it evenly throughout the room.
Energy Source
Electric underfloor heating systems operate via heating cables or mats that are installed beneath the floor. The energy source, electricity, makes this option versatile, easily accessible, and adaptable, given that nearly every home is equipped with an electrical supply.
On the other hand, water-based underfloor heating, often termed ‘hydronic’, requires a heat source such as a boiler or a heat pump. The water is heated by this source and circulated through a network of pipes laid beneath the floor, radiating warmth upward and into the room.
Electric Underfloor Heating
- Highly versatile and accessible
- Requires no additional equipment like boilers or heat pumps
- Dependent on the price of electricity which may vary
- Less efficient than water underfloor heating
Water Underfloor Heating
- Extremely efficient as water retains heat well
- Can be paired with energy-efficient boilers or heat pumps
- Requires a heat source
- Not as easily accessible as electric underfloor heating
Installation
The ease of installation is a notable advantage of electric underfloor heating systems. The elements are thin, requiring minimal alteration to existing floor levels, and can be rolled out directly onto the subfloor or insulation, making it an ideal option for retrofitting an existing space.
Water-based systems necessitate a more elaborate installation process. The network of pipes required for a hydronic system often means alterations to the existing floor structure. This could involve raising the floor height to accommodate the pipework and may require adjustments to doorways and fixtures, adding complexity and time to the installation.
Electric Underfloor Heating
- Simple installation process
- Minimal alterations to floor levels
- Ideal for retrofitting in existing spaces
- Typically only suitable for smaller areas due to higher running costs
- The potential need for a dedicated circuit for larger installations
Water Underfloor Heating
- Suitable for larger areas or whole-house heating
- Can be integrated with the central heating system
- Complex installation that often needs significant alterations to the floor structure
- May require adjustments to doorways and fixtures
