Underfloor heating electric: types, advantages, installation. Electric Underfloor Heating Guidelines Best Electric Underfloor Heating System

The reliability of the "warm floor" system, safety, floor heating not only in the rooms, but also in the bathroom, in the kitchen will make your life in an apartment well-appointed in every respect, let's talk about what is the best electric floor to choose and how to do it, and what it is better than water, consider the pros and cons of each type and the rating of the best manufacturers.

Today we will introduce you to the "warm floor" system. We will tell you in detail what are the underfloor heating, water and electric, introduce the advantages and disadvantages of each of their types, compare them. We will consider the rating of the best manufacturers of electric underfloor heating, we will advise how to choose it.

Features of the "water-heated floor"

Unlike the “water floor” system, you turn on the electric floors at any time when you need it, setting the required temperature using the thermostat.

The independence of warm electric floors from central heating is an important quality: you can turn the system on even when it is cold in other apartments and the heating is not yet turned on.

Electric floors can only be repaired at the point of failure, and in this case it is not necessary to dismantle them.

Comparison of types of warm electric floors

According to the type of heating element, electric floors are divided into:

Cable systems

The heating cable is a wire with a conductive core. She has a lot of resistance. Due to this, heat is released from it when current passes. The heating cable is divided into single-core, two-core and self-regulating.

Single core cable.

The characteristic of a single-core heating system depends on the manufacturer. Maximum power 20 watts. They are available in different lengths and power density. They are used for both primary and secondary heating. A feature of the use of the cable is that it is laid in a special screed, performed on top of the existing floor. At the same time, the floors rise by 3 cm. During installation, both ends converge at one point and are connected to the network. This is the difficulty of laying the cable.

Two-core heating cable

A two-core heating cable is similar to a single-core one: it is metal, covered with insulation and a screen. The difference is that this heating cable does not consist of one, but of two conductive cores connected to each other at one of the ends. Its advantage is that there is no need to pull the other end of the wire to the connection point. Installation of the system is greatly simplified. A two-core cable wire, along with the insulation of each core, has the insulation of the entire cable and a reinforcing braid.

Self-regulating cable

In a self-regulating cable, the role of the conductors is performed by a semiconductor. It regulates the supply of heat to the environment. The heating element itself changes resistance and heating level depending on the temperature of the dwelling. This cable saves energy, but it is short-lived. An important advantage of a self-regulating cable is the independence of its operation from the correct installation. Even if the turns are located very close to each other, it does not burn out.

Cable laying technology

Before installing the cable floor, a layer of thermal insulation is applied to the main screed. Then the cable is placed on it. There must be a certain distance between the turns. The temperature sensor is also located on the floor, next to the cable. It is necessary for temperature control. The cable is fixed with mounting tape and screws. Contacts are connected to the thermostat. Then the cable is poured with a thin layer of screed. When the screed is dry, the flooring can be laid. After that, the cable must be connected to the thermostat, which is connected to the power supply system.

heating mat

Heating mats are a heating cable on a polymer mesh. The heating cable is located on a grid with a step of 9cm. The width of the mat is basically half a meter, and the length depends on the model. They are powered by electricity.

The heating mat is controlled by a thermostat, which can set the required temperature, power and operating time.

Heating mats are single-core and double-core. For heating mats, a small diameter cable is used, so it can be mounted in adhesive under the tiles. The screen made of alum-lavsan tape makes the heating mat safe for people's health: it protects against electric shock.

When choosing a heating mat, the heating area should be taken into account. The heating element must not be shortened. It is most convenient to take a mat with one power wire than with two. The mat thermostat is simple and programmable. Simple regulates the heating temperature. Programmable sets the time when it turns on and off. Such a thermostat saves electricity, because it turns on only when the residents of the house.

Matt floor installation

The heating mat simply rolls out on the surface. Some models have an adhesive layer. A heating mat is used when it is not possible to raise the floor level. So, for an ordinary cable, a full-fledged screed device with a thickness of 30-50mm is required, and for a heating mat, placement in an adhesive with a thickness of 8-10mm is sufficient.

Before installation, draw a drawing of the location of the heating mat, thermostat, so that later, when repairing the floor covering, the cable is not damaged.

First you need to choose a place on the wall for the thermostat. For this, the wall is shattered. It contains a thermostat.

The heating mat does not require fasteners. During rolling, it is enough to fix it in several places with glue. On top of the heating mats, a floor covering is put on the glue, and its layer must be at least 1 cm. Thus, thermomats are in the adhesive layer. After installation, the heating mats are connected to the thermostat.

Infrared film systems

This is a new floor type.

The infrared film is a multilayer structure consisting of the following elements:

Benefits of infrared film

Infrared film systems have a number of advantages:

If mechanically damaged, the film may catch fire.

Infrared floor heating technology

You can lay the film with your own hands, just entrust the connection to the network to an electrician.

Heating infrared rods

This is a reliable innovative system. The interconnected carbon rods are connected to a thermostat and a network. The rod floor releases most of the energy in the form of infrared radiation. In this way it is similar to infrared film. The heating element in it is a carbon rod. The average working temperature of such a floor is 50-60 degrees.

The core system of the warm floor is a mat consisting of two copper conductors. They are sealed in a polymer shell. Between them are rods made of composite material. Combines the rods into one element of a copper stranded conductor. The main element of the core floor is carbon.

Rod floors are environmentally friendly and safe, durable. The service life is high: about 50 years, because the self-regulating system protects the radiators from overheating.

This method of underfloor heating saves energy. Can be used in high humidity. If one emitter fails, the system will work.

Rod floor disadvantages

1. The core floor is expensive. Its cost is much higher than the cost of infrared film.
2. The complexity of the installation of the core floor is laying in a wet way in a screed or tile adhesive.
3. During the repair work of the system, dismantling is difficult: it is necessary to break the screed.
4. The rod floor has a complex electrical connection. It is subject only to highly qualified specialists.

Installation of the core floor.

Principles of choosing a "warm floor" system

Question: "How to choose electric underfloor heating?" stands in front of every apartment owner who decides to equip his living space with this system. First of all, you need to determine whether it will be the main heating system or additional.

If you prefer to use the system as the main space heating, then its power should be corresponding to 120.0–140.0 W / m². If warm floors are an additional source of heat in the apartment, then the power can be as low as 80.0–100.0 W / m².

When calculating the floor, pay attention to the fact that the system must occupy at least 70% of the area of ​​​​the apartment. Only then will it be effective.

Before laying it, it should be foreseen whether the electrical networks of the apartment can withstand the load when it is operated at maximum power.

After you have decided what the power of the electric floor will be, it is important to choose the type of underfloor heating. Under the screed, you can use a cable and rod mat, it is more expedient to lay a heating mat in the bathroom and kitchen. Under flooring without screed, use an infrared film.

The tie helps to keep warm when the power is turned off. Therefore, the cable floor will not cool down for a long time, while the infrared film will instantly lose heat. The use of infrared film in harsh climates is not recommended.

Cable and infrared floor are reliable, with a long service life. If there are damages in the infrared floors, then it is possible to replace only a section, while if the cable floor fails, the entire system must be changed.

Rating of the best manufacturers of warm electric floors

ENERGY CABLE– is the best manufacturer of heating cable. This is a British manufacturer. The cable floor can be laid under tiles, linoleum, laminate.

Good value for money, easy installation.

TEPLOLUX ELITE is a Russian company that imports its goods abroad.

The length of the twin-core cable is 23m.

Product quality is high.

DEVI PIPE HEAT– electric underfloor heating, are the best in the world market. They are equipped with a self-regulation system. Reviews about the product are positive and speak of the high reliability of the product. The manufacturer has developed a multifunctional type of electric floor heating. Self-regulation of the device, film power 50-230 W / m2, the ability to lay infrared floors in any room are the advantages of the product of this manufacturer.

WARMSTAD- Russian manufacturer of core floor, which is characterized by safety, environmental friendliness, high quality products, low price.

ELECTROLUX is an Israeli manufacturer of rod floors. High quality, large area, power correspond to the price of the product.

The products of this manufacturer are in demand among consumers.

The information provided by us about warm electric floors: their types, device technology, principle of choice will help you find the best floor heating system. By installing a system of warm electric floors, you will enjoy comfort and coziness in your apartment.

An electric underfloor heating is used as an additional source of heat. This scheme works well on floors of any kind and is arranged in houses made of any material. A distinctive feature is simple installation, which will appeal to an inexperienced master. It is good to mount such a floor in rooms where it is very difficult to lay a heating system. For example, a balcony or terrace. Sometimes, underfloor heating is used as the only heating method, in which case it is necessary to take into account the upcoming energy costs.

Benefits of electric floors

Electric floor heating has a number of advantages, thanks to which it is often used in an apartment or a private house.

• Possibility of heating the whole room, as well as a separate part of it. Warm floors can be laid over the entire area of ​​​​the room, or you can install it only in a certain part. In this case, space zoning is performed.
• Electric warm floors are convenient to use, since they are controlled by a remote control or a temperature controller is used.
• It is possible to connect to the "smart home" system. In this case, the heating can be controlled remotely.
• Simple and easy installation that does not require special tools.
• No possibility of leakage.

During installation, the floor does not occupy a large amount of the height of the room, and therefore it must be used where this moment will not have a negative impact

Such floors are easier to use in high-rise buildings, since the standard water heating method puts a greater load on the floors, and the electric warm floor weighs several times less.

Warm floor

But it should not be noted that such a coating also has disadvantages.

Disadvantages of electric floors

These include:

• The possibility of a short circuit - this problem can occur with any heating device from electricity and a warm floor is no exception. This problem should be prevented by checking all cables before laying the flooring.
• Energy costs are not so much a problem as a disadvantage. When using such a scheme, an increase in costs cannot be avoided - the decision depends on what use is envisaged:
  • If electric floor heating is used as a permanent power source, then it makes sense for reliable home insulation. For example, to make high-quality thermal insulation of walls. In this case, heat losses will decrease and, as a result, heating costs will also decrease.
  • If the system is used as an additional source of heat, then it makes sense to lay the elements where there is the most movement. As a rule, the most frequent movement is carried out in the center of the room, respectively, and the heating elements must be laid in the center. Thus, fewer elements will be required, and costs will be reduced by heating a certain area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room, and not all at once.

Sometimes radiation is singled out as disadvantages. But the fact is that such a system does not differ from another electronic device, and therefore you should not be afraid of harm from it.

Types of electric heating

On the market for electric underfloor heating, you can find several versions. Each has its own pros and cons. In order to understand which option is best suited to a particular housing, it is necessary to study each of them.

Electric underfloor heating is divided into 2 types by action:

1. Resistive - heating in this type of heating is carried out by cables.
2. Infrared - heating is carried out due to a special component that transfers heat to surrounding things.

Cable electric floor

The cable version is different in that it uses cables to match the quality of the heating elements. Connected to electricity, they heat up due to which the surface is heated.

Solid wires

Cables with one core are both a conductor of heat and a heating element. If the installation of electric underfloor heating occurs with such a cable, then it is important that the ends of the wire converge in one place. This is necessary to connect the system to the control unit.

Two-core wires

Two-core wires are much more convenient in terms of use. One core is needed for heating, the other closes the circuit. When using these cables, the meeting of the two ends is not necessary. Therefore, it is more often used, it is much easier to bring one end of the wire to the control unit than to mount the system so that both ends meet in one place.

heating mat

The convenience of mats is that you do not need to independently calculate the necessary power, this was all done by the manufacturer. Mats are purchased depending on the number of square meters on which it is necessary to mount the heating element.

Infrared heating types

Rod type of heating

A kind of infrared floors is a rod electric warm floor. It resembles a rope ladder with wooden or metal rungs. But a rod with a heating element is used as crossbars.

Underfloor heating is provided by this rod. And as a "rope" a polymer is used that can be cut to carry out the installation. However, the cut polymer will need to be fixed into the circuit, as it plays the role of a conductor.

Film type of heating

Electric floor heating can also have a film look. In this case, the heating of surfaces occurs due to infrared radiation. The elements responsible for heating transmit a thermal signal over short distances, heating what is next to them. These elements are made of carbon paste, and copper wires, which are enclosed in a film, are responsible for heating it. For laying, the film version is most often used, since it is easy to install.

Film option

The film floor has a very small thickness, and therefore it can also be used where ceilings have a limited height.

Thermal sensor for electric floor

If you decide to install electric underfloor heating in the house, then you need to thoroughly prepare for this. In addition to materials such as concrete, flooring and other building materials, you need to purchase the right set of underfloor heating and additional elements that will control the system.

These elements are:

1. Temperature sensor - it shows the temperature data.
2. Thermostat - it is necessary to set the temperature to which the element will heat up.

Both of these elements work in pairs, as soon as the temperature sensor detects the temperature to which the elements have heated up, the thermostat receives a command and turns off further heating.

Modern thermostats can be equipped with various parts that allow you to mount an electronic underfloor heating. In this option, you can set the heating and shutdown temperature, and the data can be stored once, further control will be taken over by the thermostat system.

heat sensor

In new models of the device, control can be carried out remotely by installing a SIM card. That is, in fact, the control sensor is transferred to the phone.

By means of an SMS message, you can set the time to turn on and turn on the heating, the temperature of the floor heating.

Also, you can turn off the entire system, if necessary.

Calculation of the power of underfloor heating

Before choosing a warm floor, it is necessary to calculate the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room and the power of the system, so that it can heat the home. First you need to decide on the mode in which the heated floor from electricity will be used. If the floor will be the main source of heat, then a complex calculation scheme is used. If the floor is used as an additional source, then the calculations in this case are much simpler.

When using a warm floor as the main heating system, an accurate technological calculation is needed, which should take into account such points as the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe house, the number of doors and windows, and possible heat losses. At the same time, when the area is calculated, you need to pay attention to the furniture that will be placed in the room. Warm floors must be laid on those spaces that are free from furniture.

An exception to this condition is the heating rod elements. They can be laid over the entire area, as they are self-adjusting.

When calculating, it is important to correctly calculate the possible heat loss. Close attention should be paid to these data, since incorrect calculations will lead to the fact that such a system will simply not be able to cope with the heating of the room and it will be cold in the house. Possible heat losses are calculated using special tables. It is best to entrust these calculations to specialists. They will more accurately calculate the required power of the system.

If the electric floor heating will be used as an additional source of heat, then the necessary calculations can be made independently. In this calculation, it is necessary to take into account the type of floor used, resistive or infrared, the laying area, that is, the area on which the heating elements will be located and the power of the wire.

Laying rules

Before you start laying floors, you must familiarize yourself with the laying rules. It is necessary to strictly follow the instructions, then you can guarantee the correct and accurate operation of the entire system.

These requirements include the following:

• Before laying, it is necessary to install a thermally insulating layer. This is necessary for all types of floors, as part of the heat energy will not go down. In this case, heat loss will be minimal, and floor heating will also occur faster. In this way, electricity costs can be reduced.
• When placing floors, the location of furniture must be taken into account, heating elements cannot be placed under them, except for rod floors.
• From the walls there should be indents of 5 cm, and from heaters (batteries) at least 10 cm.
• When laying, it is necessary to observe the wire pitch, and also not to allow the wires to cross.
• During installation, it is important to ensure that there are as few cuts for turns as possible. Thus, the integrity of the system is not violated. All incisions must be carefully insulated. If this rule is not observed, power is lost, and there is also the possibility of a short circuit.

• Connections of small pieces of the floor are also undesirable, the minimum section length should be at least 50 cm. When buying a warm floor, it is better to take it with a margin.

It is imperative to install an RCD device, it will turn off the heat supply in case of problems. For example, if power is lost, the RCD will disconnect the system from electricity.

All floor installation work is best left to a professional electrician.

Also, for electric floor heating, it is better to allocate a separate line where only this system will be connected. Also, it is better to bring the system to a separate machine, in case of problems with electricity or the floor itself, you can de-energize the system with this device.

Installation of a warm electric floor

Before choosing electric underfloor heating, it is better to clarify what kind of flooring is planned to be laid and how the base for the underfloor heating will be prepared. Already depending on these data and buy a floor heating system.

There are three ways to mount the floor:

1. Screed installation.
2. Mounting on a screed, but fixing with tiles.
3. Installation under flooring, but not under tiles.

If it is necessary to install an electric underfloor heating in a screed or under a tile, then you will have to choose cable systems or rod floors.

Laying the film floor is only allowed under the floor covering. Moisture damages this floor. Therefore, it is desirable to lay it in rooms, and not in sanitary facilities.

The installation itself is almost the same:

1. A layout plan is drawn up, taking into account the location of furniture and indents. The plan is best done on graph paper with respect to scale.
2. A layer of waterproofing and a layer of insulation are laid, if necessary.
3. The markup is transferred to the prepared base.
4. According to the markup, the floor is laid. All places that are cut, if necessary, must be insulated. Also, the position of the temperature sensor and thermostat is determined. The latter is installed on the wall and from the place of its installation it is necessary to lower the strobe to the floor.
5. After laying all the elements, check the resistance.
6. A pipe is laid in the strobe, one end of which is connected to a thermostat, and the other end contains a temperature sensor. The end of the pipe with the temperature sensor is placed in the middle of the nearest heating elements.

Electric heating layer cake

Verification work

After these works have been carried out, it is necessary to check the operability of the sensor and the thermostat, once again the resistance and the system are completely de-energized, and the regulator is removed. Then, the screed is poured, the tiles or flooring are laid. Moreover, if a screed is planned, then first they wait for the concrete to dry, then they check the performance of the system again, and then they mount the floor covering.

It is worth checking how the temperature sensor is removed from the pipe, this is necessary so that later it can be replaced without problems if necessary.

Energy saving

The electric floor heating system has its pros and cons, which are described above. But, with proper design and use, this system will cause only positive emotions. Do not be afraid of a large consumption of electricity, and, as a result, an increase in payments. With a reasonable approach to use, the number of kilowatts will not increase much, and the heat in the house will be constant. This effect is achieved by using the floor only during hours when someone is at home.

Also, it will not be superfluous to think over the insulation of problem areas: doors, windows, balconies. Thus, it is possible to minimize heat loss, respectively, and the system itself will not work at full capacity. The effect of the work done can be seen on the heating bills.

So, you decided to make this option in the house. The decision is correct, you just need to know how to choose an electric underfloor heating and which one is best suited for laminate, tile, linoleum. In fact, there is nothing complicated in this event, you just need to understand the advantages and scope of each of the options. Next, we will consider the comparative characteristics of cable and infrared heaters in relation to certain conditions.

Criterias of choice

flooring material

So, the main condition, depending on which the choice of electric underfloor heating is carried out, is the surface finishing material - tile or laminate.

Financial opportunities

Oddly enough, the cost of a warm floor is considered not the most important selection criterion. This is due to the fact that the prices are almost the same, if you take into account not only the heaters themselves, but also the additional costs.

Now let's analyze all 3 options in detail:

What are the types of systems

Electricity costs

It's no secret that most of the buyers first of all pay attention to the power of the heater, which is the main indicator of efficiency. The greater the power, the more kilowatts per hour the heating system winds, which means that you should choose the most economical one.

As we have already said, the infrared film floor is considered the least expensive. It should be noted that any type is precisely the economy. If you have extra money and the conditions of use correspond, be sure to give preference to choosing an electric underfloor heating in the form of a film.

Second is the cable. It is the best option for laying for reasons of energy saving. And the last step of the rating is occupied by thermomats. They typically consume 30% more electricity than cable, not to mention the film coating.

It should also provide an alternative opinion about cost-effectiveness. Cable heating of the screed allows you to heat the room for some time after the system is turned off. The heated layer of concrete will radiate heat for some time, while not consuming electricity. At the same time, when the film floor is turned off, the material instantly cools down.

Mounting Features

Another important factor in choosing an electric underfloor heating is how difficult the installation work is. In the case of film and mats, laying is carried out quickly, without any special difficulties. In addition, as we have already said, these products do not require a concrete screed (and it is not an easy task to interfere with the solution and fill it by level).

As for the cable, it is the most difficult to lay, because. it is necessary to pour the solution and place the turns at an equal distance from each other, and even the calculation of the material itself is much more complicated. That is why we recommend choosing one of the first two options.

Availability of service and repair

It's all about, again, in the concrete screed. If after a while after the creation of a warm floor it stops heating (fails), repair work will be required, possibly with the need for access to the heating elements.

If you choose a heating cable for heating, you will need to break the floor, look for a coupling according to the project (most often it fails), replace it, and then pour the screed again.

In the case of infrared film and mats, it is enough just to remove the top trim, which opens access to all the constituent elements that need repair.

Summing up

So, we have provided you with the most important information on how to choose an electric underfloor heating for laminate, tile, parquet. As you can see, the criteria are very diverse and in order to purchase the most suitable product, something will have to be sacrificed. We recommend that you, if possible, give preference to the film version, because. it is the most modern, economical and easy to install.

Video instruction for choosing an electric underfloor heating for the home

Finally, I would like to pay attention to which electric underfloor heating is better to choose according to the company. To date, the leaders in the production of these heaters are AEG, Rehau, Valtec and Green Box. If you do not understand at all which manufacturer is better to trust, you should know that these 4 companies have a lot of positive feedback from customers and a good reputation in the world market.

Floor heating systems are used as a leading or additional heating method, they have turned from curiosities into proven and reliable options that are increasingly being chosen by owners of city apartments. Before you install electric underfloor heating in your home, you need to find out from the store consultants or by reading the reviews on the forums how to choose the best option.

Basically, underfloor heating comes in two varieties - water and electric. It is difficult to unequivocally answer the question: a warm water floor or an electric one - which is better, since each of the systems has advantages and disadvantages.

Water heated floor

Water heating, consisting of a pipe loop in the floor screed, is connected to the heating. It is considered a fairly effective and inexpensive way to heat a room. However, it requires labor-intensive work, debugging, the purchase of expensive equipment, and the availability of permission from management companies. Therefore, choosing a water or electric underfloor heating, many prefer electrical systems. They are easier to install and less prone to breakage.

Electric floor heating

Among the electrical systems, you can choose a heating cable, mats, film. The price per m2 of a warm electric floor, the cost of electricity and installation will depend on the choice. Having considered the basic principles of operation and the recommendations of manufacturers, you can stop at the optimal system.

heating cable

Convenient and easy to install, operate floor heating method. The heating cable looks like an electric one, but the essence of its work is to convert electricity into heat. Cables are single- and two-core, which affects the way they are connected. Considering the prices of warm electric floors, you need to take into account the installation costs - they mount the cable in a screed with a thickness of over 2 cm.

This type of heating cannot be combined with linoleum, parquet, carpet, but such warm electric floors for tiles or porcelain tiles are great. It is possible to save on electricity due to the fact that heat is stored in a thick screed, which means that you can maintain the desired temperature level from time to time, and not keep the system constantly on.

Heating mats

Mats produce convection and infrared. Rolled convection mats are a type of heating cable, which is described above. As for the infrared mats, the rods arranged in parallel serve as the working element in them. The ends of the rods are connected to the electrical wiring. In case of failure of one of the rods, the warm electric floor does not heat only in this area, and the rest of the system will continue to work. Infrared mats can be mounted regardless of the location of furniture in the interior, unlike other systems.

Film floor

When choosing which electric underfloor heating is better, you should pay attention to the infrared film, the thickness of which is 0.5 mm. The peculiarity of the system is that it needs to be protected from moisture, so the “wet” laying of the coating on top is excluded. Such a warm electric floor under linoleum, parquet and laminate is chosen most often. Heating is carried out only when connected to the network, the rest of the time the room is cooled. This and other systems are equipped with thermostats, sensors to maintain the optimum temperature.

When the question arises of how to choose warm electric floors, the cost should also take into account the costs of additional devices, installation, and flooring.

Which gender to choose

Before choosing warm electric floors for laminate or other coating, you need to read reviews, recommendations from professionals. For example, a film is chosen for linoleum, since a thick cable will deform the surface. The next point is the power of the heater. The price of 1m2 of warm electric floor and the cost of electricity during operation will depend on this. It is important to indicate what role it will play - if in the form of the main source of heat, then you need to buy a warm electric floor that is powerful enough.

Further, the cost of the thermostat and the price per square meter for a warm electric floor are added up. Cheaper thermostats are represented by mechanical models that are not very functional. It is better to choose a thermostat or programmer. The last device is the most modern, it allows you to set the desired parameters of the system, reducing power consumption. You can program the operation of the warm floor for a day or every day of the week separately, as it is more convenient.

Features of laying a warm floor

Most often, electric underfloor heating is installed under the tiles in the bathroom, kitchen, balcony. Often a warm electric floor is laid in the bath. There are several mounting options, each in its own way.

The first option is installation in a screed, on top of which a floor covering is provided. This method is chosen for cable heating, laying waterproofing and insulation under it so that the heat does not escape.

The second option is installation on top of the screed, porcelain stoneware is laid out on top. Suitable for apartments on the second floor and above. It is important that the tile itself and the adhesive are protected from the heating elements.

The third option is laying under the coating. It is used only for heating film, on top of which there will be linoleum, laminate. Foamed polyethylene, foil are laid on the existing screed, waterproofing is used if necessary.

Regardless of which warm electric floor to choose, in each case, before starting work, they draw up a diagram, distribute the location of the heating elements.

In addition, areas are indicated where heating is not required, in particular, where there are radiators, etc. After drawing up the scheme, the amount of materials is calculated, the price per meter of warm electric floors and equipment that will be needed to control the system is taken into account. Installation is best left to professionals.

Benefits of underfloor heating

Warm floors are valued for their ability to create the most comfortable microclimate in the room. Heat rises from bottom to top, gradually the air cools. At the floor, the temperature will be about 25 degrees, at the level of the height of a person's head - about 18. At the same time, there are no drafts at all with such heating.

Another advantage is the ability to zone heating, for example, in the zone of children's games or family recreation areas. Where there is no special need for heating, even at the design stage, the laying of heating elements is “rarefied”, rationally using electricity for its intended purpose.

The next advantage that distinguishes an electric underfloor heating from a water one is the absence of the need to coordinate its installation with management organizations. Also, you do not have to buy additional equipment, make a massive screed and subsequent repairs in the room. Therefore, when calculating how much a warm electric floor under a tile costs, we can say that the price is much lower than for a water one.

An important advantage compared to water floors is high safety. Options with pipe breaks, flooding of neighbors from below are excluded. Installation of an electric floor takes less time, costs less. Yes, for those who decide to buy an electric underfloor heating, the price of its operation will be higher than when connecting water heating, but this is a payment for increased comfort and safety.

Electric underfloor heating is easy to control, the adjustment accuracy is possible up to 1 degree. It is possible to connect it to the "smart home" system or program it for economical electricity consumption, taking into account low nightly electricity rates. Therefore, the question of the high cost of exploitation of such floors remains in doubt. More precisely, it has been verified - with a competent calculation of the system, installation and adjustment, the presence of thermal insulation in the apartment, energy bills do not go beyond reasonable limits.

What to buy for underfloor heating?

When planning to buy a warm floor, you immediately need to provide for the choice of control and monitoring devices (thermostat, temperature sensors). These devices may be included with mesh mats, cable system, but may also be sold separately. Be sure to check how long the cable is from the thermostat to the temperature sensor. It is better that the length is with a margin, the excess is easier to cut off, but building up pieces of cable is risky.

The thermostat is chosen depending on the budget. Simple models only allow you to adjust the temperature. More complex and expensive - they measure the temperature near the floor and in the room, allow you to adjust modes, program settings, and you can control them remotely. Manufacturers give recommendations on choosing the power of the thermostat, which must be taken into account when buying.

Be sure to take care of security. You need a separate 220V line from the meter, and not from a home outlet. The cross section of the cable must be from 1.5mm² for a standard system or 2.5mm² for high power systems. A circuit breaker is mounted in the electrical panel, it is better to add an RCD to it.

Given the listed advantages and disadvantages of different types of underfloor heating, you can choose the one that is most suitable for tasks and finances. It is better to get advice from specialists who will be involved in the installation of heating equipment.

The feeling of even and pleasant warmth, which gives an electric floor heating, ensures comfort in the room. But this type of heating has become popular not only for this reason. Modern intelligent control systems make it possible to rationally use electricity and make this heating method cost-effective.

Types of electric floor heating

Depending on the type of heating element, electric floors come in the following varieties:

• traditional cable;
• innovative film;
• rod.

Cable models can be supplied for sale in the form of a simple coil, sections, as well as mats made of a special elastic mesh. The latter version uses a thinner cable than other models.

Electric cable floor is only convection, and film and rod models work on the principle of infrared heaters.

Each of the varieties has its own styling features and restrictions on use. If you decide to equip an electric underfloor heating, choose its characteristics based on what installation method is possible in the room.

Cable electric floor

The use of cable heating has already become a classic. For the manufacture of underfloor heating, both resistive and more complex self-regulating models are used. The resistive cable can be single-core or two-core, and the second option, due to its design features, is used for electric floor heating much more often.

The fact is that the consequence of the operation of the system is electromagnetic radiation, and the use of a two-core cable allows you to somewhat reduce its intensity. Self-regulating models are much more complicated than a conventional heating cable. They are able to identify areas where overheating has occurred and reduce, or even completely turn off the power.

Basic rules for installing cable underfloor heating

In general, the technology for installing an electric underfloor heating is approximately the same, regardless of which particular variety is used. Using the example of laying a conventional heating cable, we will consider the main stages of this process. Features and nuances that characterize the installation process of other models will be discussed in the relevant chapters.

The arrangement of any kind of electric floors begins with the choice of a place to install a thermostat. A recess is made in the wall for the device and wires that will power the system. A conductor for connecting the sensor will also be laid in it.

After that, the floor surface is prepared. A heat-insulating material is laid on a plane leveled and cleared of debris. The heating sections are placed on top and fixed with a mounting tape.

By the way, using a cable makes it possible to choose the distance between the elements, depending on what intensity of heating is required. For example, sections can be laid along a cold outer wall with a smaller step than in more protected parts of the room.

Important: Make sure that the heating wires do not cross during installation!

After laying is completed, all electrical wire connections are made. Then the internal sensor is installed. It must be placed inside the corrugated tube. This will protect the device from damage. The tube with the sensor and the connected wire is placed between the heating cable. It remains to test the system for performance. If the resistance of the sections and the sensor corresponds to the data specified in the technical data sheet, then you can start pouring the cement-sand screed.

After three days, the topcoat is laid. The warm floor is connected only after the screed has dried completely - not earlier than after 28 days. You can independently equip a warm electric floor, installation - the video of which is presented below, is not a very complicated process. The main thing is to follow the instructions given in this video. But if during the viewing process it turns out that you do not have any skills or you do not have the necessary tools, then use the services of a specialized company.

Heating mats - a variant of a warm floor under a tile

Warm mats are a variation of the traditional cable floor. They have the same heating element - a cable, but in the manufacture of mats, models with a smaller cross section are used. In addition, such a floor is sold ready-made - it is fixed on an elastic fiberglass mesh. Most often, mats are used to heat the floor, lined with ceramic tiles.

The underside of the mesh is usually covered with an adhesive that allows the structure to be fixed almost instantly. Therefore, the installation of an electric underfloor heating in this case does without the use of a mounting tape. After the heating mats are laid out and fixed, the necessary connections and system testing are carried out. Then the surface is poured with a mortar for fixing ceramic tiles and the top coat is laid.

Infrared Electric Floors

Infrared floor with carbon heating rods is gradually becoming a strong competitor for other varieties of electric floor heating systems. Only a rather high price limits its widespread use so far. This is the healthiest way to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Those who have already installed a core warm floor, the reviews about it are mostly positive.

Such a floor can be laid even under a surface cluttered with furniture, as well as calmly move it during operation. Carbon rods are not afraid of overheating because they have a self-regulating function. The carbon mat is designed for installation using a screed or glue. It is suitable for laying ceramic tiles, but it can also be used under other coatings.

To increase the efficiency of the system, a heat-reflecting film substrate is first placed on the floor surface. For reliable adhesion of glue or screed to the subfloor, special holes are made in the insulation. Laying the electric floor heating is carried out evenly over the entire surface. If necessary, the mats are cut in those places where the connecting wire is located, into pieces of the desired size. After completion of installation and inspection work, the surface is covered with a thin layer of cement-sand screed or glue.

The easiest way is to install a warm electric floor of a film structure. It does not require preliminary measures for the arrangement of the surface. Such a floor is laid on a heat-reflecting substrate, and the selected coating is laid on top.

Electric floor control

The system is not only connected to the power supply through the thermostat, but also controlled by it. This device monitors the level of heating of floors and air, reading the readings of internal and external sensors. Internal sensors are the main ones, they are installed when installing a warm electric floor in a screed or under a coating. Auxiliary sensors record the air temperature. They are usually located on the wall.

The simplest thermostat is able to maintain a certain temperature in the room: if certain parameters are exceeded, it simply turns off the power and allows the system to cool down. A programmable thermostat for an electric underfloor heating works according to a more complex scheme. Its use allows owners to set the desired room heating algorithm.

Some models have a set of standard programs that take into account the time of day, weekends or working days.

They will independently turn on the power before the arrival of the owners and turn it off while no one is at home. At the moment, there are already thermostats that are controlled remotely, via the Internet or a mobile phone. This allows apartment owners to adjust the program if plans change.

Of course, you will have to pay several times more for a thermostat with artificial intelligence than for a simple model. But the costs will pay off due to the fact that the operation of the electric floor heating will be more rational, and energy consumption will be economical.

Electric underfloor heating: main and additional heating system

It is possible to use electric underfloor heating as the main heating system only if the thermal insulation of the room is carefully carried out. But even if this condition is met, this heating method is more suitable for areas with warm winters. In more severe conditions, it will not be very effective and very costly.

To maintain a comfortable temperature level only due to the warm floor, its area should be quite large - at least two-thirds of the entire area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room.

Accordingly, if there is a lot of furniture in the room, then the system will not perform its task to the fullest. In addition, a specific power of at least 150 watts is required.

Underfloor heating for balcony