Underfloor heating: types, pros and cons, which is better to choose

Underfloor heating - a type of heating system that heats the room through the floor covering. This system has a significant advantage over radiators. It distributes heat as evenly as possible from the floor to the ceiling. Thus, the floor heating provides a comfortable microclimate even in large rooms. In addition, the floor surface can be absolutely any: tile, laminate or linoleum.

Types of underfloor heating

The device of the heating system is a layer of concrete screed, then heat-retaining material, on which the heating element is laid, and the final floor covering. Depending on the heating circuit, there are several varieties of underfloor heating.

Electric underfloor heating

To date, such types of electric underfloor heating are widely used:

1. Cable electric floor heating is heated by a single- or double-core electric cable, which is located in the concrete screed. Single-core wire costs less. It is more difficult to install, because you will have to bring the end of the cable to the same power point from which it originated. The double-core heating cable is more convenient and safe. It is connected to the power supply with one end. This variant is suitable for laying in rooms of any shape.
2. Heating mats are a type of electric underfloor heating. With this option, the heating element - a single-core or double-core cable, is already attached to a large-mesh grid. There is no need to fix the wires, to think about their arrangement. It is sufficient to simply roll out the roll on the prepared floor and connect to electricity. Heating mats often have a smaller wire cross-section than individual systems. Due to this, they can be laid in the tile adhesive, and not under the screed.

Water system underfloor heating

Water floors - this is probably the ideal option for a private home, especially if there is a heating boiler in it. Their functioning is almost no different from that of conventional heating systems.

Underfloor heating is a system of pipes, hidden under the cement screed, through which the coolant flows. The heat from the hot water comes to the concrete screed, and it, in turn, heats the floor covering, from which the heat is distributed throughout the room. Therefore, it will be pleasant to walk on such a floor.

House heating with a warm water floor is often one of the elements of the main heating. As a source of heating can serve: a gas or electric boiler, wood and coal furnace.

Pros and cons of underfloor heating

If you do not consider the complexity of installation, the presence of a warm floor in the house - in itself already a plus. Such a system is one of the most effective ways of heating. The low-temperature operation of the electric circuit allows economical use of electricity, and therefore the funds. In addition, the air inside the room is not overheated and not dried out.

The advantages are the following:

• high environmental friendliness;
• the absence of radiators simplifies the finishing of living spaces;
• fast enough heating;
• screed accumulates heat and gives it back for a long time after the heating is turned off.

The main disadvantage is a long and laborious installation process. In addition, such a system weighs the ceiling, as it requires an additional screed.

If you follow the technology of the installation process of the underfloor heating system, you will have to face quite large costs. Especially if you lay a water circuit. In addition, it is better not to install water floors in apartment buildings, so as not to flood the neighbors in case of an accident. This type of heating is only suitable for private homes.

Choice of heating by type of room

In apartments, it is better to install electric options. In kitchens and bathrooms, the ideal solution will be electric mats. Their power is enough to heat small areas. In living rooms, it is better to install cables. In a private home, any type of system can be installed.