Electric underfloor heating: what are its advantages and disadvantages?

How does electric underfloor heating work?

Even though it may sound innovative, this system actually dates back as far as Ancient Rome, when many public buildings used tunnels containing air currents heated by fire. Today, underfloor heating systems generate heat using electrical circuits beneath the floor. Like other heating systems, the temperature can be adjusted via a wall-mounted thermostat.

They work thanks to a heating mesh of radiant wire or radiant foil sheets. Both types are placed under the floor surface and covered with an insulating sheet. When electricity flows through these metal wires, it naturally creates resistance, which in turn produces enough heat to warm the floor and, ultimately, the room. Thus, the space is heated from the ground up, targeting the area where cold air tends to accumulate.

Advantages of electric underfloor heating

This type of heating is well-known for providing exceptional comfort for the following reasons:

• Electric underfloor heating works at low temperatures.
• The heat it generates is evenly distributed, creating a pleasant atmosphere and preventing the feeling of 'oppression' often caused by other systems that dry out the air.
• Underfloor heating is considered a clean source of heat because it does not rely on air currents, which can carry dust and other allergens.
• Since it is installed underfoot, it does not take up space in the usable area of the home. This makes it an ideal choice for situations where every extra centimetre counts, such as small apartments.
• Since it heats the floor, it delivers the best results, even in more challenging conditions like particularly large spaces or rooms with high ceilings.
• These systems are ideal for surfaces made of cool materials, such as stone, ceramic, or tile. They are often found in areas like bathrooms, where we often walk barefoot.
• This type of heating is easy to install when a home is renovated, and it is usually more efficient than other electrical systems.
• Additionally, it is compatible with other types of heating, such as natural gas or even aerothermal heating.
• Underfloor heating can retain the heat it generates for longer than other systems, even after it is turned off.

Disadvantages of electric underfloor heating

Like all heating systems, there are situations where electric underfloor heating may not be the most suitable option. Some of its most common disadvantages include:

• Although it is easy to install, the floor must be removed. For this reason, it is usually recommended during renovation or new construction projects.
• If the heating system breaks down, accessing the wiring will be more challenging due to its being installed underground.
• If used as the primary heating source, it can be more expensive than other options that use hot water.
• Its effectiveness is reduced by decorative items like carpets or vinyl sheets and works best when used with bare floors.
• Even though it retains heat for longer, it also takes slightly longer to reach the desired temperature.
• Since the system uses electricity, it only works for heating and not for cooling.
  
  

How much does an electric underfloor heating installation cost?

As previously mentioned, installing this type of heating requires removing the floor in existing homes, so it's important to factor this in when making calculations.

Once the floor is prepared for installation, the price is determined by other aspects. Although relatively easy to install, it is generally advisable to leave this task to specialists to ensure optimal results and reduce the risk of malfunctions in the short term.

Taking all of this into consideration, the price per square metre of electric underfloor heating ranges from 30 to 80 euros.

How much energy does electric underfloor heating consume?

Several parameters must be considered when determining the regular electricity consumption of electric underfloor heating, including outdoor temperature, the size of the home, insulation, or heating needs. However, its energy consumption is typically lower, and the savings it offers can be as much as 20% compared to other conventional electric heating systems.