How to choose an electric underfloor heating: guidelines for choosing the optimal heating system

Advantages and disadvantages of underfloor heating

Before we consider which electric underfloor heating is better, we need to talk about their advantages and disadvantages. Let's start with the positives:

To install a warm floor, you do not need special tools. The main thing is to have straight arms and a proper attitude.

• Easy to install - you can handle all the work yourself, without the involvement of outside help;
• Several types of floors for various types of coverage;
• Electric underfloor heating can warm walls and ceilings - this is possible when using infrared film;
• No auxiliary equipment is needed - only thermostats;
• Do not create a tangible load on floors and wooden floors;
• Can be used with almost any floor coverings;
• They are distinguished by a high degree of safety - here we are talking about electrical and fire safety;
• Comparative cheapness - it all depends on the type of floors used;
• Long service life of equipment - it reaches 30 years or more;
• Easy to manage and adjust - just set the desired temperature on the thermostat;
• Maintenance is not needed - just set up the system and check the performance of the control modules;
• Ability to work at any time of the year - even in summer, when the heating systems are turned off.

Electric floors also have some disadvantages:

Underfloor heating heats the room more evenly than radiator heating.

• High electricity consumption - can lead to serious costs (especially if the electric floors will work as the main source of heat);
• There is a small electromagnetic radiation - the harm from it is minimal, but still it is better to do without it;
• Cannot be used in buildings without electrification.

Note that there are far fewer disadvantages than advantages, and this is already good.

Mount yourself or call the wizard?

The question of the upcoming installation of the underfloor heating system arises even before the moment of its purchase.

There are 3 solutions:

All of these methods have both advantages and disadvantages.The first is the most convenient and fastest. It is good for everyone, because professionals will do their job efficiently and quickly, regardless of the chosen floor heating system.

The guarantee for the equipment during installation by specialists will be maximum according to the manufacturer's warranty card

The downside of this service is its cost. Not always the buyer is ready to spend a large amount on installation. Therefore, out of a desire to save money, he often finds cheaper craftsmen. This decision can sometimes turn out to be even more expensive.

The fact is that if the installation is incorrect, the customer will receive a warm floor, which will stop heating after a short time. And you will have to spend a lot of money on repairs

It is important to contact conscientious, experienced and responsible performers who have positive recommendations.

The third option is the most reliable. When everything is done by hand, the owner is familiar with every centimeter of the installed system. If mistakes were made during the installation process, they are immediately corrected, because everything is done for yourself and your family. And you don’t have to pay outsiders to install the floor.

The process of laying electric floors includes a number of standard steps, performed in a certain sequence:

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Step 1: Installing the heating mat

Step 2: The specifics of performing the turn of the mat

Step 3: Apply adhesive under the tiles

Step 4: Laying floor heating tiles

But this option also has a significant drawback - you need some knowledge about installing a warm floor and a couple of days of free time.

Another important point is the laying of the decorative coating.Regardless of what it will be, and who will be involved in the installation, you should treat the electric heating system laid in the floor as carefully as possible. Especially if a laminate or tile is planned as a decorative coating on top.

In this case, the involved tiler must be warned to be careful. Without installation skills, independent work will not progress as quickly as with experienced craftsmen. Without installation skills, independent work will not progress as quickly as with experienced craftsmen.

Without installation skills, independent work will not progress as quickly as with experienced craftsmen.

If at the stage of finishing work the supply wires or some other elements of the warm floor were accidentally damaged, then the customer must be aware of this. You can not independently fasten the wires and isolate such a twist. Be sure to call a repairman immediately.

The specialist has the necessary equipment for the repair of underfloor heating. His services at this stage will cost quite inexpensively - nothing needs to be dismantled yet (+)

And the customer does not have to look for the right tile model or completely change the top decorative coating if repair work needs to be carried out on a large area of ​​the room.

The specifics of installing electric underfloor heating under different floor coverings is described in the articles:

Principle and features of work

Electric underfloor heating is heated by electricity, i.e., first of all, the electric cable is heated, and it gives off heat to the floor surface.

A typical heating system kit includes:

• underfloor heating element (cable, mat, etc.);
• supply wires supplying voltage to the heating elements and connected to them by couplings;
• control device (sensor);
• control device (thermostat).

Also, during installation, additional materials may be required:

• thermal insulation;
• damper tape;
• reinforcing mounting mesh;
• adhesive tape and other consumables.

When using conventional electrical wires that are connected to sockets and lamps, calculate the cross section of the conductor and set the appropriate value of the automatic shutdown devices. This is done so that the wires do not overheat during operation, because otherwise their insulation will dry out, crack and crumble, which will eventually cause a short circuit in the network.

Wires in underfloor heating elements work quite differently. In them, electricity should be converted into heat as efficiently as possible. Here the wires are special, they are not destroyed by heat and can work in this mode for many years. The best manufacturers of such systems guarantee 20 years of operation of their products.

Additional devices

In order for the underfloor heating system to function properly, the hydraulic resistance in its circuits must be the same, for which it is recommended to mount loops of approximately the same length. However, in practice this is not always possible. If circuits of different lengths are directly connected to the collector, the main part of the coolant flow will go through the shortest one. This is due to the fact that it has the lowest hydraulic resistance.

The flow meters installed on the supply manifold on each of the pipes to which the underfloor heating loops are connected help to avoid the problem. Flowmeters allow you to regulate flows by narrowing and expanding the lumen through which fluid enters a specific circuit. The use of flow meters makes it possible to mount loops of different lengths without compromising the operation of underfloor heating.

Block with flow meters on the supply manifold

Rating of the best types of underfloor heating most popular models

Underfloor heating has become an integral part of the comfort of many homes. These designs can not only create comfort in the apartment, but also significantly save the family budget. Using additional heating, you can minimize energy consumption and improve the standard of living. The rating of underfloor heating will provide an opportunity to evaluate the benefits and disadvantages of various models and manufacturers to make the right choice based on real data.

Energy - British quality standards

Energy is a British manufacturer of technological underfloor heating, which are characterized by optimal power and resource efficiency. If you are wondering which manufacturer of electric underfloor heating under tiles is better, then you can safely choose Energy.

Customers highlight the following advantages of this brand:

• affordable price,
• environmental friendliness of materials,
• simplicity and ease of installation,
• long service life.

Before buying a warm floor, read its main characteristics.

Such technical characteristics provide optimal operating conditions that allow you to appreciate all the advantages of electric underfloor heating.

Teplolux is a domestic manufacturer of underfloor heating

Elite 18TLBE2-23 is the most successful model of the Teplolux company, which supplies electrical circuits abroad. It was the high quality standards and compliance with environmental safety and durability standards that allowed the manufacturer to enter the international market. The rating of underfloor heating under tiles always includes this domestic company, which pleases with reliability and responsibility.

Products of this brand have the following advantages:

• high power,
• optimal wire length,
• wide range of use.

The Elite 18TLBE2-23 model offers consumers a heating cable 23 meters long - this is quite enough for the full operation of the system. Brand products are an alternative option in the absence of the possibility of acquiring a foreign model with optimized characteristics.

DEVI is the leading manufacturer of underfloor heating

DEVI is a leader in the heating cable market. The manufacturer offers customers a 20-year warranty, high power and practicality of use as indisputable advantages. The average price of products allows a wide audience to use modern technologies and high quality electrical cables.

According to customer reviews, one can judge the minimum amount of marriage, which favorably distinguishes this company from competitors. The underfloor heating rating recommends this brand for the following reasons:

• service life,
• environmental friendliness of materials,
• self-adjusting control technology,
• high heating power.

DEVI models can be used both indoors and outdoors.Such opportunities are quite rare, so the products of this brand are popular and in demand.

Caleo - the pinnacle of functionality and reliability

Caleo is a Korean company that has achieved excellence in the production of underfloor heating film. The use of innovative technologies has allowed the brand to gain a leading position in the market and enter the international level of work.

The best heating mats

ERGERTMAT EXTRA-150

This heating mat differs from similar options in increased reliability, which is ensured by the use of a two-core heating cable, which, in turn, has high-temperature Teflon insulation and continuous shielding of heating and current-conducting cores.

The base in which the cable is fixed is self-adhesive and is a fiberglass mesh.

The kit comes with a corrugated tube with a plug for installing a temperature sensor.

The price depends on the coverage area. The cost for a mat measuring 0.5x1.0 m is 5410 rubles. Information about available sizes and cost can be found on the website of the official manufacturer of the product.

ERGERTMAT EXTRA-150
Advantages:

• External and internal high temperature insulation is the highest possible (fluoroplastic PTFE 270°C);
• The minimum thickness of the mat is 2.5 mm;
• Solid armored, braided screen provides protection against mechanical damage and tearing;
• The manufacturer gives a guarantee of 50 years.

Flaws:

High price.

DEVI DEVIheat 150S (DSVF-150)

The model is a synthetic mesh, on which a single-core cable is fixed with a certain step. The shielded cable has a cross section of 2.5 mm. Installation under a tile or a laminate in a layer of glue is recommended.It is used for heating passage rooms: bathrooms, hallways, balconies.

Cost: from 4570 rubles.

DEVI DEVIheat 150S (DSVF-150)
Advantages:

practically does not change the height of the floor.

Flaws:

• creates electromagnetic radiation;
• it is necessary to think over the location of the heating mat in advance, because the second end must be returned to the beginning of the installation to connect the thermostat.

Teplolux Mini MH200-1.4

Heating mat based on a single-core shielded cable. The ideal solution for laying under tiles. Made in Russia.

Cost: from 3110 rubles.

Teplolux Mini MH200-1.4
Advantages:

• installation on a various basis of a floor is possible;
• does not require grouting.

Flaws:

creates an electromagnetic field.

Electrolux EEM 2-150-0.5

Underfloor heating from Electrolux is a two-core cable fixed on a textile base. The thickness of the mat is 3.9 mm. Perfect for living rooms, bathroom. Warranty period of operation is 20 years. The brand is from Sweden.

Cost: from 1990 rubles.

Electrolux EEM 2-150-0.5
Advantages:

• can be used in wet areas;
• double insulation of cable cores withstands up to 4000 V breakdown voltage;
• electromagnetic radiation is several times lower than the minimum allowable standards;
• service life: 50 years.

Flaws:

not found.

Warmstad WSM-300-2.0

Heating mat 4 mm thick. It is based on a two-core shielded heating cable with one cold end, which greatly facilitates installation in comparison with single-core models. Suitable for laying under tiles, laminate and other flooring. Warranty period - 25 years. Manufacturer - Russia.

Cost: from 1750 rubles.

Warmstad WSM-300-2.0
Advantages:

• The optimum ratio of price and quality;
• can be used to heat any room.

Flaws:

not found.

TEPLOCOM MND-5.0

The heating mat consists of a thin two-core cable laid on a fiberglass mesh. The double shield not only protects against electric shock, but also allows electromagnetic radiation to propagate. Laying in a cement-sand screed 2 cm thick or in a layer of tile adhesive is acceptable. Warranty period of use: 16 years. Made in Russia.

Cost: from 4080 rubles.

TEPLOCOM MND-5.0
Advantages:

• recommended for use in rooms in which people are constantly;
• inexpensive.

Flaws:

the warranty period is shorter than other models.

Comparison of technical characteristics, considered models of heating mats

Model	Size, cm	Power consumption, W	Specific power, W/sq.m	Heating area (max), sq.m	Cold cable length, m	Price for 1 sq.m, rub.
ERGERTMAT EXTRA-150	Various, from 100x50 to 2400x50	75-1800, depending on the size	150	12	3	6590
DEVI DEVIheat 150S (DSVF-150)	200x50	150	150	1	4	4576
Teplolux Mini MH200-1.4	250x50	200	140	1,4	2	2494
Electrolux EEM 2-150-0.5	100x50	82	150	0,5	2	3980
Warmstad WSM-300-2.0	400x50	300	150	2	2	876
TEPLOCOM MND-5.0	1000x50	874	160	5	2	816

Which underfloor heating is better electric or water

water system

+ Plus:

If the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe house is large (more than 60 square meters), then it is economically beneficial to use a water-type floor.

- Minuses:

• Such a system (like any heating system) needs regular inspection and maintenance.
• Installation of pipes with water will cost more, and the pipes themselves, filters and pumps will pretty much empty your pocket.
• These floors are heated only when the heating boiler is turned on.

Electric floors

+ Pros:

• Possibility of use in any conditions (even in a sauna, pool or on a balcony);
• You can turn on such a floor even in summer, if necessary;
• Quick and easy installation, which is on the shoulder not only for builders, but also for non-professionals;
• Management of such a floor is extremely easy;
• Adjusting the temperature allows you to set the optimum in each room;
• Like ordinary wiring, an electric floor will last at least 50 years without requiring maintenance.

- Minuses:

• If there is no temperature controller, then it is unprofitable to heat large floor planes with electricity.
• Electromagnetic radiation, although small, is present. However, the use of a good shielding braid can minimize it (300 times less than the norm).

Film option

This version of the electric underfloor heating is based on the full functioning of the carbon film, which heats up and transfers heat into the room to warm the base of the floor and the air. When the system is connected to the power supply, long infrared rays are emitted, as well as anions, which are considered negatively charged ions.

The emitter in the film version of the electric underfloor heating, which can be selected at a hardware store for indoor installation, is carbon (carbon) paste. It is applied in the form of curved parallel strips relative to each other. In addition to curved stripes, they can be even parallel to each other. If you choose more expensive options for underfloor heating, then the film is applied in them continuously.

Copper-silver conductors are responsible for the supply of electric current. All working and main parts of the infrared film are sealed with two layers of polyester. A thermostat is used to connect to the power supply. But which warm floor to choose in a particular situation? There is no universal option here, since each case should be approached individually. Turning to specialists, they will give a more detailed answer and tell you what type of heating to choose in a particular room. After all, there are not only a large number of species on the market, but also manufacturing companies, each of which wants to lure more buyers to its side.

Among the large number of positive qualities of an infrared warm floor, the main ones can be distinguished:

1. Universal for flooring. There are no subtleties here. You can choose ceramic tiles or linoleum, evenly distributing it on the base of the floor in the room.
2. It can be made mobile. To do this, it is attached to the carpet in the room from the bottom side. It can be laid in the winter, and cleaned in the summer.
3. Easy installation and resistance to various mechanical influences.
4. Economy and safety in use.

But it is impossible not to mention the disadvantages that can repel when choosing:

• The use of a special connector, crimped by a flat press, to provide a contact surface between the wire and the film used.
• Hidden contacts in significant numbers. Prior to installation, the system is tested for performance. During the flooring process, everything must be carefully controlled so as not to damage the infrared floor heating.

For specific flooring options, there are specific features for laying the film. So, for ceramic tiles, it is imperative to use a special adhesive designed for the underfloor heating system. The thickness of the adhesive layer should not fall below 15 mm.

This version of the warm floor is actively used not only for heating the base of the floor in the room, but also for the ceiling and walls. In addition to residential premises, they are actively used in kindergartens, hospitals or hotels. Here the main component is healthy warmth. Some categorize it as the best electric underfloor heating.

heating cable

First of all, let's start with the fact that the heating cable is divided into two types:

1. Resistive.
2. Self-adjusting.

What is the difference between the two positions? Firstly, it is the ability to adjust the current strength in the second model. The current strength is a direct effect on the temperature that a given cable exudes. Sometimes there are situations when overheating of the wire leads to its failure. Therefore, this option guarantees the reliability of the product and its long-term operation. Hence its high popularity.

Secondly, this is the design itself, in which there is an armored braid in the second position, it protects the wire itself from mechanical stress. Plus, the armored layer creates a certain protection against electromagnetic radiation, which is harmful to humans in large doses. True, it should be noted that the heating cable emits little radiation, so the armored layer is, in fact, a kind of publicity stunt.

As for the heating cable of the first position, manufacturers offer two types of it: single-core and two-core.Their differences again come down to protecting a person from electromagnetic radiation. The scattering layer works better here.

Heating cable installation

In order to lay the heating cable under the tile, it is necessary to carry out a number of preparatory work. And this:

• floor leveling;
• waterproofing;
• insulation (it is better to use a heat-insulating material with a foil layer).

You can attach the cable in different ways:

• on a metal mesh;
• on the concrete floor with special clamps;
• self-adhesive tape;
• for gypsum mortar.

Criterias of choice

When choosing a heating distribution manifold for an underfloor heating system, you need to know in advance how many circuits you plan to connect. It is recommended to choose devices with a margin of one or two outputs in order to be able to adjust the system design and split the extended circuit into two branches or connect additional equipment (pressure gauge, thermometer). No more than nine loops can be connected to one collector, if there are more circuits, two or more distribution blocks are installed.

Maximum comb size

Next, you should pay attention to the material of manufacture of the comb. Reliable and durable cases are made of stainless steel, chrome-plated or nickel-plated brass, bronze

It is recommended to give preference to products manufactured in accordance with Russian GOSTs, or products of well-known manufacturers that have a certificate of conformity with European standards. Each comb should be carefully examined to identify possible flaws - cracks, corrosion, surface defects.

The list of reliable brands includes: Kermi, Valtec, Rehau, Valliant, Rossini, FIV. When buying branded products, it is advisable to take ready-made complete manifold blocks so as not to overpay for individual parts and avoid problems associated with incompatibility of elements from different manufacturers.

Video description

Popular types of collectors, the differences are shown in the video:

Assembly and installation

It is recommended to install a cabinet with a collector block in such a way that the underfloor heating loops are approximately the same length. If the distribution device is located above the level of the heating circuit, the air from the system will be automatically removed through the air vent. In the case when the cabinet is planned to be hidden in the basement or placed on the floor below, it will be necessary to install an air vent complete with a ball shut-off valve for each circuit, as well as on the return line.

When assembling the manifold block, pay attention to the tightness of the connections. If there are no sealing rubber rings in the kit with the equipment, the thread is sealed with winding. Next, the underfloor heating collector is installed in a special cabinet

The guides, equipped with bolts and nuts for fastening the combs, move in accordance with their length. If the manifold block is mounted without a cabinet, use clamps with dowels or brackets. At the same stage, if necessary, a mixing unit is mounted, a circulation pump for underfloor heating is installed. In conclusion, the circuits are connected, the system is pressure tested.

Next, the underfloor heating collector is installed in a special cabinet. The guides, equipped with bolts and nuts for fastening the combs, move in accordance with their length.If the manifold block is mounted without a cabinet, use clamps with dowels or brackets. At the same stage, if necessary, a mixing unit is mounted, a circulation pump for underfloor heating is installed. In conclusion, the circuits are connected, the system is pressure tested.

Video description

How the collector is installed, you will see the connection of the circuits in the video:

Briefly about the main

The equipment of the collector block must comply with the requirements for the functionality of the system. The collector device ensures uniform heating of the heating elements and a constant temperature in the room. It is made of the following materials: polypropylene, brass and steel.

The collector consists of a system to which threaded elements, fittings or control valves are connected. The collector is mounted in a special cabinet or brackets are used.

Along with it, a mixing unit is used.

The durability of the combs directly depends on the material and workmanship. You can purchase a ready-made complete distribution block or mount it yourself from individual elements.

The best infrared (film) underfloor heating

The most innovative and technological option for creating a warm floor today is the use of an infrared film heater. Gradually, fashion from the West comes to Russia, the demand for these products is somewhat constrained by the high price. The basis of the heater are carbon rods. They do not overheat, and many models are controlled using the self-regulation option. Our review includes the following underfloor heating with an IR heater.

Caleo GOLD 230 2.5 sqm, 0.5

Rating: 4.9

The rating of infrared floors was headed by the Korean development Caleo GOLD 230.It is a heating film with an area of ​​2.5 square meters. m (500x50 cm). The manufacturer has managed to achieve high power, which makes the infrared floor extremely efficient. At a power of 575 W, the temperature of the film device reaches 130C. This allows you to heat the room as quickly as possible.

Experts emphasize the innovativeness of the development, where the share of IR rays in the total spectrum reaches 90%. An important advantage of buying this infrared floor will be a long warranty period (15 years). Among the set of options, it should be noted protection against overheating, energy saving function, fire resistance.

• reliability;

• high rate of heat transfer;

• profitability;

• safety.

high power consumption.

PNK - 220 - 440 / 0.5 - 2m2 film floor heating "National Comfort"

Rating: 4.8

In the bowels of the domestic enterprise Teplolux, a warm floor PNK - 220 - 440 / 0.5 was developed and manufactured. The main element of the product is an infrared film developed by a South Korean manufacturer. Experts highly appreciated the Russian product, giving it the second place in the rating. With the help of film material, it is possible to heat floor coverings such as parquet, laminate, linoleum and carpet. You can make a warm floor with your own hands, following the installation instructions. The kit includes the film itself, wires with insulation, adhesive tape, clamps.

Professionals and ordinary users note the efficient operation of film underfloor heating, good workmanship, and long service life. All this is complemented by an affordable price.

• affordable price;

• quality manufacturing;

• simple installation.

low power.

Caleo Platinum 50-230W

Rating: 4.7

Another development of the South Korean company Caleo was in the top three of our rating. The Caleo Platinum 50-230W model is capable of heating 3.5 sq. m. The maximum power of the product is 230 W per 1 sq. m. m. Experts note such an important feature of the warm floor as self-regulation. This function contributes to energy saving, allowing you to reduce heating costs by up to 6 times.

The film can be laid under various floor coverings, from the popular laminate to carpet. Safe operation is ensured by the option of overheating protection and anti-sparking silver mesh. The South Korean manufacturer took care of the trouble-free installation by including color instructions and a DVD disc along with the film.