Overview of the installation of an ultra-thin underfloor heating

Infrared underfloor heating: pros and cons

Heating with IR film has many advantages over other types of similar heating. Consider the main advantages of such a heating design:

• such a system cannot fail at the same time, as it is connected in a parallel way;
• the ability to install on any type of surface - both horizontal and vertical, as well as on elements that are located at an angle;

The film does not contain components hazardous to human health, does not produce unpleasant odors and toxic fumes.

design features of the infrared floor allow you to achieve uniform heating of the room

This is especially important if a laminate is used as a floor covering;
another plus of such a system is ease of installation;
the possibility of disassembly if necessary;
such a film is suitable for installation in rooms in which the humidity level exceeds the permissible parameters;
compatibility with different types of flooring;
installation of such a system is allowed not only indoors, but also in open conditions (for example, on a veranda);
high heat transfer coefficient, which reaches 97%;
The efficiency of an infrared film floor is about 30% higher than that of other underfloor heating systems. The prices of film heat-insulated floors completely correspond to their efficiency.

However, this design also has some disadvantages, among which are especially distinguished:

the need to comply with clear rules when connecting;

Unlike other heating systems, infrared floors act directly on the surfaces of heated objects and do not dry the air in the room at all.

• high inertia, due to which heating and cooling occur very quickly;
• weak resistance to mechanical stress in comparison with a tubular structure using water as a coolant.

The film system is generally not suitable for installation as a main heating system. It is recommended to use an infrared design for organizing additional heating.

Mounting

Regardless of the form of release of the Thermo floor, there are a number of requirements for installation work:

It is important to consider the layout of the system.
The cable must not be stretched. Installation of Thermo heating mats under floor coverings

Do not shorten the heating cable

If necessary, you can change its configuration, starting from the initial step.
Do not lay the system at temperatures below 5 degrees.
During installation, it is necessary to perform electrical resistance measurements.
It is forbidden to lay a heating cable in places where large furniture is installed.
The connection of the system can only be carried out after the screed has completely hardened. It is best to have this done by a professional electrician.

Fenix

Production: Czech Republic.

Manufacturer Features:

The Czech company Fenix ​​has been producing radiant panels, heating cables, thermal films and mats for industrial and domestic applications for over 25 years. Its products are exported to 65 countries. It seeks not only to expand its sales network, but also to provide technical support to consumers of its product. The success of the company is confirmed by its inclusion in the "Register of Liquid Companies", prestigious national and international awards and certificates.

The company's products are not distinguished by innovative uniqueness of developments, but are characterized by exceptionally high quality at an affordable price. The company focuses on the mass consumer, producing equipment for direct and infrared heating for all types of floors.

Available types of underfloor heating:

1. Heating cables. The manufacturer produces heating cables designed for installation on a concrete base with subsequent arrangement of screeds and cables for installation directly to the heater, also with the arrangement of the screed.

The structure of the MADPSN heating cable.

2. Heating mats.Fenix ​​produces two types of heating mats: thermomats for installation in a layer of mastic under tiles or porcelain stoneware and mats for installation inside a heat-conducting material - anhydrite or concrete.

Thermomat Fenix.

3. Foil heating mat. AL MAT mats can be used under floating floor types (laminate, vinyl), in rooms with high humidity.

Heating mats AL MAT.

4. Heating film. The company produces ECOFILM F and ECOFILM SET infrared heating films for laying under parquet boards or laminate. In addition, it is possible to lay these films under linoleum and carpet or with the use of additional linings.

Heating film ECOFILM SET.

4. Temperature controllers. The latest generation of Fenix's own intelligent blocks allow you to adapt underfloor heating to smart home systems or manually remotely control operating modes.

Features of IR films from Heat Plus

The Heat Plus brand is engaged in the production of underfloor heating (including infrared). The features of the models that are manufactured by this company is that they can have a different film shape, namely:

• striped;
• solid.

Features of the technology for the production of infrared floors from this company make it possible to avoid the presence of unheated areas. The manufacture of such film systems includes the uniform application of carbon material on a polyester base, which makes it possible to achieve a high level of heating communication efficiency.

Consider other advantages of Heat Plus infrared floors:

• ease of installation;
• wear resistance;

Heat Plus infrared film consists of safe and environmentally friendly materials and is a coating with a thickness of 0.338-2 mm, consisting of 5-9 technological layers

reliability.

The service life of similar products can reach 15 years under normal use. If desired, the organization of such a system takes no more than one day, which is very convenient.

How does it work?

Mobile heated floors provide air flow from the bottom up, so your feet will always be warm. They are also suitable for use in the bathroom.

The heater under the carpet is absolutely safe, you can’t get burned by touching it, you can safely allow children to play on the floor. The undoubted advantage is the resistance of the mobile floor to various kinds of damage.

The portable underfloor heating is designed in such a way that it does not dry out the air in the heated room, which is important for health. The mobile floor does not require the purchase and installation of additional components and does not require special maintenance

The mobile floor does not require the purchase and installation of additional components and does not require special maintenance.

Underfloor heating is a heating system that has an electric cable as a heating element. Such floors perfectly cope with the task of heating the room.

Electric underfloor heating can act as a base, or complement an existing heating system, combined with other heat sources

Underfloor heating works regardless of the characteristics of central heating.It can be connected at any time of the year and day, regardless of the existing meteorological conditions.

A mobile warm floor is in great demand among summer residents, since it is not profitable for many to connect permanent heating for the whole winter. You can easily take it with you when you need it and connect it without any installation work and additional hassle.

The device will become an indispensable thing for people renting an apartment: when moving to a new place of residence, you just need to roll up the floor and take it with you.

What should I pay attention to when choosing such a thermal film

Carbon strip width

The width of the carbon strips must be at least 20 mm and located as close to each other as possible. The uniform distribution of heat over the warm floor depends on this.

Copper bars

Copper busbars must also be at least 20 mm wide and withstand current sufficient to heat the thermal film. If the tires are narrow or thin, they may heat up and burn out. The maximum length of the heating strip depends on the cross section of the copper bus.

Resistance between copper bar and carbon layer. The lower the resistance, the lower the losses during the passage of current and the less the possibility of an electric arc (sparking). Reducing the resistance between the tire and carbon is achieved by using a silver paste.

The foundation

In the manufacture of thermal films, the carbon layer is applied to the base only in continuous films. In striped thermal films, the element that maintains the shape of the heating element is the solder between the insulating layers.

Protective layers

Various materials can be used as a protective layer, for example, lavsan, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and other insulating materials.The price directly depends on the choice of material in the manufacture and the number of protective layers. film underfloor heating.

Manufacturer

The more the trading company discloses information about the plant where the products are manufactured, the more confident you will feel and know where to turn for advice or in case of a warranty case. The manufacturer's website always lists companies that are official dealers in Russia and are responsible for product quality.

It is also important to know when the plant was built, because the more modern it is, the more it meets the requirements for compliance with the quality of products.

Salesman

It is desirable that the seller is responsible for the sold goods and issues all the necessary documents and warranty certificates.

Types of infrared film underfloor heating

• Film infrared heat-insulated floor. The essence of this system is that the heating element is a fiber laid between two layers of a polymer film. The heating film is flexible, durable, wear-resistant, and also a good dielectric.
• Rod infrared heat-insulated floor. The peculiarity of the system is that the function of the heating element is performed by carbon rods connected by a wire.

This is the most innovative of the systems, allowing to reduce heating costs by 60% (compared to other systems). Only their high price hinders the widespread use of carbon rod floors.

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Verdict - for or against?

Undoubtedly, a mobile floor heater has many advantages and is practically free from disadvantages.It is ideal for use on winter evenings when the house is not warm enough, it will save you from such a problem as eternally icy feet, and in general, such a heated rug is necessary for every family with small children. Kids often play on the floor, and sometimes even fall asleep on it, and in order to avoid a cold, experts strongly recommend laying a mobile heater under the carpet.

In conclusion, I just want to note that, unlike a stationary underfloor heating, its mobile version can be moved from room to room or taken to the country house, work, it is completely safe, very compact and lightweight. If, in the event of a malfunction of a classic underfloor heating, you have to dismantle the floor covering, then with a mobile heater everything is much simpler - a significant savings in your finances.

If you have settled on such an option for underfloor heating, then the most important thing is to make the right choice, which largely depends on the brand. The manufacturers described above have been on the market for a long time and have established themselves as one of the best relatively high quality products.

How to ensure thermal insulation when installing a "warm floor" system?

- Laying thermal insulation is necessary in cases where there is a cold room below or there are local cooling zones (unheated basement, soil, etc.). Particular attention is required when installing cable heating systems on balconies and loggias.
The use of heat-insulating material reduces energy costs. An important point is the laying of both horizontal and vertical thermal insulation between the floor and cold external walls, which prevents heat loss at the joints. AT as thermal insulation materials it is recommended to use certified products with sufficient mechanical strength: cork agglomerate, extruded polystyrene foam, expanded clay backfill.
In order to avoid overheating of the heating cable between it and the thermal insulation, it is necessary to make a preliminary screed (minimum thickness) or lay the cable on a metal mesh (with a cell of 2-5 cm). In this case, the screed, poured in one step, turns out to be monolithic, with a reinforcing frame.

The experience of specialists shows that the thin (2-5 mm) foam substrates with heat-reflecting foil, which are widely used, are in fact ineffective. The fact is that soft penofol, being pressed down by the weight of the cement screed and flooring, decreases in thickness, and its thermal insulation properties deteriorate significantly. In addition, such thermal insulation reduces the mechanical strength of the screed, as it separates it from the floor slab.
If, however, cuts are made to connect with the massif, through which the cement screed mechanically contacts the slab to achieve a solid structure, “cold bridges” are formed.

Installation and operation

The installation of Thermo underfloor heating differs depending on the type of floor – heating mat or cable.

Thermo cable installation

• Drawing up a laying plan. It marks the location of the cable itself, the place of connection to the network, the location of the sensors, as well as the coupling.
• Preparing a strobe in the wall for a thermostat and a temperature sensor.
• Laying of thermal insulation material (provided that the thickness of the screed is more than three centimeters).
• Surface cleaning and heating cable installation.Avoiding places where fixed furniture is located and checking the resistance of the cable (if it does not match the coupling, it is recommended to stop working).
• Installation of sensors and thermostat.
• Check system power supply process.
• Fix the cable with a cement-sand screed.
• Leave the screed to fix for 30 days.

Thermo mat installation

• Construction of a laying drawing, as in the case of a cable. This is necessary in order to make it easier to navigate the location of the system in the event of a breakdown.
• Gating in the wall for sensors and thermostat.
• Installation of mats on a clean surface, avoiding the location of stationary furniture (if this is not possible, then you can cut the mat, but in no case should the cable be damaged).
• Installation of sensors and thermostat.
• Check mains power.
• Filling mats with tile adhesive.
• Let the glue dry for about 7 days.

As for the operation of Thermo underfloor heating, the manufacturer claims that after installation, system maintenance is not required, since it will work perfectly offline. True, it is desirable that the system is constantly in operation without downtime. Of course, this is quite problematic, especially in the summer, but it will protect the floors from damage.

If we talk about the prices for Thermo underfloor heating, then they depend directly on the required power and heating area. Installing a heating cable will cost you less than installing mats, which must also be taken into account.For small rooms, the price will be about the same - about $ 120 - $ 150 - for a house the most suitable option, but if you need to heat a larger room, then the mat will cost several tens of dollars more.

Thermo warm floors are the best option for those who appreciate the warmth and comfort around them. The undoubted advantages of this system and its attractive price make it one of the leaders in its field on the modern market. And traditional Swedish quality guarantees their long and reliable operation.

Substrate preparation for laying infrared film

After choosing the laying scheme and purchasing the material, you can proceed to the pre-installation preparatory work. A very important point is the preparation of the base for laying the infrared floor. If the old concrete screed is not even, then it must be dismantled. However, if everything is in order with the screed, it is enough just to clean it of debris and remove dust.

To prevent heating towards neighbors living on the floor below, it is necessary to lay heat-reflecting material for infrared floor heating

In most cases, the base before laying the film has many small cracks, as well as chips. Experts advise to eliminate these defects using cement mortar, or any other suitable composition. In some situations, the owners find that the screed has begun to peel off from the subfloor. This situation requires the removal of the old screed and the organization of a new one.

The joints that form from the connection of the walls to the floor must be carefully leveled and covered over if they have cracks. If this is not done, then the film floor will lose heat through them.

After preparing the base, it is necessary to lay heat-insulating material on the screed. As a rule, a polyethylene foam reflector is used for this purpose. The joints of the individual sheets of the insulator are glued with a mounting tape and this completes the process of preparing for the installation of an infrared warm floor.

Warm floor infrared film Monocrystal

Monocrystal is located in Ukraine and is the only manufacturer of IR floors in the CIS. Thanks to South Korean technologies that are used in the manufacturing process of IR films, products from this brand have taken a strong position in the construction market.

The main difference between the Monocrystal models is that there is no silver paste in them. To achieve the necessary electrical contact, products from the Ukrainian brand are equipped with a thicker layer of carbon paste. In this way, stabilization is achieved between the copper bar and the heating device.

Consider the main technical characteristics of the Monocrystal IR floors:

film width - from 30 to 60 cm;

Special graphite film for tiles - produced by the Ukrainian company "Monocrystal"

• step - 20-25 cm;
• powered by an electrical network with standard voltage (220V);
• maximum power indicator - up to 200 W / m²;
• the maximum heating temperature of the material reaches 50°C.

The operating life of the IR film from the manufacturer Monocrystal is 10 years. The model range includes the following varieties: linear, perforated, solid. Perforations are organized for compatibility with tiled flooring. Film underfloor heating tiles are very popular with buyers.

Surface insulation

Before installation, it is recommended to mark the floor. Determine areas of the surface that should not be heated. Remember that a minimum distance of 0.5 m should be observed between the wall and large pieces of furniture. The distance to the heating appliances should not be less than 0.3 m.

If you are installing an ETP where a heating wire is used as a base, it is better to put mounting tape first. She will be responsible for fixing the turns of wires, which will not allow them to move in the future. Under the tape, which is fastened with dowels, there should be thermal insulation.

Carefully unwind the heating cable and place it over the insulation layer and mounting tape. The rule to follow is that all turns and gaps must be parallel. Each of the turns must be fixed with special antennae directly on the mounting tape without overlaps. After you have completed the installation, measure the insulation resistance. Its value should not exceed the normative value by more than 10%.

If you are working with heating mats, it is best to lay them all over the area of ​​the floor that needs to be heated. The mats are connected using the scheme, which is present in the technical data sheet of the device. After installation is complete, check the insulation resistance.

When working with infrared film, carefully unwind along the base. The film must be connected to each other in parallel.

Heating system manufacturers

The leading manufacturer of mobile underfloor heating systems is Teplolux. The company produces cable and carbon heating elements. They are used as the main or as additional heating.

Mobile "warm floor" under the carpet "Teplolux Express" has the following characteristics:

• canvas size 2 * 1.4 m or 1.8 * 2.8 m; the model is chosen according to the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe carpet;
• the heating element is a cable; it is reinforced on the mat with a “snake”;
• the base is rigid, made of fabric; the material is impregnated with moisture-repellent impregnation;
• the top layer can be made of velor or felt covering; the fabric is thick, repels moisture;
• the mat can be laid not only in living quarters, but also in the bathroom, on the balcony or on the veranda;
• the system is equipped with a cable that connects to the thermostat; on the front panel of the device there is a small display that shows the temperature under the carpet;
• the thermal mode is set by push-button control.

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Mobile "warm floor" can be laid on any base: parquet, laminate, tile, linoleum. The recommended operating temperature of the equipment is 20 0C, maximum 30 0C. It takes 60 minutes for the cable to fully warm up.

For the hallway, it is recommended to install a "warm floor" from "Teplolux" of the "Carpet" series. The manufacturer delivers in Moscow and other Russian cities.

• Its size is 50 * 80 cm. The rug is laid in the hallway. Shoes are placed on it, which must be dried.
• The operating temperature of the system is 45 0С.
• The outer covering is pile.
• The shade is selected depending on the finish of the floor.
• The mat can be cleaned from dirt with a vacuum cleaner, brush or damp cloth.

Customers speak well of the mobile system from . The manufacturer offers a thermal film. It has the following characteristics:

• film thickness 0.2 mm; length and width 180*60 cm;
• system power 250 W;
• operating temperature 40 0С;
• the film is made of heat-resistant polymer;
• it consists of 2 layers; the heating element is a carbon wire;
• a temperature sensor and a thermostat are inserted inside the film, which is configured for the operating thermal mode; the control device prevents the system from overheating.

"Warm floor" is placed under the carpet, connected to the network. The carbon conductor heats up quickly. Warmth is felt after a few minutes. The film can be placed on any floor cladding. It can be enclosed in a fabric cover. The heating element looks like a small rug. The upper surface is decorated with an ornament.

To heat the carpet, small rugs are intended, inside of which heating elements are built. Choose heating systems by power, by the ability to maintain thermal conditions. Some models are decorated with patterns, so they can be used without additional coating.

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Mobile "warm floor" is convenient to use, it doesn't dry air, does not raise dust. The system is economical. It requires less energy than an oil heater.

How to choose?

Before you think about which electric underfloor heating is better to choose, two questions should be resolved:

• Firstly, whether the warm floor will be used for the main heating of the room or only as an additional one.
• Secondly, how it will be mounted: in the screed layer or on top of it.

If the warm floor becomes the main source of heat, then the recommended power of its square meter should be from 130 to 150 watts. If as an additional - 110-130 watts.

It is also worth considering the possibility of changing the specific power of the floor by the distance between the loops of the heating cable. The closer the turns are, the more cable will be needed, but less powerful models can be used. At the same time, the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe warm floor should not be less than 70% of the total area of ​​​​the room.

It is not the total area of ​​the room that should be taken into account, but only free from massive furniture.

Another aspect when choosing cable length to achieve the required power is the type of flooring over the underfloor heating.

The minimum heat loss will be when laying cables under the tile. Accordingly, you can get by with less power per square meter.

Laying a cable under parquet or carpet will require more power due to the low thermal conductivity of these coatings.

The type of cable also depends on the installation method. When it is located inside the cement screed, cables of any diameter can be used for these purposes.

If it is laid on top of the screed, then in this case it will not be possible to do without an ultra-thin cable.

However, the ultra-thin cable has one important limitation: it is only suitable for additional heating.

When choosing components for underfloor heating, you must also take into account the condition of the electrical wiring. If it cannot withstand the high power of the underfloor heating, then all calculations and work should be started only after the wiring has been replaced.

This will depend on the method of connecting the underfloor heating to the thermostat and the possibilities of laying the cable itself.

The next point when choosing accessories is the question of which cables to use: single-core or two-core. This will depend on the method of connecting the underfloor heating to the thermostat and the possibilities of laying the cable itself.

If it is possible to evenly spread the cable over the area of ​​​​the room and bring both ends to the thermostat, then it is quite possible to get by with a simple single-core cable.

However, if the configuration of the room does not allow laying the cable according to all the rules and bringing their ends to one point, then in this case the choice should be made in favor of two-core models. Cables with two cores are connected to the thermostat with only one end, while the other end can remain in any convenient place.

When ordering a warm floor, we must not forget about choosing the right thermostat.

Without this device, it simply will not work to achieve the desired floor temperature. In addition, the thermostat will help to significantly reduce energy costs.

In total, there are three types of thermostats.

Manual models. Their features are simplicity, low cost and a minimum of functionality. Their entire interface consists of a power button and a manual power control.

Temperature controllers with display. Such models are interesting for the ability to set the temperature with an accuracy of up to a degree. In this case, the current and desired temperature can be displayed on the existing screen. However, to use these features, you will also need to install a thermal sensor.

Temperature sensors should be installed at an equal distance from adjacent turns of the heating cable.If this requirement is not met, then it will become impossible to set the desired floor temperature.

Programmable thermostats. Their capabilities allow you to set a certain floor temperature for a given period of time. For example, they can be used to automate the shutdown of underfloor heating during the daytime during the working week. In addition, some models of such thermostats can control several zones of underfloor heating at once.