Electric underfloor heating or water: a comparison

Agree, it is nice to walk barefoot on the warm floor, even when it is winter outside the window. And it is not necessary to cover everything around with carpets-dust collectors. To maintain the desired surface temperature, there are special technologies.

These are underfloor heating systems that can be combined with classical heating or made the main sources of heat in the house and forget about radiators forever.

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Such systems are divided into electric and water. Which ones to choose to make your home warmer and cozier? You can find the right solution if you analyze all the pros and cons of electric and water floors.

Electric underfloor heating or water: a comparison

The main difference between electric underfloor heating and water is clear already by name and lies in the method of heating.

In the first case, elements are laid under the surface, which are heated by electricity and transfer heat to the floor.

The water floor is pipes made of metal-plastic or polyethylene, through which hot water passes. In such a system, the presence of a boiler and a control unit is provided.

There are many differences between these two types of systems. We’ll go through the main ones.

IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTICS

To understand which underfloor heating to choose – electric or water, first you need to understand the main properties of these systems. It is important to understand that under the general name “electric underfloor heating” several systems fall at once. They differ in installation, price and principles of operation.

There are two main types of electric underfloor heating:

infrared;
Cable.
In the first case, this is a film with carbon coating or carbon rods in the mats. The floor is heated by infrared waves and transfers heat to the top. These are the easiest systems to install.

Cable underfloor heating can look like separate wires or ready-made mats. Ready-made mats are much more convenient.

Cable systems are divided into:

standard resistive
modern self-regulating.

The latter are much more economical and have improved properties.

As a rule, conventional cable systems cannot be laid under furniture, otherwise the cable may overheat and deteriorate. Self-regulating cables can be mounted under the surface of the entire floor.

SECURITY
Obviously, water floors are safer. The worst thing that can happen to them is a leak.

Although the installation of electric underfloor heating is relatively simple, an electrician should be involved in the process. Improper installation and connection of the cable can threaten small and large troubles with electrics. It is recommended to make reliable insulation and provide grounding.

Another problem with cable underfloor heating is electrical radiation. Although its amount does not exceed the maximum permissible indicators, it is believed that it does not have the best effect on health. Safer heating is called infrared heating.

RELIABILITY
Provided that the wiring meets all modern requirements, electric floors can last 30 years.

But the water system will have to be repaired sometimes. Although the pipes themselves are durable, various fittings and other connectors wear out over time and need to be replaced.

Therefore, when laying a water floor, they are now trying to install without a screed, using special profile mats in which it is convenient to fasten pipes.

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