Which warm floor is better to choose: a comparative overview of water and electrical options

Both underfloor heating and mobile phones today can afford people with not very large incomes. Why? This fact is not difficult to explain, because these products have become much more diverse, that is, they have fallen in price. Which one then warm floor to choose if there are many options on the market? And what considerations are guided by this? The answers to these important questions will be covered in our publication: we will tell you all the subtleties and nuances so that you make the right choice, taking into account the wishes and specific housing conditions.

By the way, the very first options for underfloor heating were bulky structures that heat the room thanks to the movement of hot air. And now everything has changed dramatically, because the heating is responsible for electricity and water, which is located in special pipes. Let’s sort out the assortment and decide which floor is better?

The water system is a good invention of mankind

We would like to note that it is most efficient to equip such heating on an area of ​​more than 30 m2, since then it is characterized by low operating costs. A water floor is best suited for private homes with autonomous boilers. Why is it undesirable to install it in an apartment? The bottom line is that there is a significant change in hydraulic resistance.

Before filling the floor with mortar, check the tightness of the pipes

Considering the theory, it should be said that this system functions by heating the water circulating through the pipes. At the same time, heating is installed under a concrete screed, and the temperature is controlled by thermostats.

It is important to know: pipes for water floors must have high resistance to corrosion, aggressive environment and low sound conductivity.

And now you need to list the main advantages of water heated floors:

• although the initial costs are large, but over a large area, energy savings are 15%;
• when laying pipes, the arrangement of furniture is not taken into account;
• fire safety;
• use as a primary and alternative system;
• long service life - it all depends on the technical characteristics of the pipes (they should not clog and “grow”);
• it’s okay if the house has turned off the electricity - the water floor, and then it will give off heat to the room, but only if the boiler can function without power.

Well, as for the shortcomings, we will call these: expensive installation, the need to comply with many technical points.

You may also find it useful material where the instructions for calculating a water floor heating are presented:https://aquatech.tomathouse.com/en/otoplenie/teplyj-pol/raschet-vodyanogo-teplogo-pola.html.

Electrical system - reliable heat carrier

Electric heating is most suitable for a bathtub, a bathroom, a kitchen, because then its installation is cheaper than water.In addition, such a system is more appropriate to do in a new apartment, especially if finishing work has not yet begun.

When answering the question, what is the best underfloor heating, you need to know that the type of heating an electric system is "ordinary" and infrared. In the first case, the floor is based on a heating cable, and in the second it is a film floor. Of course, each species is characterized by its own characteristics, which need to be discussed in more detail.

Self-regulating cable - an example of technological progress

Everyone knows that a warm floor consists of a cable laid in the form of a "snake" and a temperature regulator.

According to the principle of functioning, heating cables can be different, but self-regulating beyond competition. It is made on the basis of a polymer matrix and boasts a lot of advantages:

• • reliability - the possibility of overheating is completely excluded, the coupling is not used;

universality - this type of cable can be safely laid under natural floor coverings.

Such a cable has an excellent operational property - it can be cut into pieces of any length

Heating mat - easy installation and low price

That's right, since heating mats are cheaper than cable and come in rolls on a self-adhesive basis.

The heating mat can be laid on old tiles

Initially, they were designed for situations when it is impossible to arrange a multilayer “pie” in a room, which is typical for a cable system. For this reason, their main scope is kitchens, bathrooms, bathrooms, in which ceramic material is used as flooring.

It is worth paying attention: the heating mat is produced specifically for those rooms where it is impossible to raise the floor level by more than 0.6-1 cm (not counting the topcoat).

It should also be emphasized that the grid is easily cut into fragments (without violating the integrity of the cable) and is displayed on areas of any configuration.

Film underfloor heating - comfort and healthy heating

When deciding which are the best underfloor heating, it is imperative to consider a thermal film consisting of carbon strips interconnected by a copper bus and special contacts. All heating elements in it are laminated on both sides with electrotechnical polyester, which provides water resistance and a high degree of protection.

When laying a film floor under porcelain tiles, parquet, heat-reflecting material with a solid layer should be used

And where are infrared floors used? Firstly, they are widely used for heating rooms without stationary heating, as well as in any premises during the off-season, when the batteries are turned off. Secondly, such a floor can heat the ceiling and walls.

This is important to know: film systems are in demand not only in houses and apartments, but also in kindergartens, hotels, hospitals, that is, at all facilities where “healthy heat” is required.

In a word, the infrared floor is a good solution, because there are many advantages: ease of installation, economy, flexibility, mobility, resistance to mechanical damage, safety.

Rational choice criteria - what to look for?

Undoubtedly, choosing a warm floor is a responsible process, therefore, when choosing the right system, you must be guided by certain rules. First you need to decide whether the heating system will be primary or secondary. The following points are taken into account here:

• features of the room, its characteristics;
• properties of electrical wiring - the bottom line is that engineering systems must withstand voltage;
• type of flooring;
• whether smart management is needed.

In addition to these parameters, complex calculations are carried out, which take into account the number of storeys of the room, the presence of rooms with large glazing areas (balcony, conservatory).

This is important to know: the calculation of the system power directly depends on the level of humidity and temperature in the room, as well as on the thickness of the "warm floor" system.

I wonder which company to choose a warm floor? This fundamental question also worries people a lot and is not considered the last. Naturally, it is better to give preference to a well-known manufacturer, because then you can be sure of the quality of the products. As an option, the following companies are popular: Ceilhit (Spain), Nexans (Norway), Ensto (Finland). These manufacturers provide consumers with a guarantee and offer impeccably functioning devices.

Yes, most recently warm floors were the privilege of extremely wealthy citizens, but today they are available to almost everyone. And this is wonderful, because all people should enjoy the benefits of civilization and live in a modern way!