Underfloor Heating Kits - Everything You Need
Introduction
Some of the recognised benefits of electrical underfloor heating are, from an operational point of view, that it provides a uniform distribution of heat at a lower operating temperature than conventional heating systems and - from the point of view of installation - is suitable for new build and renovation projects. In fact, electrical underfloor heating can be installed by any competent DIY enthusiast or handyman and underfloor heating kits provide a simple, packaged solution for anyone wishing to undertake such a project.
Underfloor Heating Kits
The contents of underfloor heating kits vary according to the exact nature of the kit and the application for which it is intended but most include a roll of heating cable, or heating film, acoustic and thermal insulation of some kind, electrical cables, and a thermostat controller.
Heating mat kits are a popular solution for larger, regularly shaped floors, insofar as they can be rolled out onto the subfloor. Heating mats with output of 160W/m2 are suitable for installation beneath timber floors including plywood or moisture proof chipboard and beneath solid or engineered wood floor coverings, provided manufacturers' guidelines are strictly adhered to. Heating mats with output of up to 200W/m2 are suitable for installation beneath more robust floor coverings such as stone or tile in areas where heat loss is high and/or it is not possible to incorporate sufficient insulation into the floor, such as conservatories. The higher wattage per square metre means that floors in these areas can rapidly be heated to operating temperature. Smaller, irregularly shaped spaces such as bathrooms, may require a combination of heating mats and loose heating cable to cover the floor area required.
In any case, underfloor heating mats and cables can be laid on almost any existing subfloor without pouring concrete and without raising height of the floor by more than 10mm or so. This can be important during renovation work where raising the floor height appreciably inevitably means raising skirting boards, shaving doors, etc.. The ease with which underfloor heating kits can be installed means that disruption in the home is minimised and, as a rule of thumb, two people should be able to perform a straightforward installation of up to 50m2 in less than a day.
Once the heating mats and/or cables contained in an underfloor heating kit have been laid, the final connections to the mains supply and the installation of a programmable thermostat should be carried out and tested by a properly qualified electrician. In fact, the installation of electrical underfloor heating is governed by Part P Building Regulations so it is a legal requirement that a minor works certificate or electrical installation certificate be issued for the electrical work. A thermostat will usually be installed in the room being heated except in the case of wet areas such as bathrooms or shower rooms, where a probe or floor sensor will be inserted into the floor itself and connected to a thermostat in a nearby dry area.
Once the installation is complete you have the freedom to arrange your furniture as you would really like it, rather than fitting it in around bulky traditional radiators and start to reap the benefits of a healthier, more hygienic, environment free from dust and other contaminants and a heating system which, nevertheless, uses less fuel and operates at a lower cost than traditional heating systems.