Electric floor heating systems are extremely popular, cost-effective, and user-friendly solutions. Moreover, they are very economical to run when combined with a suitable controller and installed in a suitable environment.

Underfloor heating is the most common method of application. It can be used for main heating, as well as for extra comfort heating in the bathroom or kitchen. Unlike warm-water systems, electric heating is much easier to install, has higher flexibility, a precise control system, and lower acquisition costs. It is also suitable for low-energy and passive houses.

Underfloor heating mats offer great comfort, economic and reliable operation, and a long lifetime. They preserve free floor space by eliminating the need for various heating elements, radiators, and heat distribution systems. The key advantage of such a mat is easy installation and ideal heat distribution due to even spacing of the loops of the heating cable. A further advantage is separate temperature control in individual rooms and completely no maintenance needed.

There are three main types of installation: direct, semi-storage, storage heating.

Direct heating is the most common type of application, used for both main heating systems and comfort heating. The heating mat is placed directly under the tiles, usually in flexible sealant or self-leveling screed, so the tiled surface heats up relatively quickly (approx. 20 min). In such cases, thinner mats with lower linear wattage are used, so that the spacing of the loops is small and the floor is heated perfectly evenly. One of the advantages of this system is its highly sensitive temperature control and quick reaction.   

Semi-storage heating is another possibility. Heating mats of 160 W/m² in semi-storage systems are placed in a layer of concrete 4–5 cm thick. Heat is accumulated at a time when electricity costs are the lowest and then radiates from the floor surface. In such a case, one efficient advice would be to divide the total desired heating power 70/30 between the floor heating and another source, such as ECOSUN radiant panel.

Storage heating is less popular nowadays. It takes advantage of cheaper electricity tariffs – usually at night. During this time, heat is accumulated into the mass of the floor and during the rest of the day, the heat is gradually released from the floor to the room. In storage systems, heating mats are placed in a 10-14 cm thick layer of concrete. We recommend an output wattage of 250 to 300 W/m² for mats used in this type of electricity. Eight hours of low-tariff electricity should be used to accumulate the heat.