Discover the Best Deals on Floor Heating
Investing in floor heating introduces you to a world of unparalleled comfort and well-being. Whether you opt for electric or hydronic floor heating, the outcome is the same – a floor that emanates soothing warmth, banishing those frosty mornings and chilly evenings. Below your feet lies a technology that not only enhances your physical comfort but also elevates the ambiance of your living spaces, marking an upgrade in your lifestyle. The benefits are plentiful, including energy-efficient operation, consistent heating, cost savings, and the sheer joy of walking on a floor designed for your utmost comfort. With simple installation and compatibility with various flooring materials, floor heating is the epitome of luxury and practicality for your home.
Leading Floor Heating Brands in the UK
WarmlyYours:
WarmlyYours is a renowned brand, excelling in innovative and efficient floor heating solutions. Their systems seamlessly merge cutting-edge technology with luxurious comfort, offering both electric and hydronic options. WarmlyYours systems ensure uniform heat distribution, transforming every step you take into a cosy and soothing experience. With customizable features and user-friendly controls, WarmlyYours ensures that your floor heating experience aligns perfectly with your preferences and lifestyle.
Nuheat:
Nuheat is synonymous with premium floor heating solutions that effortlessly integrate into various flooring materials. Prioritizing energy efficiency and advanced technology, Nuheat provides programmable thermostats, empowering you to control and optimize your heating system. Their electric floor heating systems are designed for easy installation and can be tailored to fit the layout of any room. Nuheat seamlessly combines functionality and style, delivering a warm and inviting atmosphere in your living spaces.
Schluter Systems:
Schluter Systems is a respected name in the UK flooring industry, offering innovative floor heating solutions that prioritize both comfort and durability. Their DITRA-HEAT system combines uncoupling, waterproofing, and floor heating functionalities in one comprehensive package. With a commitment to providing reliable and efficient systems, Schluter Systems ensures that your floor remains warm and your home remains protected from moisture-related issues.
SunTouch:
SunTouch is dedicated to creating radiant floor heating systems that deliver exceptional warmth and energy efficiency. Their electric floor heating mats are designed for easy installation and can be customized to fit various room sizes and shapes. SunTouch offers intuitive thermostats that allow you to precisely control your floor heating experience, ensuring optimal comfort while minimizing energy consumption.
Emerson:
Emerson, a trusted brand in the UK HVAC industry, offers Sensi thermostat solutions that can be integrated with floor heating systems for precise temperature control. The Sensi thermostats allow you to remotely manage your floor heating system through a user-friendly app, ensuring that your living spaces are warm and welcoming when you need them to be.
ThermoSoft:
ThermoSoft is known for its user-friendly electric floor heating systems that prioritize ease of installation and customizable comfort. Their systems are designed to provide consistent and efficient heat distribution, creating a cozy atmosphere in your home. ThermoSoft offers a range of thermostats that enable you to control your floor heating experience with precision.
Warmup:
Warmup is a global leader in floor heating solutions, offering electric and hydronic systems that cater to various heating needs. Their systems are designed to be energy-efficient, ensuring that your home remains warm without excessive energy consumption. With user-friendly thermostats and a commitment to quality, Warmup provides a seamless integration of warmth and comfort into your living spaces.
Types of Floor Heating
Electric Radiant Floor Heating:
Electric radiant floor heating systems utilize electric cables or heating mats installed beneath the flooring materials. Known for their simplicity and efficiency, electric cables are evenly spread across the floor or arranged in a serpentine pattern, while heating mats consist of pre-woven cables attached to a mesh. Upon activation, these systems generate heat that radiates upwards, warming the floor and the surrounding area. Electric radiant floor heating is ideal for retrofitting existing spaces due to its relatively thin profile and easy installation. It provides rapid heat-up times and can be individually controlled for various zones, enhancing energy efficiency and customizable comfort.
Hydronic (Water-based) Radiant Floor Heating:
Hydronic radiant floor heating involves circulating warm water through a network of pipes installed within the floor structure. This system excels in even heat distribution as water retains heat for longer periods. A boiler or water heater heats the water, which then flows through the pipes, radiating warmth to the surface. Hydronic systems are often used in new construction projects due to their installation complexity and thickness requirement. They offer energy efficiency by utilizing lower water temperatures and can be integrated with solar thermal systems for eco-friendly heating. Hydronic radiant floor heating provides consistent, gentle warmth and is compatible with various flooring types.
In-Floor Heating Cables:
In-floor heating cables offer versatility for both electric and hydronic systems. Electric in-floor heating cables are designed to be embedded within a layer of thin-set mortar or self-leveling underlayment. They are suitable for various floor coverings, including tile, stone, and laminate. These cables can be easily customized to fit room dimensions and layouts. Hydronic in-floor heating cables are embedded within a concrete slab or poured screed layer during construction. They offer efficient heat transfer and can be paired with various types of floor coverings, including tile and hardwood.
Heating Mats:
Heating mats are a popular choice for electric radiant floor heating systems. These mats consist of pre-woven heating cables attached to a mesh or backing material. The mats are rolled out onto the floor, ensuring even spacing, and are then embedded in thin-set mortar or adhesive. Heating mats simplify installation and reduce the risk of cable spacing errors. They are particularly suited for larger areas where consistent cable spacing is crucial for efficient heating.
Underfloor Heating Foils:
Underfloor heating foils are thin, flexible sheets with integrated heating elements that can be easily laid beneath various types of flooring. These foils are particularly suited for retrofitting applications as they have a low profile and do not significantly raise the floor height. Underfloor heating foils are ideal for spaces where the installation of cables or pipes is challenging. They provide efficient and even heat distribution while minimizing disruption to existing structures.
Key Features of Floor Heating
Uniform Heat Distribution: Floor heating systems offer consistent heat distribution across the entire floor surface, eliminating cold spots and ensuring constant comfort throughout the room.
Energy Efficiency: Radiant floor heating is highly energy-efficient as it directly warms objects and people in the room, rather than wasting energy on heating the air. This can lead to reduced heating bills over time.
Customizable Comfort: Many floor heating systems can be divided into zones, allowing you to control the temperature independently in different areas of your home for optimal comfort and energy savings.
Versatility: Floor heating can be installed under various types of flooring materials, including tile, stone, hardwood, laminate, and more, making it a versatile solution for different interior design preferences.
Low Maintenance: Once installed, floor heating systems require minimal maintenance, eliminating the need for frequent servicing or cleaning.
Space Saving: Unlike traditional radiators or baseboard heaters, floor heating systems are hidden beneath the floor, freeing up wall space and providing a clutter-free aesthetic.
Silent Operation: Floor heating systems operate silently, eliminating the noise associated with forced-air systems or traditional heaters.
Benefits of Floor Heating
Comfortable Warmth: Radiant floor heating offers a gentle and consistent warmth that envelops the room, creating a cozy environment for relaxation, work, and play.
Improved Indoor Air Quality: Unlike forced-air systems that can circulate dust and allergens, floor heating systems do not rely on air movement, leading to improved indoor air quality for allergy sufferers.
Aesthetic Enhancement: Floor heating eliminates the need for visible radiators or heating units, allowing you to maintain a clean and aesthetically pleasing interior design.
Health Benefits: Radiant heat can promote better blood circulation and alleviate symptoms of cold-related health issues, such as joint pain.
Efficient Heat Retention: Floor heating systems radiate heat upwards, resulting in efficient heat retention and longer-lasting warmth even after the system has been turned off.
Safety Considerations
Proper Installation: To ensure safety and optimal performance, it’s crucial to have your floor heating system installed by professionals who follow manufacturer guidelines and local building codes.
Floor Compatibility: Ensure that the chosen flooring material is compatible with the specific floor heating system, as some materials may have temperature limitations.
Thermostat Control: Use programmable thermostats to control and monitor the temperature, preventing overheating and ensuring energy-efficient operation.
Regular Maintenance: While floor heating systems require minimal maintenance, it’s important to periodically check for any signs of damage, such as exposed cables or leaks (in hydronic systems).
Electrical Safety: For electric systems, ensure proper electrical connections and consider using a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) for added protection against electrical shocks.
Hydronic Safety: For hydronic systems, regular maintenance of the boiler and piping is essential to prevent leaks and maintain system integrity.
Safe Installation: Avoid installing floor heating systems beneath heavy furniture or fixtures that could obstruct heat circulation, potentially leading to overheating.