As one of the UK’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of electric underfloor heating, we often get asked about the benefits and drawbacks that underfloor heating can bring, either as part of a renovation project or as the main heat source in your home.
Our guide on the pros and cons of electric heating below can help you make the decision needed for your next project.
Pros of Electric Underfloor Heating
Energy Efficient Heating
Flexel’s electric underfloor heating can be an energy efficient form of heating your home, extension or commercial premises such as an office, church or classroom. The three main types of underfloor heating we offer are EcoFloor Underfloor Heating Mats, EcoFlex Underfloor Heating Cable (including Cable Kits) and EcoFoil Mats primarily for use under laminate flooring in bathrooms.
Our electric underfloor heating works by heating a room or premises from the floor upwards, heating the coldest area first and ensuring consistent and efficient heat. Underfloor heating also generally runs at a much lower temperature than traditional water-filled radiators meaning that your heating bills can be lower due to using less energy.
Easy to Maintain & Control
When our underfloor heating solutions are paired with our range of programmable thermostats, you have the ability to fully control the temperature of your home at all times, simply programme the thermostat for when you want your heating to run, and leave it to do its magic!
Flexel’s range of underfloor heating also requires very little maintenance once installed, and we also include extensive warranties and support on our products. If there is any issue or questions before or after installation our tech team are always available to assist over the phone.
Another advantage of underfloor heating is the ability to set ‘zones’ in your property so that you only need to heat areas or rooms which require it, further increasing your energy efficiency and lowering your bills.
Get Creative With Your Extra Space
With no radiators on your walls, you will find that your rooms now have that extra bit of space and remove any restrictions that a radiator can pose on the layout of your rooms. This will also be especially noticeable if you decide to decorate a room, without having to work around radiators.
Safe and Comfortable Heating
With underfloor heating, you very rarely have to worry about ongoing maintenance after installation, and with all heating hidden under the floor, you also don’t need to worry about any dangerous hot surfaces like with a radiator. In addition, your pets will love it too!
Easy to Install Under Any Floor Type
Our team of experts are on hand to provide advice and suggestions for the best type of underfloor heating for you, depending on the floor type that you have. We offer a free design service to ensure you get all the correct materials and our range has options for most floor types, including laminated floors, tiles, vinyl, stone and wood.
Cons of Electric Underfloor Heating
Initial Cost of Installation
The initial cost of installing some underfloor heating systems can be higher than other heating systems, depending on the size of the room it is being fitted in. As well the cost for the underfloor heating, you will also need to consider the fitting of it, additional items such as thermostats and insulation boards, and also the cost of an approved electrician to wire the system to your mains supply.
Another potential cost to think about is removing and replacing the existing flooring if installing in an existing property rather than a new build.
Potential Upheaval
Depending on whether you are having underfloor heating installed in a new build property or an existing room or property, you will need to consider the upheaval of emptying the rooms so that under the floor can be accessed for installation, this could also mean that the room is inaccessible during this time, although electric underfloor heating systems are usually quite quick to install.
Summary
Flexel’s underfloor heating solutions can be an energy-efficient and cost-effective way to heat your home, with a range of systems suitable for all types of domestic, residential and commercial properties, and suitable for all floor types. When paired with a programmable thermostat, you can make savings on your heating bills all year round.