Underfloor heating

It is not only an innovative way to heat a home but also an easy and energy-efficient way that keeps your toes cosy. Just imagine getting out of the bathtub and stepping onto the warm floor!

I am a massive fan of this type of heating since it makes a huge difference, especially with tile flooring. And in Malta, 99.9% of the homes have tiles rather than engineered hardwood flooring.

There are two types of underfloor heating, electric and water-based systems. Both provide heating from the floor up for consistent, efficient warmth.

Electric underfloor heating heats wiring underneath the floor to generate heat; meanwhile, the water-based systems run hot water through pipes to create heat. The latter approach takes longer to install due to their more complex requirements and will cost you more money. Yet, the low running costs will compensate for the initial price.

A key benefit of underfloor heating is that the systems require minimal maintenance once installed.
The electric systems don’t need regular servicing; meanwhile, water underfloor heating systems may require periodic inspection to ensure everything works correctly.

Underfloor heating can use much lower water temperatures than radiators since it covers a large surface area. It also works well with laminate, wood, tile, stone and carpet, so you can choose a material that suits your needs. Even the nicest radiators take up room on a wall, so imagine your design freedom with underfloor heating.

The misconception is that underfloor heating can only be installed in newly built properties. It can be done when you are planning to refurbish your home. You must calculate the extra time and costs to remove your flooring and maybe part of the concrete underneath. However, the latest electric systems do not increase your floor height. This mat system’s depth is only 3mm and can be installed directly within the layer of tile adhesive.

Water underfloor heating systems generally require a more profound installation technique using screeding, so they are typically recommended for new-build projects. However, innovative systems with only 16mm depth could be an excellent choice for your reno project.

I can’t repeat myself enough, underfloor insulation is also always recommended when installing a new floor heater.