Underfloor heating is a popular choice for homeowners looking for an efficient and comfortable way to heat their homes. In this comprehensive guide, we discuss the different types of underfloor heating, such as electrical and water-based systems, and their advantages and disadvantages. We look at the costs and installation, and which flooring types are most suitable.
Your choice for underfloor heating system depends on your needs and the characteristics of your home. There are two main types: water-based and electric underfloor heating. Water-based underfloor heating uses hot water that flows through pipes under the floor, while electric underfloor heating uses electric cables or mats.
When considering the costs for underfloor heating you must take into account both installation costs and ongoing heating costs. Prices may vary depending on the type of underfloor heating and the size of the space to be heated. It's also important to know what factors can influence costs, such as the type of floor you have and whether additional insulation is needed.
Benefits of underfloor heating
Energy efficiency and heat distribution
Floor heating is energy efficient because it distributes heat evenly across the floor. This ensures that your thermostat can be lower than with traditional heating. The heat rises slowly and heats evenly, without cold spots.
With underfloor heating you use less energy, which is good for your wallet and the environment. The system works with hot water or electric cables, so that your home is heated more evenly than with radiators.
Not only do you save on energy costs, but you also create a more pleasant indoor climate. This is due to the accurate heat distribution, which is important during cold winter days.
Comfort and Health Benefits
Floor heating provides a more comfortable home. The warmth comes from below and feels comfortable on your feet. This means that the air in the house does not circulate as with radiators, so that dust blows up less.
In addition, underfloor heating is beneficial for people with allergies. Traditional radiators move air and thus dust and allergens. The soft, constant warmth from underfloor heating creates a cleaner and healthier living environment.
The stable temperature also helps to maintain moisture and combat mold formation, which further improves air quality. This contributes to a healthier home, especially for children and people with breathing problems.
Aesthetics and space savings
Floor heating also offers aesthetic benefits. Because the system is under the floor, there are no visible heating elements. This gives you more freedom in your interior design and provides a sleek look.
On top of that, underfloor heating saves space. You no longer need radiators, so you can place furniture anywhere you want.
The system is ideal for open spaces where you don't want to be disturbed by heating elements. This makes it easier to create a minimalist and clean design in your home.
Main heating versus auxiliary heating
When choosing underfloor heating type, you need to decide whether to use this as main heating or additional heating.
Main heating means that the underfloor heating has enough capacity to heat your entire home. No additional heat source, such as radiators, is required. The heating pipes are placed closer together, usually on a distance of 10 cm.
Additional heating adds comfort by heating the floor, but is not the only source of heat. Here, another heat source, such as radiators or convectors, take care of the main job. The underfloor heating pipes are further apart, often with a center distance of 15 or 20 cm. This makes it suitable to complement existing heating systems. See more details at main heating or auxiliary heating.
Types of underfloor heating
There are different types of underfloor heating available, each suitable for different situations and needs. Whether you opt for electrical or water-based systems, it's important to know what options are available and which ones best suit your home.
Electrical systems
Electric underfloor heating is ideal for additional heating. These systems are easy to install and warm up rapidly. Electric systems are particularly useful in areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Electric mats
Electric mats are flexible mats with built-in heating cables. They are placed directly under the floor covering. Electric mats are easy to install and perfect for renovation projects.
- Benefits: Fast heating, easy installation
- Cons: Higher energy costs when used for long periods of time in large spaces
- Construction height: 3-5 mm
- Structural floor type: Wood, concrete (on existing screed)
- Suitable for: Renovations, small spaces
Electric foils
Electric foils are thin, flexible underfloor heating systems that are usually placed under laminate or wood floors. These foils provide uniform heat distribution.
- Benefits: Thin design (minimal installation height), uniform heat
- Cons: Not suitable for solid floors, can be difficult to repair, higher energy costs when used for long periods of time in large spaces
- Construction height: 2-3 mm
- Structural floor type: Wood, concrete (on existing screed)
- Suitable for: Renovations, laminate and wood floors, small spaces
Electric cables
Electric cables are separate heating cables that are laid on the floor in a certain formation and then covered with a screed. This system offers flexibility in installation.
- Benefits: Flexible installation, suitable for irregular spaces
- Cons: Longer warm-up time, higher energy costs during prolonged use
- Construction height: 20-25 mm
- Structural floor type: Concrete (for new screeds to be poured)
- Suitable for: New construction, large spaces, irregular rooms
Wet underfloor heating (water-based)
Wet underfloorfloor heating consists of pipes that are cast into a concrete or anhydrite floor. This system is ideal for new construction projects and offers good heat distribution.
- Benefits: Good heat distribution, large heating area
- Cons: Heavier system, can't be installed on top of existing screed
- Construction height: 50-80 mm
- Construction floor: Concrete (for new screeds to be poured)
- Suitable for: New construction, large spaces
Dry underfloor heating (water-based)
Dry underfloor heating systems use dry construction materials such as gypsum fiber boards. This system is lighter and faster to install than wet underfloor heating.
Dry underfloor heating in gypsum flooring panels
These floor panels integrate underfloor heating pipes into the panel itself (Fermacell or Knauf Brio). They are easy to install and offer rapid heat transfer.
- Benefits: Easy to install, good heat transfer
- Cons: Less thermal mass, which reduces heat faster, higher material costs
- Construction height: 35-45 mm
- Construction floor: Wood, concrete (on existing screed)
- Suitable for: Renovations, new construction
Dry underfloor heating in studded plates
Stud plates are boards with studs in which the heating pipes are attached. This system is easy to install and offers good insulation.
- Benefits: Easy installation, good insulation
- Cons: Higher material costs
- Construction height: 40-50 mm
- Construction floor: Wood, concrete (on existing screed)
- Suitable for: Renovations, new construction
Milling into the screed (water-based)
In this system, slots are milled into the existing screed into which the heating pipes are laid. This is a quick and effective way to install underfloor heating without removing the existing floor.
- Benefits: No loss of floor height, quick installation
- Cons: Limited to certain screeds (concrete), risk of damage to the existing screed and pipes during milling
- Construction height: No loss of floor height (on existing screed)
- Construction floor: Concrete (on existing screed)
- Suitable for: Renovations
Cost overview
Floor heating can vary in costs depending on the type of system, installation and long-term maintenance. Here we get a clear picture of what you can expect in terms of purchase and installation costs, as well as maintenance and lifespan.
Purchase prices and installation costs
The price for underfloor heating per square meter in The Netherlands in 2024 is between €40 and €160, excluding VAT and including installation. The costs differ due to various factors such as the type of underfloor heating. For example, there is a difference between hot water underfloor heating and electric underfloor heating. Hot water systems are usually more expensive to install because they are more complex and require more work.
In addition, additional preparations often have to be made, such as insulation and floor construction. These works can further influence costs. An experienced installer can provide a detailed quote that takes all these factors into account.
Here is an overview of the average costs:
- Electric underfloor heating: €40 - €80 per m²
- Water-based underfloor heating: €70 - €160 per m² (dry construction systems are always more expensive)
Maintenance and lifespan costs
Maintenance costs for underfloor heating are generally low. However, the system needs to be reviewed regularly to ensure efficiency. Especially with hot water underfloor heating, it is advisable to have the system checked annually, which involves maintenance costs.
The lifespan of underfloor heating systems can vary considerably. A properly installed system can easily last 30 to 50 years, especially when properly maintained. This means that the initial investment is spread over many years, making it cheaper in the long term.
Also take into account savings on heating costs. Underloor heating can be more efficient than traditional radiators, which can lead to lower energy bills.
Technical considerations
When installing underfloor heating, there are a few technical aspects that are crucial. These include insulation for heat efficiency and moisture regulation, as well as the installation techniques used.
Insulation and heat efficiency
Insulation plays a major role in the heat efficiency of underfloor heating. It is essential to use good insulation materials such as insulation mats or tacker plates. These ensure that the heat radiates from the pipes to the floor and not down.
A well-insulated floor ensures a faster heating process and lower energy consumption. The use of materials with high insulation values improves the efficiency of both wet and dry underfloor heating systems.
In wet systems, the floor construction is usually carried out with a cement screed. In dry systems, the floor is constructed with lightweight dry materials, allowing a faster response from the heating system. This means that the floor heats up and cools faster, depending on the need.
Moisture regulation and installation techniques
Moisture regulation is very important, especially in wet systems. In the case of underfloor heating with a wet system, the system is laid in the screed. This allows moisture to soak into the structure, leading to problems such as mold. That is why it is important to install a good moisture barrier.
In dry systems, where the pipes lie on special insulation boards, there is less risk of moisture problems.
Suitable floor coverings for underfloor heating
When installing underfloor heating, the choice of flooring is crucial. Here, you must pay attention to both thermal conductivity and insulation to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the system.
Floor coverings such as tiles, PVC , laminate and cast floors are very suitable for underfloor heating. They have a high thermal conductivity so that the heat is distributed quickly and evenly.
- Tiles and natural stone are ideal because of their low insulation value and high thermal conductivity. They are also durable and easy to maintain.
- Glued PVC has excellent thermal conductivity and is ideal for underfloor heating. It requires a perfectly flat subfloor for optimal performance.
- Click PVC offers good thermal conductivity and is well suited for underfloor heating. It is easy to install and often has a built-in subfloor for extra sound insulation.
- Laminate can also work well, provided it is specially designed for underfloor heating. Note the thickness and density of these.
- Self-leveling floors have a very good thermal conductivity and are therefore ideal for underfloor heating. They are seamless and easy to clean, providing a sleek and modern look. A well-prepared subfloor is necessary for optimal performance.
- Carpeting can also be used, but must be thin and tightly woven to be compatible with underfloor heating.
- Wooden floors must be well dried and not too thick to work well with underfloor heating.
A cement screed above the heating pipes (wet construction) can help distribute heat evenly, but it is important to choose the right thickness to prevent excessive heat loss. By carefully considering these factors, you can ensure an efficient and comfortable heating system.
Sustainability and future
Underfloor heating offers many advantages in terms of sustainability. It ensures efficient and uniform heat distribution. In the future, underfloor heating will be even more integrated with renewable energy sources.
Integration with renewable energy sources
One of the most important developments is the integration of underfloor heating with renewable energy sources. For example, consider solar collectors, which use solar energy to heat water. This hot water can circulate through the underfloor heating pipes, resulting in a sustainable heating method.
In addition, underfloor heating works well with heat pumps. Heat pumps use the heat from the air or the ground to heat your home. The combination of a well-insulated home and these technologies can increase energy efficiency enormously.
You can also consider using biomass installations, such as wood pellets in a timber frame construction. This provides an almost CO2-neutral heating solution, contributing to a sustainable future.
Future-proof heating
Floor heating is an excellent choice for future-proof heating. The system requires low maintenance and lasts a long time, making it a cost-effective solution in the long run.
In addition, the technology is flexible and the system can be adapted to new innovations. This includes smart thermostats that regulate the temperature based on your daily routine, resulting in extra energy savings.
For new buildings, such as well-insulated homes, but also for renovations, underfloor heating offers solutions that suit the sustainable heating methods of the future. As a result, it remains an interesting choice for both homeowners and construction professionals.
Innovations will ensure that this heating method continues to meet future sustainability requirements, so that your home is not only comfortable but also environmentally friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here we answer the most frequently asked questions about installing underfloor heating, including costs, timing, and combinations with heat pumps.
What are the average installation costs per square meter for underfloor heating?
The average cost of installing underfloor heating varies. For a traditional water-based system, the costs are around €70 to €160 per m². Electrical systems can be cheaper depending on the materials chosen and the complexity of the installation.
How do you calculate the total costs of installing underfloor heating?
To calculate the total cost, multiply the price per square meter by the area you want to heat. Don't forget to include the extra costs such as insulation.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of underfloor heating in combination with a heat pump?
Floor heating works well with a heat pump due to the low supply temperature. This ensures efficient energy consumption and lower heating costs. You can read more about the benefits here. A disadvantage may be the higher initial investment.
How long do you have to wait before you can start using underfloor heating after installation?
After installing underfloor heating, it is important wait before you start using the system and heat it up gradually. For electrical and dry underfloor heating systems, you can usually start heating within 24 to 48 hours after installation. With wet systems, it is essential to allow the screed to fully cure, which can usually take four to six weeks. During this period, the screed must be kept moist regularly to prevent cracks. After curing, you can start the underfloor heating gradually, starting with a low temperature and slowly increasing it to avoid adjustment problems. It's always recommended to follow the manufacturer's and installer's specific guidelines for best results and to prevent damage to your underfloor heating system.
