The benefits of electric underfloor heating

Quick-responding system

with precise room temperature control for the highest possible energy efficiency

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What is electric underfloor heating?

Electric floor heating consists of two main elements: a heating element, which can be a thin mat or a cable; and a thermostat with temperature sensors. Electric heating mats or cables can be installed under any floor type, and are suitable for new builds, retro fits or renovations. It can be an energy-efficient heating option, especially when it uses energy generated by photovoltaic cells, or solar panels. And that’s just one way that electric underfloor heating can maximize energy efficiency.

Efficient use of energy for the highest comfort level

Electric underfloor heating benefits

Low-cost, easy installation

Electric underfloor heating features a simple design, and a quicker, cleaner installation process that doesn’t require any drilling, chimneys or pipes. This means lower planning and installation costs and makes electric heating the ideal choice for retrofits.

Maintenance free

An electric floor heating system is built to last. It only consists of two main components, both of which are maintenance-free: a heating element, such as an electric heating cable or mat, and a thermostat.

Mobile app-based remote control

With smart thermostats, users can adjust electric floor heating to follow their daily routines, scheduling heating on- and off-periods on a room- or zone-basis to avoid energy waste and increase energy efficiency.

Quick warm-up time

Electric floor heating has a quick response time. When used with intelligent thermostats, electric heating offers more precise room temperature control compared to water-based heating systems.

Good air quality

Electric heating only produces a very gentle upward air movement. Therefore, the amount of travelling dust, bacteria or allergen particles is reduced considerably, making the system well-suited for people with allergies or asthma.

No danger of flood or frost

Since there is no water in the system, there’s no risk of damage due to water leakage or frost. Nor is there any need for annual system check-ups.

Room- or zone-based heating control

With electric underfloor heating, users can regulate the temperature in each room independently. When no one’s using a room or zone, they can switch off heating to that specific room, which saves money, prevents wasted energy and ensures the highest level of efficiency.

Integrated timer function

The thermostats feature an integrated timer function, which means users can switch to “low-cost electricity” mode, so they only use heating when electricity costs are low. The thermostats also react to additional heat sources, such as the sun, so they can automatically adjust the room temperature to external conditions.

Fits your rhythm and reduces energy costs

Newer thermostats even adapt to users’ habits and learn when to turn the heat on and off, so heating is only available when needed.

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The most comfort with the least energy

The combination of the heat distribution from the floor and the precise temperature control with the thermostat mean users can reduce a room’s temperature by 1-2° Celsius when compared to traditional radiator heating, without reducing the room’s comfort level. For a multi-tenant building, this would amount to a 20% reduction in total energy loss.

Electric underfloor heating also gives the highest possible heat efficiency, as it converts 99% of the energy the system consumes into heat.

Learn more about application

Solar-powered heating

Find out how the combination of electric underfloor heating and photovoltaics met the energy efficiency requirements for an Energy plus, near-zero housing complex in Koblenz, Germany.

Read case story

Simple, low-cost installation and maintenance

Beyond the energy efficiency related benefits, electric underfloor heating offers additional advantages for single- and multi-tenant building owners. For example, builders can use lighter floor construction with electric underfloor heating. While water-based floor heating typically requires a 60-100 mm concrete layer on top of the tubes, electric heating mats are from 2.5 - 4.5 mm thick and can be placed just underneath the floor covering.

Since electric underfloor heating only requires two elements, the heating element and the control unit, the installation process is quicker and less complex than with other heating solutions. From a resident’s perspective, an invisible, no-noise heating system gives increased flexibility in terms of saving space (no need to plan around bulky radiators) and interior design. And electric underfloor heating gives a greater peace of mind because there’s no possibility of frost, leakage and related floor damage.

The heating mat’s thickness also means it can be installed in a house renovation without destroying the existing floor. And the relatively low-level of floor thickness makes electric underfloor heating an ideal solution for multi-story buildings, where low building height is an advantage, and the size of the horizontal division makes a difference.

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Digital Thermostats

Digital controllers have the unique features allowing you to reduce energy waste. Some thermostats are fitted with Wi-Fi allowing remote control of heating systems via mobile application.

Heating Mats

The heating mats are used for installation in a thin layer of tile adhesive, self-leveling mixture, or similar. The standard minimum thickness of the floor layer is 5-8 mm while the thickness of electric heating mat is 3–4.5 mm. This minimizes the floor level increase. Electric heating mats consist of a thin cable securely fixed on self-adhesive glass-fiber mesh, usually of 50 cm width. Thin heating mats are manufactured as ready-made heating sections with a specific area (i.e. 0.5, 1, 1.5 … 12 m²) including a power supply cable (cold lead) and hermetically sealed connections.

Heating Cables

Heating cables are used for a variety of applications, including indoor comfort floor heating and total heating both for small houses as well as large commercial buildings.
Heating cables are mostly used in connection with new building or larger renovation projects.

Warranty

Did you know?

DEVI Electric heating products include DEVIwarrantyTM, which covers cable and mat replacement, as well as installation and materials costs – for up to 20 years.

20-year warranty gives added peace of mind

Danfoss Electric heating products include a comprehensive product warranty, which covers cable and mat replacement, as well as installation and materials costs – for up to 20 years.

Related applications

Electric floor heating

Electric underfloor heating for all types of floors

Electric heating is an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly floor heating solution. It is flexible for new build homes and renovations for both wet and dry installation.

Case stories

Coburg’s First Passive House, Victoria Australia

Home By Hutt, Melbourne Design Studios, and Grand Designs Australia designed and built the first Passive Home in the humble suburb of Coburg, Melbourne.