Underfloor Heating?

[HomerSimpson]

Does anyone have any experience of underfloor (wet) heating?

We have an opportunity to fit it before the 3" screed is laid but I keep getting mixed responses from Plumbers.

I know its more difficult to install compared to rads but does it have any long term problems?

Also, what about electric underfloor heating. Is that really a cost effective alternative?

 

[ChrisR]

Main feature is slow response, but a pleasant source of heat. Lots of kits and advice from manufacturers, eg polyplumb - stacks of others.

Don't know much about tit except there's the wrong way of doing it - where full temp boiler water goes round unchecked (so your floor could go up to 80C which alarms the cat) and the better ways which either control/blend the water to keep its temp sensible, or use sensors in the floor.

When I do my bathroom it'll be electric!

 

[AdamW]

When I do my bathroom it'll be electric!

Possibly a considerably lower whole-life cost: people often forget the cost of servicing and repair when pricing up the cheapness of gas-fired heating systems.

My local W***es shed has a demo system by its check-outs. It is very warm and pleasant to put your hand on whilst waiting.

 

[JPC]

I fitted electric in the bathroom. just role out and wire in (all instructions are on the box).
U'll have to buy the one for concrete floor.
As i recall u can buy underfloor heating just for confort ( keeps tiles warm underfoot) or u can buy it to replace the rads.
I guess its a gamble as to which is more reliable but i'd go again with electric.

 

[pjrich]

If initial cost is an issue, then an electric system is cheaper to install.

With an electric system you have 2 choices - heating mat or cable.

If you still have a floor screed to lay, then cable is the best solution.

It will act like a big storage heater, so if you use economy 7 tariff, it will be cheaper to run.

Installing a good amount of insulation will improve heat time and reduce bills.

With regard to cost, the material cost for a 10m2 area is between £200-£250.


Peter