Pros and Cons of Underfloor Heating

Sub-floor heating systems are not a recent innovation, but modern electric underfloor heating incorporates new technology that is causing a rise in popularity. This method of using all three means of heat transfer — conduction, radiation, and convection — is no longer thought of as a luxury, but can instead be quite affordable. Here is a quick look at the positives and negatives regarding an electric underfloor heat source.

Heating units manufactured for use beneath floors use cable mats that are next to a bronze or other mesh pad. In new construction, they are installed as part of the flooring unit, often directly below the cement layer. When in use, the floor gradually warms through simple conduction, and the resulting heat is convected upwards through the atmosphere of the room.

Voltage is not the issue, but rather the total wattage used to employ this technology. The result can be far more cost efficient than equivalent energy being transferred to a ceiling type radiant heat system. Warm air generated near the top of a room will stay there, while the lower levels remain chilled. In an electric underfloor heating system, the air near the floor warms first and slowly rises. Underfloor heat also saves space, as there are no radiators or baseboard units in the home itself.

On the other hand, this type of heating is slow even though the mesh transfers heat to the floor through conduction. It takes time for the results to be appreciable, and cooling off of the floor itself is also gradual. Initial cost may be high, especially if the system is installed in a pre-existing home. And not all types of flooring can handle the heat transfer without being compromised over time.

It is best to consult with a professional contractor that installs this type of heating system. Sub-floor heat is a growing industry, with more and more companies now training their installers for this specialized service.