There are now a number of systems you can install, but it can be tricky to work out which one would be the most suitable for a property's requirements.
There are two types of underfloor heating – wet or water-based systems and dry or electric heating systems.
Wet underfloor heating systems consist of polypipes, which are plastic heating pipes connected to a boiler that uses the property's central heating system's warm water. These warm water pipes are laid underneath the floor, and as there are no joints, leaks are minimal and virtually maintenance free. Any boiler can be used, but a condensing boiler is the most efficient.
Wet systems cost more to install but their long-term advantages cannot be denied; your heating bills will be lower than a dry system, particularly when fitted in larger areas.
Electric heating systems (dry UFH) are heating cables that are then either left loose for irregular shaped rooms, woven loosely into heating mats for stone and tile floors or used to create a foil mat system, which is ideal for laminate flooring.
Electric systems enjoy lower fitting costs and the installation process is far less disruptive, but will be more expensive to power. However, you should not discount this option; electric water systems are ideal for small spaces, such as tiled bathrooms.
