Posts Tagged electric underfloor heating


Why Underfloor Heating Systems Will Make Life Easier

07/25/2010 7:41:00 PM

Getting a leg up on power bills is a huge concern to most homeowners today, and having older less efficient central heating systems, or oil burning furnaces really run up the monthly bills in the winter season. Since most people change out their flooring about every ten to fifteen years in their home, you should really look into adding an underfloor heating system before your new Travertine tile is installed. You will not only realize lower electric heating bills in the near future, but you will also have a new comfort level that you would never think was possible before.  But exactly what is underfloor heating?  A good question.

This project will be a lot easier than you think, as the flooring company you will purchase your tiles from probably already installs these heating systems as well. If not they will have a close relationship with a contractor that is well versed in installing the webbed matting before the floors being put into place.  Be sure and check out the different systems to see which will be an affordable match for your home, and family’s comfort. This will be a win-win situation as when people do this sort of project and want to retain their current floor it will actually cost more for them, then having the floor replaced due to the extra time involved in removing the current floor without damaging the materials.

By adding extra sub floor insulation before the new appliance is installed you will reap even more cost cutting benefits in the future since the insulated material will help direct the heat source in a more upward flow than heating the underside or foundation of your home. A combination of cork matting and some spray on foam insulating material will seal up the area to guarantee the heat flow will be aimed at you and not the earth.

By installing thermostats in each zone or room,  the settings can be tweaked to accommodate the heating requirements of different family members, and also for rooms that are do not share an exterior wall in your home, they can be usually set lower, as they do not have to fight the cold weather outside as much as the other rooms. Once the tiles are heated to your requirements it doesn’t take as much electricity to main those levels, and this will cost considerably less than having your central unit having turn on and off more than usual. The setting on the forced air system will be able to be lowered after the electric underfloor heating system is in place, so you may not even see an increase at all in the next month’s power bill after project is completed.


  • Great Floor Plan Book

    This book is one that we always keep in our library for reference. With 560 pages of floor plans, home ideas, and many full color photos it is a great resource.
  • Measuring House Foot Prints and Utility Lines

    Having a measuring wheel on hand when you are in the planning stage of laying out home dimensions, driveway lengths, and utility access is really handy. This is the model that we keep in our truck.
  • Take A Compass With You

    Taking a compass to a building site with you will help you to determine which way the home should be pointed to take advanage of sunrises, sunsets, southern exposure, and views. Also having a GPS on hand is a good idea to give you an idea of elevation, especially when snow load is a concern. This is the model GPS that we have used for three or four years.
  • Out Building Construction Book

    This book I purchased for my husband when we first got into construction as a gag gift. Little did I know that it would be used for multiple buildings around our home.