underfloor heating

by **demon** » Wed Mar 04, 2009 5:11 pm

I'm thinking of putting in underfloor heating to my lounge (going to be parquet flooring blocks over existing screed) and my kitchen (going to be ceramic tiles over existing screed).
In terms of installation (by the diy-er) and operational cost and efficiency, is the electric mat system better that a plumbed in system?

by **stoneyboy** » Thu Mar 05, 2009 8:41 pm

demon,
Electric mat is thinner but running costs are high.
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by **demon** » Fri Mar 06, 2009 4:48 pm

thanks.
Would the electric ones be cheaper to buy and install?
Don't the type that are plumbed in and controlled by the central heating need to be buried in some sort of screed?

by **stoneyboy** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 4:37 pm

demon,
Always difficult to compare like for like, the electric kit will probably be 10-20% cheaper. In both cases you will probably be modifying an electric circuit so you should use someone who can issue a minor works certificate.
The water based system will need a screed which will be thicker than the one required for electric.
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