In this article Thermogroup discusses what to consider when purchasing an electric underfloor heating system.

1. Which floor finishes are compatible?
Underfloor heating is compatible with most floor finishes including:
• Stone, ceramic and porcelain floor finishes are perfect for electric underfloor heating because they have a high thermal mass and high thermal conductivity, delivering radiant heat quickly and retaining heat well.
• Carpet and underlay with a combined tog value of up to 2.5 can be used effectively with underfloor heating. (Research carried out by The Carpet Foundation)
• Laminate and vinyl floor finishes perform extremely well with underfloor heating and are becoming increasingly popular.
• Engineered timber is a great option for use with underfloor heating as its structural stability allows it to perform well with fluctuating temperatures.
Thermogroup always recommend to check the manufacturer’s recommended maximum floor surface temperature to ensure your floor type is suitable for use with an electric underfloor heating system.

2. Which underfloor heating system is most suitable?
Thermogroup have specifically designed underfloor heating solutions for a variety of floor finishes.
• Thermofoil PRO underlaminate heating is an electric aluminium foil specifically designed to provide the perfect spread of heat when installed under laminate flooring, engineered timber and other floating floor applications.
• Vario PRO electric underfloor is ideal for substrates that require an uncoupling layer or waterproofing properties. Vario PRO saves time, money and height build up by combining our TwistedTwin electric heating cable with Vario ProMat uncoupling membrane for fast track floor preparation.
• Thermonet electric underfloor heating is ideal for use beneath tile and stone finishes and the floor can be laid directly over the heating mats. Thermonet features a self-adhesive mat which allows it to roll out totally flat for easy installation.
A layer of 10mm self-levelling compound is required when using Thermonet or Vario PRO with any other finish but tiles.

3. Do you need insulation?
Using the correct insulation board is essential for an efficient electric underfloor heating system, insulation will minimises downward heat loss and can reduce your running costs by as much as 50%.
• Econoboard uncoated insulation boards are specially developed to provide economical thermal insulation for electric underfloor heating systems on concrete or screed floors. Available in 10.5mm thick boards.
• Econoboard coated insulation boards are reinforced with fibreglass mesh and a cementitious coating to provide strength and lateral stability to timber substrates. Available from 6-50mm thicknesses.
• Econoboard rigid insulation boards are designed to provide thermal insulation and cushioning as a floating layer in a floating floor build up. Available in 5mm thick boards.

4. Which type of thermostat should you use?
Choosing the right thermostat for your home is a very important part of choosing your underfloor heating system. One of the biggest causes of wasted energy from any underfloor heating system is a poor or non-existent heating schedule. There are two main types of thermostat:
• Manual thermostats are economical to buy and have simple controls.
• Programmable thermostats adjust the temperature of your underfloor heating system automatically throughout the day.

All of Thermogroup’s thermostats operate via floor sensors for accurate control and floor temperature regulation. Their newest thermostat the Thermotouch 4.3dC is the UK’s first thermostat to control your underfloor heating and an additional appliance such as a towel rail or mirror de-mister.