Tile Underfloor Heating

The floor size of your project will play a major role in determining the best underfloor heating system you'll need.

For smaller spaces, such as a bathroom or a kitchen, electric underfloor heating is often the ideal choice due to its easier installation and quicker response time.

For larger areas, such as an open plan tiled living area or a tiled conservatory, water underfloor heating is bettered suited thanks to its lower-running costs.

The available thickness or height of your floor build-up with underfloor heating will influence your choice.

Electric underfloor heating mats or cables have a lower profile and so are ideal for renovations or minimal addition to your floor height.

Water underfloor heating systems typically have a bigger build up, which adds extra height to the floor. This is an important consideration if your room has low ceilings, doors you want to avoid altering, or if you're concerned about creating uneven floor heights between a room with underfloor heating and one without. Water-based systems are ideal for new builds or when integrated into an extension, where changes to the floor structure are more easily accommodated.

Budget is an important factor when choosing an underfloor heating system.

Electric underfloor heating has a lower upfront cost and is easier to install, making them a budget-friendly solution for smaller rooms or renovations, however can be slightly more expensive to run over time.

Water underfloor heating has a higher installation cost, but is more cost-effective in the long term due to lower running costs. Running costs can be next to nothing when paired with a renewable energy source such as a heat pump, making it an efficient and sustainable heating solution.

If energy efficiency is a priority in your home or project, water underfloor heating connected to a heat pump is often the best choice. This will use less energy to maintain a comfortable temperature, particularly when paired with tiles, which retain heat well.

Electric underfloor heating is more suited for areas where quick heating is needed, but will consume more electricity if part of a full-house heating set up. If you have solar panels installed, the cost of electric will be significantly reduced, offsetting the energy consumption with the electricity generated by your renewable energy source, making it a more cost-effective option in the long term.