Where install underfloor heating?
An important advantage of underfloor heating is that there are no restrictions on its installation. We can install it in any room, which is very important in winter when the cold is most noticeable from the ground. In the case of small children, we can be sure that they will not catch cold walking on the cold surface of the tiles.
Tiles do not have to be found only in the bathroom or kitchen then such a solution is all the more welcome. However, it should be noted that for large rooms, keeping warm in winter can be very expensive.
Like install a heater?
Underfloor heating is a very ergonomic solution, but it is worth planning exactly how much the installation will cost. For our cost estimate, please enter:
- Pipes
- Valves
- Manifolds
- Controls
- Floor polystyrene
- Film
- Professional remuneration
Traditionally, flooring is not included in the cost, as it is done on top of the finished installation. The cost is calculated per square metre.
Types underfloor heating
There are two types of heating: water i electric. Naturally, in the case of the water system, the plumbing pipes must be added to the expenses. Usually, the professional's fee oscillates around PLN 30 per m2. Other basic purchases include the purchase of a controller (at least 300 PLN), boiler automatics (up to 2000 PLN) and pumps for the mixer circuit can be purchased for parts, each for a few hundred PLN, or invest in a branded set for a few thousand PLN).
For each of these, you have to expect to pay for installation separately. Taking everything into account, the average cost of underfloor water heating is £150 per square metre, after buying all the utensils needed, excluding the cost of the screed.
Electric heating is much more convenient - it does not require a boiler room and there is no need for maintenance. So we are spared the costs of buying a boiler, pipes and valves. Its downside is the high maintenance costs in houses with a large surface area. However, thanks to the use of renewable energy sources, architects even recommend such solutions because they are more economical.
Usually such heating is installed at specific points in the house, such as the bathroom or kitchen. The price is strictly dependent on the heating cables and these vary in price from 10-30PLN/mb, which, converted to a square metre, is 80PLN. Another important element is the thermostat, which controls temperature fluctuations. This will cost up to £500, depending on quality and sophistication.
What choose?
Electric heating is much more convenient and cheaper to install. Unfortunately, electricity is quite expensive hence in traditional houses it can be a big burden on the household budget. It will work well in well-insulated houses with medium or small installation. Water heating is much more economical to maintain in the long run.
The downside can be the high cost of installation and its complexity, so it is worth considering this at the building planning stage. It will be necessary to dedicate a separate room, which would have to be used as a boiler room. Usually, water-type heating will work best in large buildings, e.g. for investors, as it will be easier to balance maintenance costs.
