In this blog article I hope to highlight a few important points to help you decide which UFH product to choose for your tiled or stone floor.

Please visit our website (www.rayotec.com) for more details or call us (01932 784848) to speak to our technical advisors.

Do you choose UFH mats or loose cable?

Loose Cable systems

Loose cable systems are ideal for smaller rooms with awkward shapes. Especially in small bathrooms you can heat right under the sink and to shower/both maximising heat output and eliminating cold spots. (Rayotec do supply underfloor heating cable kits but they are not available on our online shop, please call on 01932 784848 for more details)

Mats

Electric underfloor heating mats make installation quick and easy. The wires have the correct separation allowing even heating at the correct output. The mats are self adhesive meaning in most cases the floor doesn’t need to be primed before installation.  The quality of the mats are import as some mats have very flimsy mesh or are packed badly and will refuse to lay flat when installing. For more technical information or to find out prices for mats click here.

Mat layout guide

Unless you are experienced underfloor heating installer or have a very simple room it is always best to ask for a mat layout plan from your supplier. Rayotec supply free CAD mat layout plans for any of our underfloor heating mat customers who require one. It stops mistakes like ordering the wrong size or starting in the wrong place. As the mats are self adhesive it is best to get it right the first time.

Insulation

If possible ALWAYS insulate under your underfloor heating system. There are special high density boards available that are designed so that you can tile straight on top of. The boards are available from only 6mm in thickness making possible to install in areas with limited floor height.

The major advantages of using insulation are:

1.       Lower running costs
2.       Faster heat up time
3.       Easier installation

Rayotec sell a premium insulation board at a range of thicknesses prefect for any installation under tiles. For more details visit our main website.

Thermostat

With underfloor heating you tend to have one thermostat per room. There are two basic types; digital and dial. The Digital is programmable giving far higher level of control and allows you to control running costs.

The thermostat will need to be located somewhere were it can detect the average temperature of the room.  Locations near windows, radiators, fireplaces etc should be avoided. The thermostats are not IP rated and therefore should not be installed in wet rooms (bathrooms etc).

A floor probe should always be installed to limit the temperature of the floor. For Thermstat details click here.

Basic installation method for the underfloor heating mats

 For more infomation or prices pelase visit our website.

3 Reasons why there has never been a better time to buy solar

1)      Low Price Systems: Although the government subsidies have fallen in the last few years the price of panels have almost halved! The result is a great, tax free return on investment.

2)      Solar panels soon going up in price due to EU Anti Dumping Tax:  The Chinese government has been accused of subsidising their solar manufacturers’ giving them an unfair advantage over foreign solar manufacturers. As a penalty the EU is deciding what rate the anti dumping tax is going to be set at has confirmed that any panels imported from China after March 6^th 2013 will be back taxed. The UK solar industry has been trying to fight the tax saying that in effect the Chinese are subsidising UK solar installations. However it is inevitable that some anti dumping tax will be levied.  For customers will to move quickly however there are some panels at the old pre anti-dumping tax prices still available but they are running out fast!

3)      Interest Rates low for foreseeable future: With the UK economy stagnated interest rates are on savings are predicted to stay low for years to come. The income and savings from solar are tax free and increase ever year with inflation and fuel price increases.

Contact us (info@rayotec.com or 01932 784848) to arrange a free survey and no obligation quotation to see how much you can save and earn from solar.

29% of the UK’s carbon emissions come from residential properties.
Customers want smart, simple ways to control the energy they use in their homes. At the start of 2011 energy prices rose 9%, this trend is likely to continue.

Rayotec’s Home Energy System is built to work with existing heating and hot water systems and new boiler installations. It also provides best-in-class monitoring of renewable energy systems like solar PV panels. We are revolutionising the way people use energy by allowing them to tell their homes exactly what they need and when they need it.

47% of householders don’t know how to programme their current heating system*. 80% of homes in the UK don’t have basic heating controls at all.

Rayotec’s Home Energy System makes it easy. Householders simply tell the system their weekly routine and preferences once and then they can forget about it. If their plans do change they can use their  iPhone app and our smart technology has the heating and hot-water ready for them when they get back. Not hours before or even worse, hours later.

 1) Heating Control

Our philosophy is simple. We believe that the way we use energy in the home is long-overdue a revolution. When so many areas of our lives have got better, cheaper and easier as a result of smart technology, why do we still manage our heating using clunky thermostats and impossible to understand boiler controls?
Advanced Heating Control
PassivEnergy does all the things a modern heating controller can do – and a lot more besides.

• Optimum start turns on the heating only when it is needed, and over time it will learn when to turn it up and down to get the temperature just right, just-in-time.
• Temperature smoothing carefully manages temperatures so your house doesn’t get too warm or too cold.
• Weather compensation allows the system to adjust itself based on outside temperature.
• PassivSystems’ Occupancy buttons offer an immediate ‘on/off’ override of the entire system for when people leave late or get home early.

2) Our smart hot water controls make sure you only heat the water you need

• If a house has a well-insulated water tank, our system will choose the best time to heat the water based on boiler efficiency and cost savings (often when your home is being heated).
• If a hot water tank is less well insulated, our system monitors the tank using sensors and learns when the customers use hot water and how much they need. Then, the system works out when to start heating hot water so it is ready just in time, significantly reducing the energy waste that comes from heating the same water twice.
• If people go away on holiday, they can let Rayotec’s Home Energy System know in advance. As well as all the other energy saving features this will trigger, Advanced Hot Water Control will stop heating their water. It will also make sure there is a full tank of hot water for when they return.

3) Carry your home in your pocket

The Rayotec’s Home Energy System iPhone app puts consumers in control wherever they are, ensuring that a change in plans doesn’t result in energy waste. Our popular app lets users check the temperature of their home in real time. They can also over-ride their pre-programmed heating schedule. And if plans change beyond 24 hours, they can set a short vacation period and make sure the home is ready for them when they step back through the front door.

Please note that users must have our smart boiler heating controls installed and subscribe to our remote service for the iPhone app to work.

4) Solar PV monitoring. Enjoy the sunshine

The way people monitor their solar PV panels is the difference between an investment fully realised and an investment exposed to unnecessary risk.

Our solar PV Broadband service lets you monitor your solar PV system in near real time through  our online monitoring dashboard. The regularity of the data feed means you can evaluate not only what your system is generating, but whether it is suffering from intermittent faults – something you simply don’t get with monitoring solutions providing data less often. It is the ultimate ‘peace of mind’ package for homeowners.

5) Smart Switching

When your Solar PV system generates more electricity than your home uses, the Switching solution can automatically switch on your electric immersion heater, making the best use of surplus electricity by storing it as hot water. Even better, you can wirelessly control your other household electrical appliances with a click of a button on your in-home display.

Special Offer

Currently we are providing the Rayotec Home Energy System at discounted prices when bought with one of our PV systems. Although this offer is for a limited time, it is always valid for at least  14 days after the site visit of or sales surveyor to give customers the time to make an informed decision. The discount is available to every domestic PV customer irrespective of postcode, region, date, house type.

The new tourist attraction ‘Up At the O₂‘ is based at the O₂ Arena Greenwich, and allows visitors to walk the length of the dome 170ft above ground level, via a walkway suspended over its canopy. An observation platform enables climbers to enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of the capital and its many landmarks – which now includes 98 Jetion Solar PV panels on both the North and South pavilions on the dome!

Carry on reading for information about the design and installation process.

The system

The O₂ building, a well known London landmark and one of the world’s most individual contemporary structures required:

8160kWh’s and 4136kg CO₂ saving on the North Pavilion

9520kWh’s and 5036kg CO₂ saving on the South Pavilion

Both new developments were designed as the entry and exit building for the new dome roofwalk which had to be completed a month before the arrival of the 2012 Olympics tourists.With both the North and South Pavilion of the O₂ building having great visual impact, the panels would be seen on ground level and from above on the newly developed roofwalk.  It was therefore essential that the solar design fitted to the strict O₂ design requirements and be aesthetically pleasing.

The O₂ Project was sub contracted to us by ISG Construction Ltd in May 2012.  Once winning the project, with only 2 weeks before starting works and only 2 weeks to complete, we were supplied with the final roof drawings; a design that was different to what was originally provided to us -the original design of the “saw tooth” roof was such that created great shading issues.  It meant that to achieve the specified requirements, a greater number of panels would be required, which simply, the available roof space would not allow meaning the system would need to be re-designed with the involvement of Rayotec solar engineers. After great works on SAP and structural advice, the solution included a change in the angle of the saw tooth roof to 10 degrees and a different panel model.  According to SAP, these new changes meant that both the kWhrs and CO₂ saving were achieved in line with the specifications.

The installation

Once the system was designed to the correct specifications, we then had the task of completing the installation and commissioning the system within two weeks, which our superstar engineers did with even several days to spare!

Such a famous UK landmark that sources some of its energy from renewables, will display to the world that UK businesses are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and doing their part for sustainable energy for the future. The O₂ with its enormous entertainment facilities and restaurants and therefore high electricity consumption, has always been a building design that is keen to raise awareness about sustainability whether it be from recycling or through its newest addition – renewable energy. This PV system will be seen by millions who visit the dome from all over the world and advertise that UK is doing their part for a green future.

This article highlights important considerations for choosing and installing electric underfloor heating systems under Karndean, Amtico, lino and vinyl flooring. For more information or prices please call us on 01932 784848 or visit our website (www.rayotec.com).

Why Karndean, Amtico and Vinyl are ideal to install above electric underfloor heating mats.

1. Because the Karndean, Amtico and vinyl are all very thin (about 7mm) that allow the heat from the electric heating mats to pass through easily. This gives the system a fast warm up time and high output making it an ideal floor covering.
2. The fact that floor covering is thin also means that when retrofitting the floor build up is minimal. This can prevent problems with door heights skirting boards or allows you to add more insulation.

Things to look out for

1. Maximum temperature – Karndean, Amtico and vinyl should not be heated to over 27C. It is important to have a floor sensor provided as part of the thermostat to make sure that the underfloor heating never damages the flooring.
2. Special Adhesive – The manufacturers often specify that the floor covering be stuck down using a high temperature version of their adhesive. The high temperature version normally have a model number beginning with HT to denote its ability to withstand higher temperatures.
3. Level floors – It is important that all the floor covering as fixed onto completely flat and stable subfloor floors. We would always recommend the use of flexible tile adhesive above the heating mats. If installing on a suspended wooden floor the 6mm ply needs to fixed to the floor boards similar to good practice to when you tile.

General installation guide

(1)  Preparing subfloor: Make sure that the subfloor is level and clean. If you are installing on a suspended floor with traditional floor boards then a 6mm layer of marine grade plywood will need fixed on top before laying the insulation.

(2)  Insulation: The type of insulation differs depending on the exact flooring, traffic over the area and subfloor construction. Please contact us (01932 784848) for details specific for your property. The insulation is stuck down with a flexible tile adhesive applied using a trowel.

(3)  Test mats

(4)  Fixing the mats down: The mats have to be fixed down very securely otherwise they will float up when the self leveling compound is poured ontop. To ensure this happens the floor has to be kept completely clean so that the adhesive of the mat has maximum contact with the insulation.

(5)  Test mats

(6)  The self leveling compound: Always use a flexible self leveling compound of at least 8mm thick.

(7)  Fixing the flooring ontop: Follow the flooring manufacturers guideline for laying the flooring. Many of them have their own high temperature adhesives which they recommend you using.

(8)  Turning the system on: The underfloor heating must be switched off 48 hours before, during, and 48 hours after the installation, then temperature gradually increased (typically 3°C/hr) to desired warmth.

For more information or prices please contact us on 01932 784848 or visit our website.

This blog is only a guideline. Always read and follow the instructions of the self leveling compound and flooring manufacturer.

This article will discuss installation methods and times for electric underfloor heating mats over most floor coverings. You can also refer to main website for installation techniques and prices for systems under wood and carpet or tiles, Karndean or Amtico.

This article only gives a summary of the installation steps. Before installing electric underfloor heating mats your should always read the far more comprehensive installation manual.

Installation of Electric underfloor heating mats vs loose cable

The advantages of Electric underfloor  systems which come as a loose cable is cost of kit. In very small areas with a very irregular shape it may be easier to install.

Electric underfloor heating mats however are far quicker and easier to install. As the cables are always the correct distance apart you eliminate the potential problems of hot and cold spot that you could have with loose cable electric underfloor heating systems.

Installation of electric underfloor heating under tiles

Laying the insulation

(1)    The insulation for under tiles always comes in the form of a dense board (eg Insomax). This board needs to fixed to a clean subfloor with a suitable flexible tile adhesive.  The normal method of applying tiles adhesive is to use a trowel with ridges to get a flat surface.

(2)    Once all the insulation has been fixed then perform a full electrical test on all the electric underfloor heating mats.

(3)    Next is to roll out and fix the electric under floor matting onto the floor according to your floor plan.  Make sure you always buy from a company that will provide a full floor plan to avoid any problems. Rayotec provides free floor plans with all purchases.

(4)    Fully test all the mats again

(5)    Install your thermostat

(6)    Lay your tiles/stone floor onto using a flexible tile adhesive.

Time to install

• One man can fix about 50m² of Insomax insulation in half a day.
• Two men can stick down 50m² of mats and test them in half a day.
• The electrical connection time depends on the number of zones/thermomstats required

Installation of electric underfloor heating mats under Amtico, Karndean or Vinyl.

The installation method is exactly as when installing under tiles but the electric underfloor heating mats have to be covered with a minimum of 8-12mm flexible self levelling compound before sticking the Amtico, Karndean or Vinyl ontop.

Time to install

• One man can fix about 50m² of suitable insulation (tile backer board) in half a day.
• Two men can stick down 50m² of mats and test them and cover in a flexible self levelling compound in one day.
• The electrical connection time depends on the number of zones/thermomstats required

Make sure that the insulation used is suitable for the self levelling compound and the potential traffic and point loading that it could be experiencing.

Installation of electric underfloor heating under wooden floors or carpets

Although it is common for companies to supply traditional foam boards I have written these instructions using Palziv insulation as it much faster and easier to use and has better sound deadening properties. For details on Rayoflex Underfloor heating mats for under wood and carpet pelase visit our main website.

Laying the insulation

(1)    Fix the Palziv insulation down using double sides tape or carpet spray onto a clean floor.

(2)    Once all the insulation has been fixed then perform a full electrical test on all the electric underfloor heating mats.

(3)    Next is to roll out and fix the electric under floor matting onto the floor according to your floor plan.  We recommend the Rayoflex mats due to build quality and ease of insulation. Make sure you always buy from a company that will provide a full floor plan to avoid any problems. Rayotec provides free floor plans with all purchases.

(4)    Fully test all the electric heating mats again

(5)    Install your digital thermostat

(6)    Lay your carpet & underlay or float your wooden floor on top. It is important to make sure that the tog value of the carpet and underlay and the thickness of the wood do not go above the maximum permitted to allow the heat to pass through.

Time to install

• One man can fix about 75m² of Palziv insulation in half a day.
• Two men can stick down 50m² of mats and test them in half a day.
• The electrical connection time depends on the number of zones/thermomstats required

More prices or more information please call us (01932 784848), email us (info@rayotec.com) or visit ourmain website.

 All installation times are approximate and based on compentent installers.

Wood is slowing overtaking tiles as the most popular floor covering used with underfloor heating. This article will discuss installing electric underfloor heating under wooden floors: 9 key points to always consider, what is the best type of wooden floor. Rayotec sell an advanced German engineered electric underfloor heating mat that is specially designed to work under wooden floor. Further details can be found on our main website .

9 Key points to safely using electric underfloor heating under wood floors

(1)    Moisture content

This is mainly an issue with solid wooden floors but it is important that the moisture content of the floor is kept at 8% or less to avoid warping. Check with the manufacturers upon ordering and make sure that the wood in transported and stored in a dry environment

(2)    Thickness of wood flooring

Wood in not a great conductor of heat so the thinner it is the higher the output of the system and the faster the warm up time. The maximum recommended thickness is about 18mm (thicker floors are possible but at a lower output).

(3)    Floating floor

Obviously you can’t nail a wooden floor down if you an electric underfloor heating mat underneath. All floors must be floating. It is possible to stick down wooden floors. Please contact us (01932 784848) for more details.

(4)    Wooden floor underlay

It is possible to use a specialist wooden floor underlay over the electric underfloor heating mat but make sure it’s thin and is not the foil reflective type.

(5)    Maximum floor temperature

Wooden floors should never get above 27C. The room thermostats should have a floor probes which will automatically shut of the underfloor heating if the floors get above this temperature. All of Rayotec’s thermostats have floor probes to protect the flooring.

(6)    Let your flooring acclimatise

After you have installed the wooden flooring do not turn on the underfloor heating until the flooring has acclimatised. The length of time depends on the thickness of wood but it is typically 7-14 days.

(7)    Expansion gap

An expansion gap should always be left around the flooring. This is typically between 10-30mm (ask your flooring supplier for more details).

(8)    Earthed system

Make sure that the underfloor heating protect you sell is earthed for safety reasons even if it not installed in a wet room. All of Rayotec’s electric underfloor heating mats are earthed.

(9)    Insulation

Always use a suitable insulation under the electric underfloor heating. Not only does it reduce warm up time and running costs but it also protect the matting. Rayotec supply the advanced Palziv system that not only has fantastic insulation properties but is also much easier and faster to install when compared to traditional foam boards (More info on Palziv)

What is the best flooring for electric underfloor heating?

Electric underfloor heating under laminate floors

Laminate flooring is the best to install over electric underfloor heating. As it is thin (about 7mm typically) the heat travels through it very easily giving you a good output and fast warm up time. Laminate generally copes well with changes of temperatures and doesn’t warp easily.

Electric underfloor heating under engineered board

Engineered boards are also very good with under floor heating. They range in thicknesses but generally the thinner the better. A typical thickness of 14mm would be perfect but up to 18mm in possible although with a slightly reduced output. Engineered boards are designed not to warp easily which is also a big benefit.

Electric underfloor heating under solid wooden floors

Solid wooden floors are not a problem as long as you ensure that the moisture content is 8% or lower and the wood ideally 18mm think or less. Always check with your flooringn company for suitability before ordering.

The Rayotec Underfloor floor heating system – Rayoflex

Rayotec sell the advanced German engineered Rayoflex mat. This is a fully earthed mat with an output of 150W/m² that is incredibly easy to install. In fact two competent people can lay over 100m²of Palziv insulation and Rayotec flex electric underfloor matting in a day! The mats range in size from 1m² to 10m² and multiple mats can be used to heat one room.

More information please refer to our main website or contact us directly on 01932 784848 or info@rayotec.com.

1. Wooden flooring 2. Heating mat 3. Insulation 4. Subfloor

What are Energy Performance Certificates?

Energy Performance Certificates are a rating that your home can receive for its energy efficiency. You will be given a current score and a potential score. These will range from 1 – 100, split across the following bands as in this example:

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) diagram

Overall, you will receive a grade between A and G, with A being the most efficient. The average grade received is roughly a grade D – an estimated 50% of properties are below it, with 50% being a D or above.

Why do I need an EPC for solar panels?

For new installations from April 1st, 2012, you will need to reach at least a grade D in order to receive the 21p per kWh rate for your solar panels. If your property does not get an EPC or is not at grade D, you will still receive a good rate of 9p per kWh. However the cost of getting an EPC done is very low (or FREE if you install solar with Rayotec) and getting to grade D can be relatively simple.

What sort of measures would a house need to get up to grade D on their EPC?

The vast majority of homes will reach grade D and therefore be able to get solar panels without having to do anything. For households that score below D, measures such as cavity wall insulation, loft insulation and energy efficiency light-bulbs will go a long way in helping bring that score up. Rayotec can help you do this, free of charge, if you decide to install your solar panels with us. If you decide to install solar panels with us and your property does not have an EPC, Rayotec will send an EPC assessor to your property to give you an initial grade. If you need to implement any energy efficiency improvements such as cavity wall or loft insulation, or energy saving light-bulbs, we will carry out this work free of charge. If your house will not get to the required grade D without significant further expense (ie a new boiler), we would then refund your deposit in full and the solar installation will not go ahead. It will then be up to you to install these measures yourself to get the higher Feed In Tariff rate, should you still want to get solar panels. Please note that solar panels can actually be used as an energy efficiency measure in order to increase your EPC score.

Why is this necessary?

The government argue that there is no point paying a home to be generating renewable energy in order to cut carbon emissions when that home then has poor insulation and wastes a lot of energy, a bit like how there’s no point buying icing until you have a cake.

However, in reality this is illogical. If a house is energy inefficient and doesn’t have solar panels, it will be buying more energy from the national grid and wasting it, harming the environment. At least if a house has solar panels installed, the energy it’s wasting if it’s inefficient is coming from a renewable source.

Critics say that the real reason for this EPC for solar panels being introduced is to discourage home-owners from installing solar panels to keep down the costs of the Feed In Tariff scheme, which has already caused significant issues for the Department of Energy and Climate Change because they underestimated its popularity. Well, Rayotec are here to say that installing solar power with us under the new energy efficiency stipulations, is just as easy and straight-forward as it once was.

For more information re. EPC’s and solar installations, please call our office on: 01932 784848 or visit our main website.

 Table of running costs

The table below shows the average running cost of different rooms within a family home. The calculations are based on an average cost of 10 pence per kWh and the room being insulated up to current building regulations, including the appropriate floor insulation.

 The average daily costs are based on keeping a room warm for 16 hours and with a 25% duty cycle. Matting is based on a 150W/m² model with a Rayotec digital thermostat and either Insomax or Palziv.

• What affects the running costs?

Insulation

The most important thing that effects running costs is insulation. The insulation of the floor, roof, walls and windows.

 Height of room

Rooms with vaulted ceilings need more energy to heat them up due to the higher volume of air. However underfloor heating is much more effective at heating rooms with high ceilings when compared to radiators. The heat of the radiators (convectional) tends to heat the top of the room before it reaches the bottom. Underfloor heating actually heats the area where people stand and sit making it more fuel efficient.

 Heat loss

Bathrooms or toilets with extractor fans will suck out all the warm air making the heating stay on for longer. Draughty rooms let the warm air escape also, increasing the amount of heating required.

 Desired temperature of room

The warmer the room the more energy is required for heating. It is best to keep rooms to the standard temperatures of 18C for bedrooms & hallways, 21C for living spaces and 23C Bathrooms.

 Period of Heating

The longer you heat up a room the more it will cost. Each room should only be heated when it is being used to reduce running costs.

• What can I do to reduce running costs of my underfloor heating system?

Insulation

New Concrete floors: For a new concrete floor, insulate the subfloor with as much insulation as possible and install minimum 10mm insomax insulation on top of the screed.

Suspended floors: In a suspended wooden floor insulate with a good quality foil faced insulation between the joists to reflect the heat upwards.

All floors: Always insulate with Palziv or Insomax insulation. Insomax comes in various thickness’s - try to use the thickest possible.

Cavity Wall insulation: Many UK homes do not have cavity wall insulation. Typical costs are just £150-£350 with a typical payback in just 2-3 years. It is an absolute must to reduce fuel bills.

Loft insulation: By increasing loft insulation from 100mm to 270mm you can further decrease your energy bills with minimal costs (typically £100-£300).

 Control

Good control is key to reducing fuels bills. All Rayotec underfloor heating systems are “zoned”. This means that every room or open space will have its own thermostat. This allows you to have full control with each room on the correct temperature. By having a digital programmable thermostat this added level of control becomes incredibly easy.

 Solar Electricity / Photovoltaics

By installing a Photovoltaic system you can generate free electricity for your building. This free electricity goes to the fuse box and is distributed to which ever appliance is calling for power at the time (including electric underfloor heating). Rayotec has been installing solar systems for over 25 years and would be happy to provide you with a proposal for your property. Please see our main website for further details (www.rayotec.com).

      • Cost of Electricity vs Gas

Although the cost of electricity is currently higher than the cost of gas they are getting closer in cost. Even though it is predicted that the cost of electricity will go up by 14.1% this year (2012) the price of gas is predicted to go up by 19.8%! (source: bbc news website).

 Rayotec can give indicative running costs for your project. Please contact out team (01932 784848 info@rayotec.com) or look on our website http://www.rayotec.com/electric_underfloor_heating/

(1)                Ease of installation

New Builds:

Both electric and warm water underfloor heating are very cheap and simple to install on new concrete floors.

Warm water underfloor heating however is more time consuming on suspended wooden floors as:

• Each joist has to be notched to allow the piping to pass

• Expensive diffusion plates must be used to transfer the heat across the wooden floor
• It is more difficult to work off a floor that isn’t solid (ie walking on joists).

electric underfloor heating is simply laid under the floor covering so is just as easy to install on top of a wooden suspended floor as installing on top of a concrete floor.

Refurbishments:

Warm water underfloor heating is often difficult to install in refurbishments as the concrete floors are often already down so you have to build a false floor to accommodate the piping. Even installing under wooden suspended floors is time consuming (see above).

Electric underfloor heating is incredibly easy as it simply lays under the new floor covering.

(2)                Warm up time

Concrete floors:

In a concrete floor the warm water underfloor heating pipes are buried in 75-90mm of screed. Although the screed is a relatively good conductor of heat it does take a while for the warm water underfloor heating pipes to heat the screed before the room can be heated.

In the case of an electric underfloor heating mat, a thin layer of insulation is placed on top of the concrete floor to reflect the heat upwards. As the heat only has to travel through the floor covering the warm up time is very fast.

Wooden suspended floors:

Wood is not a great conductor of heat and as the warm water underfloor heating pipes have to be installed under the wooden floors it limits the choice of floor covering. It is fine if the floor covering is tiles or the wooden floor boards are to be the final covering. It is not however suitable for thick carpets or floating laminate / engineered wooden floors.

As electric underfloor heating is installed onto the wooden floor boards you have much more freedom when choosing your final floor covering.

(3)                Delivery Time

 The lead time is generally much shorter for electric underfloor heating as the mats are standard off the shelf items.

(4)                Cost of Installation

 The material cost of electric and warm water underfloor heating are often very similar. The installation time and therefore cost of installing is where they vary.

The most cost effective place to install warm water underfloor heating is within a new concrete floor. All other scenarios tend to be more expensive than electric underfloor heating. With electric underfloor heating all installation scenarios are very fast and easy. The easiest and fastest floor coverings to install under are floating wooden floors or carpets. Tiles are a little more time consuming and the lengthiest are Amtico or Karndean floors as the mats have to be covered by a self levelling compound.

(5)                No boiler

• The cost of installing a new boiler can easily be £2000 or more. By going all electric you can save all that money.
• In a new build there is no need to run a gas pipe to your property from the street gas mains saving you money.
• The ongoing maintenance and repair of boilers can cost hundreds of pounds every year.
• Increased safety by reducing gas appliances in the property.

    (6)      Cupboard space

Warm water underfloor heating systems require a manifold on each floor, for large properties there may even be multiple manifolds on each floor. This obviously takes up valuable space which you could put to better use. There are no manifolds required for electric underfloor heating systems.

     (7)     Floor height when retrofitting

When retrofitting warm water underfloor heating on top of an existing concrete floor, you have to build a false wooden floor to accommodate the piping. By raising the floor height you have a whole range of problems such as door height, sideboards, kitchen units, electric sockets etc. As electric underfloor heating is so thin it doesn’t effect the floor height avoiding all these problems.

If you would like more information on any of these points or get a price for a system then either contact us directly (tel: 01932 784848, e-mail: info@rayotec.com or look at our website http://www.rayotec.com/electric_underfloor_heating/