Although the electric floor heating will produce a comfortable living environment, we feel a wet overfloor system would ultimately be a better choice, as it will be far more economical to run in the long term, especially if the main heat source for heating water in the property is a gas boiler – simply gas is still far cheaper per KWH than electricity. In our view electric systems are more suited to rooms that are only used for a limited time each day such as bathrooms, shower rooms etc.

Martin Evans (Wunda Floor Heating)

With electric underfloor heating – It is possible to lay the heating cables directly onto the screed and then tile over the top, however the heat produced by the mat will be drawn down into the concrete initially, before pushing through the floor finish and into the room.

Therefore the heat-up time is increased when initially switched on. If a thermal tile backer board or insulation board is used under the underfloor heating system, it will greatly reduce this and therefore run in a more energy efficient manner. We would recommend both insulation boards to reduce downward heat loss and a 200W heating mat giving a greater output.

Fiona (Heat Mat Underfloor Heating)