Electric Underfloor Heating Installation - A Guide to Measuring Up

General Guidance for Measuring Up Underfloor Heating

When planning for underfloor heating installation, it's beneficial and in some cases crucial to adhere to some principles that achieve the most optimal results. To follow are some essential considerations to keep in mind.

General Principles:

• While exceptions may exist, the primary focus should be on heating the main walking areas.
• If an area is covered with an obstruction it should not normally be heated underneath. This includes kitchen units, islands, fixed flat-bottomed furniture, and bathroom fixtures mounted to the floor.
• Exceptions to this last point exist, such as heating beneath benches in changing areas or boot rooms. Also, the overhangs of kitchen islands and breakfast bars or the area behind a free standing bath may also benefit from being heated.

Bathrooms:

• Apply similar measurement principles as mentioned above, ensuring proper consideration of floor-mounted fixtures such as toilet pans and vanity units.
• Subtract approximately 10% from the available floor area to determine the appropriate mat size, allowing for clearance from the skirting and fixtures.
• Unless the sole purpose is to remove the chill from the tiles, opt for a higher overall output per m² for effective heating.
• In bathrooms with irregular shapes, where fitting a heating mat may pose a challenge, consider using loose cables for flexibility.

• Deduct the space occupied by flat-bottomed furniture from the total floor area.
• Subtract approximately 10% from the available floor area to determine the appropriate mat size, allowing for clearance from the skirting and furniture edges.
• If the floor is finished with tiles or stone, then a higher output per m² is recommended.
• Most thermostats can heat up to about 18m² at 200W/m² this is approximately 16A . A contactor can be used to heat areas that require more than 16A.

Kitchens:

• Heat only the primary walking areas, excluding units.
• In kitchens with tiled floors and if units occupy a significant portion (25% or more) of the floor space, consider a higher overall output per m² (200W/m²) for effective primary heating.
• For irregularly shaped kitchens, a loose cable offers a convenient solution for installation.
• For kitchens with islands, measure around them, and assess the need for heating beneath any breakfast bars.
• Avoid using percentage-based deductions for kitchen units or fixed furniture. Deduct the space occupied by such fixtures before applying the fitting space percentage deduction.

Bedrooms:

• Deduct the space occupied by wardrobes and fixed flat-bottomed furniture from the total floor area.
• Consider the necessity of heating beneath the bed, especially if it's primarily used for storage.
• Subtract approximately 10% from the available floor area to determine the appropriate mat size, allowing for clearance from the skirting and furniture edges.
• Recommended heating options for bedrooms tend to be lower overall output per m² which is suitable for maintaining comfortable sleeping temperatures.

Living Room / Dining Room:

• Deduct the space occupied by flat-bottomed furniture from the total floor area.
• Subtract approximately 10% from the available floor area to determine the appropriate mat size, allowing for clearance from the skirting and furniture edges.
• If the room is large, consider separating into zones, otherwise a contactor can be used if the area requires more than 16A.

 

In conclusion, proper measurement is paramount when planning for underfloor heating installation, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness throughout various rooms in the house. Adhering to the general principle of not heating areas not meant for walking, such as beneath fixed furniture and kitchen units, forms the foundation of this process. Specific considerations for each room type, including bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms, help tailor the approach to individual needs.

For bedrooms, deducting space occupied by furniture and allowing fitting space for heating mats ensures optimal coverage while considering varying temperature preferences. In kitchens, focusing on heating primary walking areas while accommodating islands and breakfast bars enhances comfort during daily activities. Similarly, in bathrooms, accounting for fixtures and selecting appropriate heating options based on floor materials and room shape is essential for a pleasant experience.

Furthermore, the importance of avoiding percentage-based deductions for kitchen units and fixed furniture cannot be overstated, ensuring accurate planning and efficient heating distribution. By following these guidelines and utilising suitable heating solutions, homeowners can achieve comfortable and energy-efficient underfloor heating systems tailored to their specific requirements, enhancing overall living quality and enjoyment. For further assistance and guidance please call or email our experts.