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Many people choose electric underfloor heating to warm small tiled rooms, such as kitchens, bathrooms or wet rooms.

Nu-Heat’s ElectroMat® OneZone® is an easy-to-fit electric underfloor heating kit that can cover floor areas of up to 18m². This low-cost and simple to install underfloor heating kit offers an affordable way to enjoy electric UFH in one single room.

Read on to find out more about electric UFH pros and cons and electric underfloor heating installation. We’ll also cover FAQs about underfloor heating electricians and using electric underfloor heating for the first time.

Why choose Nu-Heat electric underfloor heating?

A popular solution for kitchens, bathrooms and wet rooms, Nu-Heat’s ElectroMat® kits include everything you need to install electric underfloor heating in a single room. Electric UFH works particularly well with hard floor coverings, such as tile or stone.

ElectroMat® electric floor heating is relatively cheap, quick and simple to install, with help from an electrician.
Cheap to run
The decoupling membrane holds the heating cable in place, speeding up the install. Tiles can also be laid directly on top without risk of cracking.
No cracking
Electric underfloor heating systems offer a high (but comfortable) heat output for warmth underfoot.
Heat output
When using sealing tape, ElectroMat® is completely waterproof, making it easy to create a wet room.
Waterproofing

Electric underfloor heating installation – Step-by-Step

Here’s a quick overview of how to install the ElectroMat® electric underfloor heating systems:

Step 1

Prepare the floor and install the thermostat floor sensor.
Electric underfloor heating - installation step 1

Step 2

Lay the ElectroMat® de-coupling membrane over the floor using a flexible tile adhesive (this helps stop cracking).
Electric underfloor heating - installation step 2

Step 3

Test the ElectroMat® heating cables, as instructed, and fit into the membrane by pushing into the channels in the matting.
Electric underfloor heating - installation step 3

Step 4

Fix tiles in position using a full 5mm bed of flexible tile adhesive. If using other flooring (such as laminate, engineered board, vinyl or carpet) cover the floor with a 10mm layer of flexible self-levelling compound.
Electric underfloor heating - installation step 4

Step 5

Repeat the cable testing and wire the neoStat-e thermostat (this must be done by a qualified electrician).
Electric underfloor heating - installation step 5

Electric underfloor heating pros and cons

You may be wondering if electric underfloor heating best for your project, or would you be better off with warm water underfloor heating.

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of electric underfloor heating systems to help you decide.

Electric underfloor heating pros

  • Electric UFH kits tend to cost a lot less than the warm water options, meaning you can enjoy the benefits of UFH in one room without much upfront cost.
  • Electric underfloor heating systems provide a high heat output to warm hard floor coverings, such as tiles, in a kitchen or bathroom, quickly.
  • Electric underfloor heating kits are quick and easy to install. They are very slim and fit directly over the existing subfloor, meaning minimal disruption.

Electric underfloor heating cons

The main disadvantage of electric underfloor heating systems is the running cost. They cost far more to run than warm water UFH systems.

An electric underfloor heating system can cost around 3x more to run than warm water UFH paired with a gas boiler. This is the main reason electric underfloor heating is best suited to single rooms rather than a whole house heating solution.

Looking to install UFH in a large space, or in a few rooms? Warm water underfloor heating is likely to be your best option.

How does electric underfloor heating work?

The ElectroMat® OneZone® electric underfloor heating kit includes a decoupling membrane and underfloor heating cable. This works to spread heat evenly across the floor and also creates a waterproof surface making it ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.

The electric underfloor heating system is connected to your electricity supply, which powers the heating cable and heats the room from the floor up. You will be able to control the room temperature via a programmable thermostat connected to your electric UFH system.

How does electric underfloor heating work

The Ultimate Underfloor Heating Buyer’s Guide

Find out how to choose the right underfloor heating for your home.

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The Ultimate Underfloor Heating Buyer’s Guide

How do I find an underfloor heating electrician?

You’ll find that most electricians have, or are able to, install electric underfloor heating.

You can even lay the system yourself and then call in an electrician to wire it up.

Electric radiant underfloor heating

Using electric underfloor heating for the first time

Once the electric underfloor heating system has been installed, it can be used straight away. You can set the thermostat to switch the electric UFH on and off to suit your lifestyle, so it warms the room at particular times each day.

The system can also be easily upgraded to enable smart control for your electric underfloor heating by adding the neoHub, allowing you to control your electric underfloor heating remotely from your mobile phone or tablet.

Polished screed and resin with ufh

What temperature should my electric underfloor heating be set at?

On average, electric underfloor heating tends to run at a temperature of around 25-31°C, but this depends on personal preference.

The type of floor covering may also play a role in ideal temperature. Electric underfloor heating is compatible with a wide range of floor coverings including tiles, timber and even carpet.

Underfloor heating control panel

Want help finding the right underfloor heating solution?

 

We would love to speak with you to discuss your project. If you have a question about your existing Nu-Heat system, our technical support team are at hand.

Electric underfloor heating FAQs

What floor finishes can you use over electric underfloor heating?

Most floor finishes, such as tiles, laminate, and even carpet, are suitable for use over electric underfloor heating, but some may require further preparations before being laid.

It is always worth checking what kind of preparations would be required with your flooring provider or Account Manager if you are unsure.

Is electric underfloor heating safe?

Yes, our electric underfloor heating system, ElectroMat®, is very safe. All cable used is IP67 rated, so enclosed and protected from water and dust, and when installed with sealing tape, the system is completely waterproof.

Can you cut or repair electric underfloor heating wire?

No, you can’t cut electric underfloor heating wire. However, as we supply a variety of pack sizes and specify which is right for your project, this should never be necessary.

How much height does electric underfloor heating add to the floor level?

Our electric underfloor heating, ElectroMat®, is super-slim and only adds 5.5mm in height build-up.

How cost & energy effective is electric underfloor heating?

Although exact cost and efficiency would depend on your electricity cost per unit, typically, electric underfloor heating would cost around three times more to run than an equivalent water underfloor heating system.

How is electric underfloor heating installed?

Installing ElectroMat® is really simple, and most steps can even be carried out by a handy DIYer.

First the floor should be prepared, and the floor sensor installed, then the decoupling membrane is laid over a flexible tile adhesive. The cables are then tested and fit in the channels of the membrane and once the flooring has been laid, all you need to do is have the cables retested by a qualified electrician.

Do you need an electrician to install electric underfloor heating?

Yes, we would advise that you have a qualified electrician to connect the system up.

Do you need radiators as well as electric underfloor heating?

Due to its high heat output, electric underfloor heating will be able to heat a small room like a bathroom or kitchen. We wouldn’t recommend it as your sole heat emitter throughout a property, though, due to its high running costs.

How long does it take for electric underfloor heating to warm up?

Electric underfloor heating has a very quick response time. On average, it only takes between 20-30 minutes to warm a room to the desired temperature.

What subfloor can you lay electric underfloor heating on?

Electric underfloor heating can be installed over a wide range of different floor surfaces. However, it is always best to confirm specifically if the subfloor you are using would be suitable with your Account Manager.