Electric floor heating offers an excellent alternative solution to in slab hydronic floor heating. While these two categories fall under radiant floor heating, both of them have pros and cons. We break down the strengths and weaknesses of in slab hydronic floor heating and its alternative, electric floor heating.
The water inside the boiler tank is thermostatically controlled and kept at a constant temperature. Hydronic systems take time to warm, so it is advisable to set the thermostats 30 minutes to one hour to fully enjoy the benefits of in slab hydronic floor heating.
The pipes used for in slab hydronic floor shouldheating should have a bleed valve to eliminate the air. Oxygen build up in the pipes often leads to corrosion and noise. Aside from the bleed valve, hydronic systems should also have a pressure relief valve to prevent the pipes from bursting.
Regular maintenance is needed for the boiler and piping to avoid structural damages that might result in bursting or leaking pipes.
What is Electric Floor Heating?
Electric floor heating certainly has merits of its own. This type of radiant floor heating provides heat by spreading the heat, radiating it to the wires into the entire floor area, which in turn releases the heat into the room in an upward motion. Electric floor heating ensures a uniform distribution of heat, as well as a relatively constant temperature for everyone's benefit.
Electric floor heating has three types:
1. In slab floor heating
The heating coils are installed within the slab, where the floor finish is laid on top. The heating coils warm the concrete slab. Heat is then transferred to the floor surface and radiates into the room.
2. In screed floor heating
Heating coils are laid on the slab, before the screed layer made up of gravel and sand, which is poured on top of the concrete slab. The coils are tightly fixed with a fine mesh or special fixing clips before the preferred floor finish is installed.
3. Under carpet or tile heating (or most other floor surfaces)
The heating coils used in under carpet heating are about 2mm thin and doesn't affect the floor levels. They are directly installed below the tile or carpet, making this an easy-to-install heating system.
Electric floor heating requires fewer components as compared to hydronic floor heating, which makes them relatively simpler and cheaper to install. Running costs vary on which type of electric floor heating to use. In slab takes a longer time to warm up, while under carpet/ tile heaters are quick to warm up.
It is important to outline the many benefits electric floor heating has over hydronic, including:
- the capital cost of hydronic is far higher than that of electric;
- labour costs are minimal for electric floor heating;
- compared to hydronic floor heating, the installation process is simple and uncomplicated and far quicker for electric heating
- Electric floor heating has no moving parts or maintenance requirements while the hydronic heating the system comprises a boiler, pumps, manifolds with valves with regular maintenance requirements;
- damage or failure of a hydronic system would result in substantial and expensive consequences, as this could involve significant structural damage to the concrete slab;
- there is still a preconceived notion that ongoing heating costs for hydronic is far cheaper than electric; however, this idea was built over time before recent large increases in gas prices and furthermore can be completely negated by additional benefits mentioned herein, as well as offset through use of solar energy;
- the electric system is independently controlled per room, which enables rooms not in use to be switched off. With hydronic heating the boiler needs to fire up to warm the water, whether one or all the rooms are in use.
- it is far quicker for electric heating to achieve the required temperature, as hydronic can take over a day while electric heating is on demand, meaning more cost and far less convenience;
- where a floor has significant thermal mass and the electricity provider offers time-of-use electricity rates, much heat can be stored when the electricity is cheap to carry its warmth throughout peak electricity tariffs, whereas this is not possible with hydronic
- electric floor heating will heat the floor evenly, while hydronic heats the areas closer to the boiler at a higher temperature than areas further from the boiler, and this uneven floor heating can be quite noticeable depending on the design of the hydronic system; and
- if an in-slab system is used and the new floor is not on solid earth, additional floor support may be required because of the added weight from water filled pipes.
Further benefits of electric floor heating in comparison to hydronic:
Finally, underfloor electric heating is a perfect solution that does not compromise your design. The beauty of underfloor electric heating is that it is unseen and therefore does not compromise any design features at all. It simply fits around the hardware in your room. It is also extremely safe, and kid and pet friendly as there is nothing hot to touch. No risk of fire or burns. And allergy friendly - does not emit V.O.C.'s (volatile organic compounds).
If you would like a free no obligation quote to provide electric radiant under floor heating, please send us a plan or design and we'll get back to you quickly with a drawn-up plan along with your quotation.
What Professional Advice can Coldbuster Give to Tradespeople and Homeowners?
The cost of floor heating systems remains the most common misconception of homeowners. As tradespeople, you have the power to educate them in exploring the options of radiant floor heating and guide them in choosing which type of floor heating suits their needs.
Perfect timing also plays a significant role in reaping the benefits of floor heating systems. In reality, ripping up floors to install a heating system is rather costly, and it requires a lot of work. During renovation or new construction project, there is therefore a small window of opportunity to encourage homeowners to get radiant floor heating, before the floor is installed.
Coldbuster works in close collaboration with contractors (Electricians, builders, tilers, and carpet layers) across Australia; providing professional advice on the design aspect, technical guidance and support.
Maximise your radiant floor heating contracts and contacts. Consult with Coldbuster today.
