Many people are reluctant to install underfloor heating systems because the idea can seem a little strange. Having radiant heat coming up through the floorboards may seem like an incomplete heating system, and people who don’t know anything about it may also assume that it presents safety issues. But while underfloor heating is definitely non-traditional, it is catching on as a pleasant and efficient way to heat the home. If you’re considering installing underfloor heating yourself, here’s what you need to know.


All types of floor surfaces

Underfloor heating can work beneath practically any type of floor surface, including hardwood, carpet, linoleum, and even tile. Even if your floor is relatively thick, a good underfloor heating system will permeate that thickness and cause heat to radiate upward through the floor. The only requirement is that you need to be able to get underneath the floor, so it’s usually not a good option for basements or other ground-level floors.

Underfloor heating systems are efficient

It’s easy to assume that underfloor heating systems are inefficient due to the simple fact that they have to heat through all that material. But what many people don’t fully realize is that traditional heating systems are actually quite inefficient in themselves. For example, central heating systems usually only have one or two vents per room, meaning that one portion of the room gets better heat than the rest of the area.

Radiator heat, meanwhile, mainly serves to heat the ceiling, while the lower few feet of the room stays relatively cool. In contrast, because underfloor heating systems start from the ground up, the heat permeates the entire room.

Installation

One thing to keep in mind before installing underfloor heating is that not all home electrical systems are set up to handle the types of circuits that are required. Before you move forward with installing your underfloor heating, talk to an electrician about whether your home can handle it.

Once you’ve confirmed that your home can handle it, the installation process is fairly simple. Underfloor heating systems come ready to install. All you have to do is get under the floor, run the electrical wires that supply the heat, and place the mat that holds the wires in place and helps conduct the heat. After that, all you need to do is cover the setup with insulation and connect the power, and you’re done.