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Of the many kinds of underfloor heating solutions available on the market, most come down to two different types — gas and electric powered. Electric systems generate heat directly via electrical resistance, and gas underfloor heating (more properly known as ‘hydronic’ or ?water heating?) uses a gas or oil-fired central heating system to heat water pipes under the floor of a building. The decision to choose either electric or hydronic underfloor heating depends on factors such as the status of the property, its composition and budgetary restraints. A system installed from scratch in a new build can easily be water heated, while it is often more difficult as part of a retrofit, where electrical systems tend to cause less problems for the builders and engineers.
Electric underfloor heating is also easier to fit in confined spaces and under surfaces such as floor tiles, wood laminate flooring and carpets. All that is required is a connection to the electricity supply, which generally makes them cheaper. However, gas-fired underfloor heating is reckoned to be more efficient and more economical over the long term. One thing to remember, though, compared to traditional gas-fired central heating, underfloor heating of any kind will save the average home around ?80 on their heating bill.
