Installing electric underfloor heating is a great way to keep your home warm and cosy during the year's colder months. Not only is it an energy-efficient and cost-effective way to heat your home, but it can also help to reduce your carbon footprint. Whether you’re a DIY’er or a professional tradesperson, we will take you through the process of installing electric underfloor heating step by step.

Step 1: Prepare the surface

Before you can install electric underfloor heating, you need to prepare the surface. The surface should be clean, dry, and level. If there are any bumps or uneven areas, you will need to level them out using a floor levelling compound. You may also need to remove any existing flooring, depending on the type of underfloor heating system you are installing.

Step 2: Determine whether it is a primary or secondary heat source

Before you dive into the installation process of electric underfloor heating, it's essential to clarify whether this system will serve as the primary or secondary heat source in your space. This decision will impact the overall effectiveness and configuration of your underfloor heating setup.

A primary heat source is the main or primary method used to generate heat in a heating system. It is typically the most significant contributor to the overall heating capacity and is responsible for maintaining the desired temperature. You would need to achieve 133w/m² and over for the heating to be classed as a primary heat source.

A secondary heat source is an auxiliary or backup method used to supplement the primary heat source or provide heat in specific situations. It is not typically the primary means of heating but is used when additional heat is needed or when the primary source is unavailable or insufficient. 100w/m² would be sufficient for a secondary heat source.

Step 3: Plan the layout

Once you have prepared the surface, you need to plan the layout of the electric underfloor heating system. This involves determining the size of the heating mats or underfloor heating wiring and cables needed to cover the area, as well as the location of the underfloor heating thermostat and any sensors that will be used to control the temperature.

Step 4: Install the insulation

To ensure that your electric underfloor heating system is as energy-efficient as possible, it is important to install insulation underneath the heating mats using insulation boards such as Premtool XPS Tile Backer Board, Jackoboard and Warmup Ultralight and Warmup Insulation Tile Backer Board and cables from top brands including WarmUp, Harmoni, Devi, Amber, Schluter, Rise and Thermosphere. This will help to prevent heat loss through the floor and ensure that the heat is directed upwards into the room.

Step 5: Lay the heating mats or cables

Once the insulation is in place, you can lay the heating mats or cables, it is always best to test the cable using a cable tester to make sure there are no defects prior to installation. If you are using heating mats, these can be rolled out and secured to the floor using adhesive tape, contact adhesive is also useful. If you are using electric underfloor heating cables, these will need to be laid out in a serpentine pattern, with each loop spaced approximately 3-4 inches apart depending on whether it is a primary or secondary heat source. Rise Electric Underfloor Heating Loose Lay Cable is easy to fit and install along with the fact it has a lifetime warranty with a safeguard guarantee.

Step 6: Connect the heating mats or cables

Once the heating mats or cables are in place, we recommend the use of an electrician to connect the thermostat to the mains electric. At Warm Floor Store we have a range of thermostats ranging from manual thermostats, programmable thermostats, touchscreen thermostats and wifi thermostats. Connecting to the thermostat involves running the cables from the heating mats to the thermostat, and then connecting them using the appropriate connectors.

Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to ensure that the connections are made correctly.

Step 7: Install the thermostat

The thermostat is the control centre for your electric underfloor heating system. It allows you to set the temperature and control when the system turns on and off. The thermostat should be installed in a convenient location, such as a hallway or living room, where it can be easily accessed. Thermostats compatible with electric underfloor heating are available from brands such as Warmup, Schluter, Amber, Devi, Rise, Thermosphere, Harmoni, Mapei and Heatmiser. Make sure to use the manufacturer's recommended thermostat for the heating cable you have installed.

Step 8: Test the system

Before you can start using your electric underfloor heating system, you need to test it to make sure that everything is working correctly. Turn the system on and check that the heating mats or cables are heating up. You should also check that the thermostat is functioning correctly and that the temperature is being maintained at the desired level.

Installing electric underfloor heating can be a great way to heat your home, creating warm floors and avoiding cold feet. With a little bit of preparation and planning, it is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed in a short timeframe. By following the above steps, you’ll ensure that your electric underfloor heating system is installed correctly and functioning efficiently.

Now you have the knowledge on how to install electric underfloor heating, explore our range electric underfloor heating here!