Which floor heating is better to choose: water or electric, pros and cons. Water or electric: which warm floor is better

18.04.2019 DIY garden

Under the concept of underfloor heating, some mean a huge, for the whole room, carpet, which serves as a thermal insulation layer, others mean a modern heating system for a dwelling.

It's hard to believe, but the history of warm floor as a heater goes back several hundred years. The baths of the Roman Empire served as the prototype of modern high-tech heating systems, where warm air or smoke was passed through special channels located under the floor.

Wealthy Romans could also afford such a heating system. The Turks spied on and began to similarly heat the floor in their baths. Until the beginning of the 20th century, air was the only carrier of heat when heated through the floor.

With the advent of pumps at the beginning of the last century, water became the main heat carrier. In the 50s of the 20th century, when electricity prices fell sharply, inventors proposed to heat living quarters using electric cables installed in the floor.

Water heat-insulated floor.

Underfloor heating, as a means of heating premises, has become widespread in the Scandinavian countries, Latin America, Spain and France. In the CIS countries, it began to be used 15 years ago. Today in Russia an apartment that does not have floor heating, at least in the bathroom and toilet, is not classified as elite housing.

In these rooms, the heating is connected to the towel drying system (it works all year round). The rest of the premises use electrical cable as a heat source - connection to central heating is prohibited. Therefore, the tenants of apartment buildings have no dilemma of what to buy - systems with electric floor heating or water heating.

But in private buildings, any "warm floor" is possible. Floors with a liquid heat carrier are in the lead here by a huge margin. How justified is this state of affairs? Let's figure it out. To do this, we will find out the strengths and weaknesses of each room heating system, we will compare the water and electric floor heating according to the main technical and economic indicators.

Electric (cable) warm floor.

What is the difference between an electric "warm floor" from a water

Comparative analysis of water and electric floor heating is impossible without taking into account the specific features of each heating system.

A water "warm floor" uses a liquid heat carrier as a heat source circulating through pipes laid in the floor screed. Water heating is carried out in boilers that can operate on gas, liquid and solid fuels.

Electric heating flooring the heat source is a special cable that heats up with the passage of an electric current. It is also mounted inside the screed.

Strengths and weaknesses of the water "warm floor"

The high popularity of water floor heating is due to a number of advantages of the system:

profitability - according to the calculations of specialists, a water “warm floor” in terms of heating costs is better than central heating by 30%, and in some cases by 60%, electric floor heating - by 4-5 times;
long, up to 50 years, service life;
device for all commercially available types of flooring (linoleum, laminate, parquet, tiles, etc.);
universality - there are no restrictions on the type and type of premises (there are bans on buildings);
environmental friendliness - there is no release of harmful substances into the air and electromagnetic radiation, the parameters of humidity in the room change, but not significantly (radiators dry the air more strongly);
comfortable walking on the floor barefoot;
aesthetics - the entire system is hidden, there are no visible pipes and heating radiators. This allows designers to apply the most unexpected solutions when arranging furniture and interior design.

There are also disadvantages:

it is necessary to have a technical room for heating the coolant;
the height of the room is significantly reduced, by at least 8 cm, due to the need to lay insulation between the screed and the base of the floor (so as not to heat the basement) and a thicker screed (additionally, it is necessary to close the pipes 2-4 cm thick);
high cost of a set of equipment (heating boiler, centrifugal pumps, mixing units, etc.) - about 5 times higher than the cost of a cable heating system;
complex and time-consuming installation - you need experience in connecting pipes and pouring the screed (minor errors can be revealed in a couple of months, as a result, the floor and the system will have to be changed);
it is forbidden to install in multi-storey buildings;
there is no possibility of repair - if a leak occurs, both the floor and the screed are dismantled;
despite the presence of a mixing unit, it is difficult to adjust the temperature of the coolant, as a result of which constant temperature jumps occur, which is clearly seen in solid fuel boilers;
uneven heating of the floor - as it passes through the pipes, the coolant cools down;
constant maintenance is required when using solid fuel boilers (regularly add fuel);
large weight of the screed, which requires reinforcement of the base, if it did not fit reinforced concrete slab overlap.

Strengths and weaknesses of the electric "warm floor"

Among the advantages of electric floor heating, experts distinguish:

the possibility of laying any floor coverings on the electric heating system;
all-inclusiveness - can be installed in one- and multi-storey buildings, apartments and offices, living room, bathroom, kitchen, etc .;
low price of a set of equipment;
simple installation - the performance of work is within the power of the homeowners;
very accurate, up to 0.1 degrees Celsius, regulation of the temperature of the heat source thanks to temperature sensors and thermostats;
the system is compact, does not require additional rooms and can be easily hidden;
no need for maintenance;
high level of comfort in the room: pleasant warm floor, adjustable air temperature, no air circulation;
long service life, subject to basic operating rules (the most common mistake is violation of the mode of turning on and off the system);
uniform heating of the floor surface, both in a separate room and in the apartment as a whole.

There are also disadvantages:

high operating costs (when heating an apartment, electricity consumption reaches 10-15 kW / h);
it is required to replace the supply wiring with a more powerful one (standard options are not designed for high loads);
the height of the room is reduced by 7-10 cm;
a powerful overlap is necessary due to a heavy screed;
complex, but not requiring complete dismantling of the screed, repair (in contrast to the water "warm floor", the place of loss of contact is easily determined by devices).

The considered strengths and weaknesses of each type of room heating do not allow making an unambiguous conclusion: "warm floors" - water or electric, which is better.

Let's continue the analysis. To do this, we will compare the technical and operational characteristics.

Performance comparison

To determine what is better to use for underfloor heating, let's compare the water and electric "warm floor" and draw conclusions on the following indicators:

kit price;
installation cost;
operating costs;
life time;
complexity of installation;
the possibility of repair;
environmental friendliness.

Which is cheaper

Let us first of all deal with the main question for many: which is cheaper - a water or electric warm floor? It is impossible to immediately and unequivocally answer which is more profitable. Here it is necessary to compare the price of equipment, installation cost, operating costs.

System price. When connecting water underfloor heating to central heating, it is enough to buy pipes and couplings. In this case, a "warm floor" with a liquid heat carrier is ten times cheaper than a cable heating system. However, there is one but - the use of systems with a liquid heat carrier in multi-storey buildings is prohibited.

This flips the price factor 180 degrees. You will have to buy not only pipes, but also additional equipment: a boiler, mixers, electric pumps, etc. As a result, the purchase of equipment will be 5-6 times more expensive than the purchase of cables and thermostats.

The cost of installation work. Installation of the system under the flooring costs about the same: in both cases, the base of the floor is insulated, pipes or cables are laid, and the screed is poured.

At the same time, water heating requires expensive additional costs - the construction of a utility room for the heating boiler, its installation, the supply of the coolant to the heating system, the installation of a mixing unit - these are significant expenses that pay off for a long time.

Operating costs. It has been proven both by practice and by theoretical calculations that the use of electricity to heat a house is several times more expensive than the cost of gas or solid fuel.

Output: the cost of the cable system and its installation is cheaper than water floor heating. In general, during long-term operation, the use of heat transfer fluids saves the family budget.

Which lasts longer

Manufacturers of water-based floor heating systems indicate in the accompanying documentation a service life of 50 years, electric - 30 years. It is not yet possible to test it in practice. "Warm floor" came to Russia only 15-20 years ago.

Output: Until statistics on the service life of the compared systems have been accumulated, no one should be given priority.

Which is easier to assemble

The installation of water floor heating must be carried out by professionals - minor errors in the connection of pipes can lead to leaks, and this is a significant financial loss due to the complete replacement of the floor and heating system. Any novice builder can assemble a cable system - the technology is very simple, without any nuances.

Output: electric floor heating, when comparing the complexity of installation, has undoubted advantages.

Scheme of a water-heated floor.

Which is easier to repair

A small leak in the heating pipes leads to the complete dismantling of the screed. The break in the electrical circuit in the cable is determined by instruments with an accuracy of 2-3 centimeters. Therefore, it is enough to break the tie into small area... Numerous reviews on the forums confirm that cable damage can be repaired faster and cheaper.

In this situation, it is not cost that comes to the fore. renovation works, and the frequency of occurrence of the need for repair. Practice shows that both leaks and cable breaks are the result of a human factor. The owners are not mistaken when operating systems - there is no need to repair something.

Output: the need for repair is very rare. Therefore, despite the negligible cost of repairing a cable compared to repairing a leak, the indicator should rather be ignored than taken into account.

Which is safer for your health

Many construction professionals consider electric floor heating to be harmful to humans due to electromagnetic radiation. But this is a formal view of the problem of the layman. Numerous measurements carried out both in Russia and in Western countries show that cable shielding negated the electromagnetic radiation during floor heating.

Even a cell phone has more powerful radiation. Water "warm floors" don't even have a hint of a negative impact on family members.

Output: both systems are safe for humans.

What and in what case is better to choose

The carried out comparative analysis allows to determine which type of room heating to choose in each specific case.

1. The area of the heated room determines which floor heating is cheaper, water or electric. Therefore, it is economically advantageous to arrange heating with a liquid heat carrier in premises of a large area, and in small ones, up to 10 m 2, with electricity.

The recommendation is due to the high cost of equipment for water heating and features technological process heating the coolant. So, in a small area near a water "warm floor", operating costs increase sharply in two indicators:

High depreciation charges (it is necessary to evenly add the cost of the boiler, pipes, mixers, etc. to the cost of fuel and system maintenance in equal parts to achieve a payback on equipment costs), which eats up fuel savings.
The principle of operation of many heating boilers is the continuity of combustion processes, which leads to excessive consumption of fuel and additional cooling of hot water at the inlet to the system. In this situation, we observe the following picture. First, constant mixing cold water into the coolant leads to its partial discharge into the sewer. And this is an overconsumption of fuel. Secondly, during the passage along the small circuit, the water does not have time to cool, but the boiler works and heats it further, which requires its cooling, i.e. we return again to the first point.

As a result, a cheap heat source rises sharply in price, in many cases exceeding the cost of electricity.

2.In apartment buildings no choice of heat source - only cable floor heating.

3. In the absence of electricity or insufficient power of the wiring, the option with electric heating is not considered in principle. Here are the alternatives heating boilers no.

4. Electric heating is very effective in the bathroom and toilet, where you can warm up in a matter of seconds tile if necessary - the rest of the time the system is turned off.

5. In addition to central heating, loggias and attics can be heated with cable "underfloor heating" - it is enough to maintain a positive temperature here, which does not lead to high electricity costs.

Conclusion and conclusions

Many years of experience in Western countries did not resolve the dispute which warm floors are better, water or electric. Short term use in Russia also did not clarify. However, some conclusions can be drawn.

Each system has its own pros and cons:

At the purchase and installation price, the electrical system is cheaper.
In operation, water floor heating requires 5-6 times less finance than it takes to pay for electricity.
Both types of heating are durable and safe for humans.
Electric underfloor heating can be repaired, water system- No.
In small living rooms, as well as in the bathroom, toilet, attic and loggia, cable heating is preferable.
In large rooms, there is no alternative to water heating - the cost of electric heating is ruinous.

Which is better: water or electric underfloor heating

It is necessary to clarify right away - from the point of view of the microclimate or the sensations of the person in the room, there is no difference in what kind of warm floor is used in the room. The existing differences relate to the type of construction, installation, purchase and installation costs, operating costs. Electrical views underfloor heating:

cable. It is a wire that heats up when current is passed.
film. Heating is produced by infrared rays emitted by special elements fused into a thin film.

The main difference between electric types is that they generate heat on their own, while a water floor is one or more circuits of a flexible pipe through which a preheated coolant circulates. Without it, the water option does not work.

The main costs fall on the installation stage, after which you have to pay only for the coolant, which is much cheaper than paying for electricity. Water-based heating is good for homes with permanent residence people, and the electric one is suitable for summer cottages or country houses, visited relatively rarely. Consider a comparison table for all types of construction:

To summarize: water floor heating is good for residential buildings that require constant, continuous heating... You just can't turn it off and leave, the system can freeze and fail. Electric underfloor heating increases the amount of payment for electricity every minute, but allows you to turn off the heating at the touch of a button without any consequences. Which floor is better, water or electric, determines the operating conditions.

The very idea of a warm floor is far from new. It was used back in Ancient rome, when in the baths (thermal baths), special channels were arranged in the floor through which warm air or steam was passed. The heating system adopted in our time with the help of central heating radiators is based on the effect of convection - the air heats up from a hot radiator and tends upward, it is replaced by cold air, which heats up and moves up.

This air circulation implies that warm air is at the top, cold air at the bottom. The disadvantage of this heating method will be cold floors, as a result of which it is possible that your feet will begin to freeze. To eliminate such a drawback, a system of underfloor heating is used, of course, not the same as in Ancient Rome, but based on several different approaches to heating. Which warm floor is better at the same time, you can determine independently, based on the results of a review of existing systems.

Water floors

In this case, pipes are mounted under the floor, through which it is pumped hot water... Such a heating system is quite difficult to install and, in addition, is prohibited for use in apartment buildings without the approval of the operational services.

A similar floor can be used in country house or a cottage, moreover, it is best to lay it in the project documentation so that a warm floor is made during the construction of the house. It has some disadvantages, one of which is the need for an additional pump that pumps hot water.

Electric floors

In such a system, heating is carried out using electricity. For this purpose, special cables are installed under the floor covering (tiles, laminate, etc.), and when an electric current passes, they heat up themselves and heat the covering. Such a floor is simpler than a water floor, it can be mounted in an already finished apartment, which is an important advantage. What kind of underfloor heating is better to use depends on many factors.

It should be noted that electric floors consume significant power at some moments. And even if its value can be reduced with correctly specified operating modes, this in any case causes additional costs when using such heating. It is also necessary to know that the flow of electric current causes the appearance of additional radiation. Therefore, it is rather difficult to say which floor heating, electric or water, is more expedient to use for heating an apartment.

Here it is worth considering the place of operation. For a city apartment, it is more correct to use an electric warm floor, which one is better to choose - you need to look at the real characteristics, operating costs and installation conditions.

There is one more, in addition to the described, underfloor heating system - modern and largely devoid of the noted disadvantages of the listed types of floors.

Infrared floor

In this case, a special film that generates infrared radiation is used. This is a completely different principle of heating, different from the water or electric ones laid in warm floors. Heating is carried out by infrared radiation. Its other name is "thermal" radiation, since it is through him that a person perceives heat from heated objects.

The heat emitted by the film is perceived both by the floor covering and by furniture, walls and directly by humans. As a result, the heating efficiency becomes much higher than with any other underfloor heating. Therefore, it is somewhat incorrect to compare film or cable underfloor heating due to the different principles used for heating, although this has to be done voluntarily or involuntarily.

Any, even the best electric underfloor heating only heats its covering, and from it it heats the air.

An infrared floor heats not only the floor covering, but, as already mentioned, the surrounding environment - walls and furniture. comfortable conditions, although the air temperature may be lower than when using other underfloor heating systems.

It would probably be incorrect to talk about which infrared warm floor is better, although manufacturers and firms that install floors of this type will give a lot of arguments in favor of their own version. In this case, it will be necessary to take into account a number of additional factors, such as the operating modes of the system, operating conditions and the influence of the environment on the operation of the heating system. Only taking into account such data will allow you to choose the best system for floor heating.

On the use of different types of floors

To a small extent, this issue has already been raised when considering various systems for floor heating. So, for the usual apartment building the problem of what to choose - electric floor heating or water heating, has only one answer - electric, because the use of underfloor heating under such conditions is prohibited. Moreover, if you want to make heating on a glazed loggia or balcony. Here the choice can only be between infrared or electrically heated floor.

As for the specific choice of which company is better for underfloor heating, it is almost impossible to answer it, as already noted, without knowing the specific operating conditions and characteristics of the room.

In some cases, especially in rather mild climates, underfloor heating can generally act as the only heating system. This applies primarily to country house or a cottage.

At the same time, do not forget that the best warm floor will not be able to provide the required living conditions in the house, if additional thermal protection measures are not taken in it, even at the construction stage. In addition, during the operation of the room, first of all, it is necessary to reduce heat loss, at least get rid of the existing cracks.
After that, most likely you will not have to consider different variants and choose which is the best: electric or infrared warm floor.

Warm floors nowadays become a common element of the house or premises and are designed to create comfortable and desired living conditions in them. And the answer to the question, which is the best warm floor, will be the one that will provide such conditions with a fairly economical consumption of resources.

Today, the system of heating premises with central heating radiators consists in heating the air from a hot battery. He, in turn, rushes upward, and cold air comes to replace it. The essence of the process of heating air in movement is that the cold is at the bottom, warm at the top. The disadvantage of this is the presence of cold floors, which means that the feet will be cold and uncomfortable.

In order to eliminate this negative point, a different approach to the heating system is called upon. One of the types of space heating in our time is underfloor heating. Now the arrangement of underfloor heating is widespread.

Comparison of warm and simple floor

Familiarization with the available systems will allow you to determine which warm floor is better than water or electric. The underfloor heating contributes to the creation of an excellent climate in the room, because it does not dry the air, does not burn oxygen. An essential distinguishing feature is the installation of heating elements in the floor space.

In these devices, the heat transferring element is water. And if it comes from a central heating system or from a hot riser, then it returns to the neighbors in a cool form. This reason in many cases makes it prohibited for use in apartment buildings.

The heating water floor system includes a pipeline and a unit for mixing the heat carrier. The principle of operation is to install a special flexible pipe on the surface, through which hot water is circulated. The pipes used in this case are made of:

metal-plastic;
sewn polyethylene.

Water floor heating cake

A water heating floor has a significant advantage over an electric one, because it saves the consumption of electrical energy over huge areas.

Floors that are heated thanks to water require the mandatory installation of a pump; without it, water circulation is impossible, which means that the floor will not heat up. Installing the system so that movement is carried out by circulating pressure is not an easy task.

Important! The operating costs of warm water floors are insignificant, even when it is used as the basis for a heating system.

The main advantage is that the hot water floor is the cheapest. Moreover, this heating system also has some disadvantages:

when the water pressure drops, there must be a pump;
heating occurs only when the heating boiler is on;
the risk of leaks and breakdowns of communications.

Heat if necessary large areas preference should be given to the water floor, which will save energy. If we compare this method of heating with electric, then it has a plus - the high quality of heating is somewhat cheaper. This is influenced by the cost of the coolant, which in this case is water.

Therefore, the answer to the question is that a water or electric warm floor is cheaper, of course, water. Most often they try to use it in private property.

The scheme of the water floor

A water-heated floor, the cost of which is slightly higher than installing a floor heated by electricity, can be used to heat it. It can also be the main source of heating. This is not possible with electrically heated floors due to its cost. The efficiency of a water-heated floor depends on the correct assembly.

Warm electric floors

These floors have wires made from special alloys. They are designed so that electrical energy is converted into heat in them. There is an opportunity to do less or more of its total amount. For these purposes, special regulators are installed in the room.

Electric floor heating cake

Heating in such a system is performed using electrical energy. For this, special cables are installed under the flooring, whether it be laminate or tiles. When an electric current passes through them, the wires themselves and the flooring are heated.

In cases where the main heating system is connected to a solid fuel boiler, an electric underfloor heating device would be a good solution.

Important! When installing a warm floor, it is necessary to take into account the place of its use. It would be more correct to make a floor in a city apartment that is heated by electricity.

When periodically living in a house, it is best to do floor heating in it with the help of electricity, because there is no point in heating it throughout the entire period. When a warm water floor is laid, there is a danger of water freezing in the pipes, therefore the heating process is mandatory. If this system does not function for several days, then there is a high probability of water leakage from the burst pipe. The floor, heated by electricity, can be completely turned off for a certain time.

Such heating has advantages such as:

simple and quick installation;
no need for a pump;
ease of management;
the ability to regulate the temperature in each room and its application in various conditions;
does not lead to leaks;
takes up little space.

This device is designed for a very long service life. It is more resistant to external mechanical stress. An electric floor can be installed in a ready-to-live room - another plus.

The advantages of a warm electric floor include:

equal heating of the floor over the entire area;
visual absence of heating devices;
ease of control of the best heating;
the possibility of repairing damage.

The disadvantages of the electric underfloor heating system include:

significant cost of installation and operation;
presence of little radiation.

In general, electrically heated floors are completely safe from an environmental point of view. A warm single-core floor emits more radiation than a two-core floor, but this is acceptable for human living.

Electric floor working scheme

In order to finally find out which water or electric floor heating is better, you need to familiarize yourself with the types of devices that run on electricity:

infrared;
cable;
mini mats.

Warm infrared floor

The infrared floor is obtained by using a special film instead of cables. This species is also powered by electricity. Its advantages are:

the possibility of assembling under a laminate, carpet;
no need for a concrete screed.

Infrared Electric Floor Cake

A significant advantage is expressed in its quick installation, and there is no need to wait for the cement and glue to harden. You can turn it on immediately.

When installing warm infrared floors, there is no dust or dirt.

Warm cable floor

This modification of floor heating is presented in the form of a wiring system. The cables are composed of separately standing sections. Each of them is a shielded one- or two-core cable with two layers of insulation. The wires are connected to each other by solid impermeable couplings. This foresight gives such a heating system absolute safety, even in rooms with high humidity.

Cable underfloor heating

The infrared heating system is economical. It allows you to select different wire wattage for different premises... So, for a kitchen room, a corridor, there is no need to make floors, the power of which is 150-180 watts per 1 m 2, as for unheated ones - a balcony, a loggia. A floor in the bathroom is enough 140 watts per 1 m 2, in the kitchen - 120 watts.

Cable-based floors are among the cheapest of those operating on electrical energy. A prerequisite for them is the presence of a screed, which will lead to an inevitable increase in height.

Heating mats floors

Minimums are at the heart of such underfloor heating. They are a system of very thin (3 mm or less) wires. These cables are fixed to a mesh made of a fiber such as glass. Their appearance resembles rugs or mats. The minimums are sold in rolls.

The choice of underfloor heating as the main or additional heating source has many advantages. It is not surprising that recently the number of those wishing to install such a heating system in their apartment or private house has increased so much.

According to a recent survey, most buyers ask the same question: "Which floor heating is better, water or electric?"

To understand this, you need to consider the following points:

What is the fundamental difference between heating systems?
Which floors are cheaper?
Which system is safer and more reliable?

Each design has its own disadvantages and advantages. Therefore, before choosing, you should get enough information.

What is the difference between water and electric underfloor heating

When determining which is better, water or electric underfloor heating, you should take into account the specific features that distinguish each type of heating system.

Heating cable and mats - heating a room with electric heating systems is carried out by means of a wire with high-resistance conductive conductors. Laying is carried out in a layer of tile adhesive or screed.
Film floors emit infrared rays - heating is carried out by means of exposure to infrared rays directly on objects standing on top of the floor.
Water floors - hot water or special fluids are used as a heat carrier. The pipeline is laid in the floor screed. As a result, the heat is evenly distributed throughout the room, there are no unheated cold zones.

The main difference between water and electric warm floors consists of the heat carrier used. The rest of the characteristics and parameters are associated with the characteristics of heating.

Which is more profitable, electric or underfloor heating

When choosing which warm floors are better, water or electric, you should take into account the cost of heating systems, as well as the costs associated with the operation.

Cost - heating cable is more expensive. During installation, it is necessary to install a temperature sensor and a regulator. A complete set of electric underfloor heating costs approximately 2 times more.
Installation of a water heating system requires the purchase plastic pipe and special styling mats. If you plan to use the heating system as an additional source of heating, you will need to additionally install a mixing unit.
Cost of operation - if you compare underfloor heating by this criterion, the advantage of a water heating heating system becomes obvious. The cost of heating the coolant is significantly lower, especially if it is used for heating.
Repair cost - a comparison of electric and water underfloor heating, especially taking into account consumer feedback, shows that repair work related to cable damage is cheaper.
You should also consider the consequences associated with a water pipe leak. If a leak occurs in an apartment of a multi-storey building, you will have to compensate for the repair of neighbors living below.
The cost of paperwork - in order to calculate the economic efficiency of underfloor heating, it is necessary to take into account how much it will cost to obtain a permit to operate the heating system. Electric floor heating does not require additional paperwork.
To connect the water circuit, you will need to issue a large number of papers, pay a state fee, etc. As a result, the cost of water floors (with paperwork) will be approximately equal to the price of a heating cable or mats.

What is more economical, electric or water underfloor heating? It all depends on where you plan to lay the heating system. If in your home, then the installation of the water circuit is more profitable. For an apartment, taking into account the paperwork and installation of a thermostat, it is better to use a heating cable or mats.

The installation of a thermostat significantly affects the algorithm of the electric floor. The programmable control unit helps to reduce energy consumption by up to 80%. As a result, making cable heating more profitable.

Which is safer, electric or water floor

The indisputable advantage of a water heated floor over an electric one is its absolute safety. Although modern cable and film heating systems have a high degree of protection, there is still the possibility of injury. electric shock during operation.

The advantages of a water floor in comparison with an electric one is that a heating system can be laid in any room, regardless of its characteristics. And for heating rooms with high humidity using a heating cable, it is necessary to use a special wire with a high degree of protection, which affects its cost.

Which is safer, water heated floors or electric

There are certain advantages and disadvantages for each type of underfloor heating.

Electric cable - quality products of some domestic and European manufacturers have a lifetime warranty. Even a relatively inexpensive wire will work without problems for 20 years. Most often, a thermal sensor or a power regulator fails.
Water circuit - the pipe itself has a long service life, but fittings fail in 10-15 years. Comparative characteristics water and electric floors in this case are not in favor of the former. Even professional installation teams are not always able to locate a leak with accuracy, so it may be necessary to dismantle the screed to carry out repairs.

Which warm floors to choose, water or electric

In many respects, the decision on the feasibility of operating a particular heating system depends on the type of heated building.

But when choosing, you should pay attention to the following aspects:

Power comparison - water floors can easily heat the floor surface up to 50 ° C. Cable, most often operate in the operating range from 15 to 30 ° C.
The cost of heating the heating agent - the power consumption of water and electric heated floors is different. Thus, cable heating requires approximately 180-200 watts of energy for each m², while the surface heats up to only 30 ° C. Heat transfer and efficiency of the water circuit are much higher.

What is the best underfloor heating, piping or cable? When choosing, the decisive factor is the possibility of capital work (pouring the screed, dismantling the old floor covering, etc.), the possibility of using a gas or as a heating source of the coolant, the need for obtaining permits and the terms of operation of the system. A qualified specialist can also assist in the selection of a heating system.

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