Guide to Electric Underfloor Heating Mats

Sometimes, you have a room in your house that never seems to warm up to your desired temperature, or simply never feels as comfortable as it should. In those cases, you may be looking for an alternative heating solution, or you might be starting to consider supplemental heating.

If you find that you are in this situation, it may be time to look into underfloor heating mats. Underfloor electric heating mats are an alternative heating solution that are currently in high demand, largely because they are a sustainable option that provides consistent heat to the space.

This guide will tell you everything you need to know about underfloor mat heating.

What are Underfloor Electric Heating Mats?

Underfloor heating mats are an electric heating system that can be installed underneath the flooring in a particular room in order to distribute heat to the entire space. One common misconception about flooring heat mats is that they are used to simply warm the floor and keep a person’s feet comfortable in a specific room. While it does make tile flooring more comfortable to walk in, it’s important to understand that electric underfloor heating can be used as a sole heat source in a room.

Underfloor heating distributes heat evenly throughout the entire space, and since it relies on electricity, it does so in a sustainable way. This type of heating uses less energy than traditional heat sources, such as furnaces or boilers. In addition, it improves the air quality of the room, because it does not distribute dust, dirt and dander along with recirculated air.

Given the benefits associated with using underfloor mat heating as a primary heat source, it’s not surprising that this heating solution is quickly becoming one of the most popular options among homeowners.

Underfloor Mat Heating: Compatible Floor Types

One of the best things about underfloor mat heating is that it is compatible with a variety of flooring types, making it an appealing solution to homeowners regardless of their personal preferences or style.

Some of the most compatible floor types for underfloor electric heating mats include:

Wood Floors —Wood floors are one of the best types of floors for electric underfloor heating. This is because high-quality wood material will capture and retain the heat, allowing the room to quickly reach and maintain its desired temperature.
Carpet — It is possible to have underfloor heating mats installed underneath carpet, but the type of carpet that you choose may have an overall impact on the efficiency of the system. You also may have to opt for a low-voltage system in order to make sure that all safety risks are reduced or eliminated.
Ceramic or Stone — Ceramic or stone floors are also a very popular choice for those who are interested in underfloor mat heating. This is because these types of floors can get very cold, particularly during the winter months, so the heat mats work to make the floors comfortable as well as the room itself.
Vinyl Flooring — An under floor heat mat also can be installed underneath vinyl flooring. When selecting this type of flooring, you will want to work closely with your underfloor heating contractor to ensure you choose the right features for your heat mats in order to efficiently and effectively heat the room.

Best Rooms for an Under Floor Heat Mat

Underfloor electric heating mats can be used in just about any space, but there are some rooms that are particularly well-suited to this type of heating solution. The best rooms for an underfloor heat mat include:

Bathrooms — Bathrooms are one of the first rooms that people think of when they consider installing underfloor heat mats. This is mostly because people are often barefoot when they are in a bathroom, and bathrooms often have tile or stone flooring. A bathroom floor heating mat will work to warm up the floors as well as the space itself, ensuring that you and anyone who uses the bathroom in your home is relaxed and comfortable at all times.
Bedrooms — Bedrooms are another popular option for underfloor mat heating, particularly when a bedroom is located above a garage and heat easily escapes the space.
Garages — Garages are an ideal option for underfloor heating mats because they are typically designed for storage, but many people prefer to use their garages as a recreational area. Whether you use your garage for a workout room, an entertainment spot or a workshop, you will find that electric underfloor heating allows you to make the space both comfortable and functional.
Living Areas — Living areas, particularly when they are situated on a slab, can be the perfect space to install underfloor heating mats. This allows you to achieve your preferred temperature in a short amount of time and make the most out of your living space.

It’s worth noting that underfloor heating mats work best in rooms with regular shapes. Irregular rooms may require alternative options, and you should discuss this with your contractor

Electric Heat Mat Installation

Electric heat mat installation is a relatively quick and simple process. When you choose the best underfloor heating mat contractor, you will find that the installation moves forward smoothly and without incident. In most cases, homeowners opt to have these mats installed when they are redesigning or renovating a room, or when they are replacing the existing flooring. While underfloor heating mats can be retrofitted to an existing room, it often costs less and takes less time to install them at a time when new flooring will soon be installed. Not to mention, this allows you to select the best type of flooring for your new electric underfloor heating system.

Choosing the Right Underfloor Mat Heating Solution

The key to getting the most out of your investment is to select the best underfloor heating mats. You should search for a solution that includes the following features:

Low-voltage electricity — At Green Wave Distribution, we are able to create underfloor heating mats with safe, low-voltage electricity. You get the same level of comfort without any of the worry.
Self-regulating carbon polymer heating technology — This innovative technology is the most efficient option, and it also works to prevent overheating within the system.
Alternative energy ready — A system that is ready and prepared to shift to alternative energy options will ensure that you can operate off the grid if needed. This is also a quiet option which allows you to enjoy a space that is not only comfortable, but also peaceful.