We recently moved house and as part of our improvements we installed underfloor heating in our kitchen and conservatory areas.  We started with a plain concrete floor and had to cut the mats to the right sizes, we had to buy several mats and join them together which didn’t create any problems for the fitter and this is how the system is designed to work.  Once this was fitted the area was tiled as normal with large format gloss tiles.  My tiles are quite thick so I was surprised how well the heat radiates through – it takes a while to heat up but holds its heat very effectively.  It’s tempting when you seem to be spending left, right and centre to try and cut out areas of expenditure – I’d just advise – don’t

Underfloor Heating – a review

We recently moved house and as part of our improvements we installed underfloor heating in our kitchen and conservatory areas.  We started with a plain concrete floor and had to cut the mats to the right sizes, we had to buy several mats and join them together which didn’t create any problems for the fitter and this is how the system is designed to work.  Once this was fitted the area was tiled as normal with large format gloss tiles.  My tiles are quite thick so I was surprised how well the heat radiates through – it takes a while to heat up but holds its heat very effectively.  It’s tempting when you seem to be spending left, right and centre to try and cut out areas of expenditure – I’d just advise – don’t

Underfloor heating is so worth it!  Once it’s installed it’s a cost effective way to create a nice ambient room temperature.  In my conservatory area I just turn the temperature up to about 21°c to make up for the heat loss (due to huge windows) in the evening we have the main central heating on too which is perfect when you are lounging around.  In our kitchen we rely solely on the underfloor heating system, we thought it would be enough, particularly when we have the oven on full, and it is.

Be sure to buy the right one for your floor type – whether it’s concrete, wood sub-floor or an existing tiled area.  When you are working out the size you need remember you don’t need to cover the whole floor space just the areas where you use, for example in the kitchen we worked around the units rather than doing the whole square feet of the room.  You also need the Vysa-ThermTM 3000 Thermostat available in white or silver.

In the conservatory where we only have a 3ft dwarf wall we have also fitted a quality chrome radiator (Arturo by MHS) which complements the look and contributes a nice level of heat.  We have two systems running in the two separate rooms and aside from 2 small thermostats (and a nice toasty floor) you wouldn’t have a clue, there aren’t any unsightly wires or pipes on view.  It’s still a surprise to bare footed guests who notice the radical difference between the normal tiled floor in the hallway and the cosy kitchen and conservatory!

All in all if you are looking at renovating your property then underfloor heating is a definite way to enjoy your home.   I have only fitted mine in the kitchen and conservatory; however you may choose to use underfloor heating throughout your home in place of radiators or as I have in addition.  It is a versatile system that can be used in wet (bathrooms and kitchens) and normal rooms such as lounges and bedrooms.