Conservatories - Underfloor Heating

How much does it cost to run? This is the most common question we get, and the simple answer is that the running costs are determined by many different factors, however in the majority of cases the running costs should not be a negative factor. When the systems are used in a well-insulated building (in line with current building regulations) the running costs are usually very low. The thermostatic control in each room/zone means that only just enough energy is used to maintain the desired room temperature. A typical new building would perhaps cost around £3-£4 /m²/year to run, so 100 m² free floor area home would cost around £300-£400 per year to heat. In a conservatory with a well insulated floor, electric underfloor heating will be more efficient than radiators due to the fact that you are using the whole floor as a low temperature radiant room heater. In an average sized conservatory used/heated during Winter at weekends and evenings, the cost can be up to £8 /m²/year to run - so around £80 - £100 /year.

How efficient and ‘green’ is it? Electric underfloor heating is more efficient than radiators and other convected heat. It requires no maintenance or servicing and 100% of the electrical energy is turned into heat energy, rather than being lost as exhausted ‘greenhouse’ gases - as is the case with many gas powered central heating/hot water systems. In the future, it is inevitable that more electricity will have to be produced from greener energy sources such as wind power, and electric underfloor heating will be one of the ‘greenest’ ways to heat your home in the future.

How warm will the floor get? Electric underfloor heating is designed to run with a floor surface temperature at a comfortable 25 – 28 °C. You have the option to run it a few degrees higher than this if you wish.

Can the temperature be regulated? Yes. For example, the eStat 762 digital clock thermostat allows the user full control of both the floor temperature and room temperature, as well as times of the day that the system is operating.

Are there any special wiring requirements? For small conservatories the system can often be connected to an existing household wiring circuit via a fused spur. For larger areas a dedicated circuit from your distribution board will be needed. All electrical work must be made by a qualified electrician. We can recommend those who regularly work with us.

Why would you choose a cable kit instead of a cable mat? This depends on your floor construction. The eCable system must be laid under a concrete screed, which must heat up first. The eMat system is laid above a concrete floor slab and under the tiles which, being thinner, give a quicker response to the occupier/floor surface while the floor slab beneath warms up more slowly.

Is there an advantage in using 230 w/m² eCable underfloor heating? 230 w/m² eCable is ideal in conservatories and areas of higher than normal heat loss, where you might need a higher output than elsewhere in your house, but must be under a screed which involves a slightly more expensive floor construction. Running costs are not affected as you reach the required temperature faster, and from there the thermostat accurately regulates the power consumption to meet the temperature you choose.

What is the warm up time? How long it takes to heat the floor will vary, depending on your floor construction and insulation. It may take up to an hour or more for eCable under the screed of a concrete floor, but this period is dramatically reduced where eMat is installed beneath tiling and over a concrete slab which is insulated beneath to modern standards. In short, the eMat is quicker to warm your feet! However, at the end of either heating period, the concrete floor retains heat in the floor slab, which acts as a ‘thermal store’ and therefore takes much longer to cool down.

Would it cause eMat inconvenience to the floor tiler? Some tilers are happy to tile directly over the cables and cable mats, but most now prefer to cover them with a thin latex leveling compound first. Flexible tile adhesive is necessary too, to allow for tiny thermal movement as the mat heats up and cools down, and your tiler will advise you about this.

Can the underfloor heating be used as the only heat source? In most cases underfloor heating can be used as a sole heat source, but much depends on the level of personal comfort required.

Can I install electric underfloor heating without floor insulation? Yes you can, but we would not advise it. In a new conservatory floor we install, or recommend, a minimum of 50mm of phenolic foam insulation below the concrete floor slab as standard, and more if the customer specifies it.

Will underfloor heating raise my floor levels? The under-tile cables and mats are just 3mm thick so the heating element itself makes very little difference to floor thresholds.

Is there a guarantee? Yes. All eMat, eCable and eFlex cable, and the eRibbon amorphous metal ribbon, are backed by a manufacturers 15 year guarantee. The eStat thermostat range is guaranteed for three years from date of purchase.