Underfloor heating is a modern heating method by installing heating elements under the floor covering: linoleum, ceramic, PVC tiles, laminate. Previously, this technology was used as an additional source of heat, today TP is used as a full-fledged heating system. The design is distinguished by the absence of convection flows, uniform heating, high efficiency, ease of use, and safety. Underfloor heating types are classified according to different parameters.
Water heat-insulated floor
The water floor functions by the movement of the coolant through pipes installed under the floor covering. The system can be connected to an autonomous heating main.
The design consists of the following elements:
- air vent;
- closed branching of pipes;
- several fittings;
- fasteners;
- pump;
- locking fittings;
- collector.
The water floor has no losses of generated heat, which does not go beyond the premises, evenly distributed throughout the room and rising from the bottom up, which eliminates any discomfort for a person.
Underfloor heating options depend on the choice of pipe material.
- Copper ones are distinguished by their high cost and complex installation. In many cases, choosing this option is considered impractical, despite the fact that copper is an excellent conductor of heat and has excellent anti-corrosion properties.
- Metal-plastic - a common option at an affordable price with high thermal conductivity. This design shows optimal efficiency and has a long service life. The inner and outer layers of polymers guarantee the pipes strength, reliability, and corrosion resistance. Metal-plastic structures can easily withstand mechanical, hydrodynamic, thermodynamic loads.
- Polypropylene ones are distinguished by their low cost, simplified installation. Popular for the installation of large-scale heating lines. The pipes have sufficient strength, tightness of joints, resistance to subzero temperatures.
- Made of XLPE. Chemical neutrality of polymers and amorphousness make this type of product resistant to high temperatures. For underfloor heating, pipes marked PN 10 are used, while the pressure of the coolant should not be higher than 10 atmospheres. The tightness and strength of the hinges is ensured by means of special fittings. The permissible length of the XLPE line is 120 meters.
- profitability;
- environmental friendliness;
- safety for health and life of people;
- durability, guaranteed service life up to 15 years;
- compliance with all sanitary standards;
- no need for regular maintenance;
- radiation of electromagnetic fields is excluded;
- aesthetics, CO is completely hidden from the eyes;
- easy adjustment of the level of heat supply.
It is recommended to install underfloor heating in preschool and educational institutions - such heating reduces the level of development of colds.
The disadvantages include the high price, complex repairs, high requirements for compliance with the installation technology.
Electric underfloor heating
Electric TP is a heating line made of heating cables, located under the floor covering.The electricity supply is regulated by a thermostat, which is designed to control the amount of heat generated. The peculiarity lies in the fact that many additional parts are not required here in the form of a coolant, a boiler, a pipeline. The availability of electricity and heating elements is sufficient.
Types of electric underfloor heating:
- Heating cable. It consists of a core made of nichrome, brass, copper, covered with several layers of PVC insulation. Inside there is a monolithic foil shield or wire braid that protects against electromagnetic radiation.
- Thermomats. A roll of mesh with a fixed heating cable. Due to the small thickness of the wire, the structure does not require the organization of a tie, the device is installed directly into the glue layer, which saves space and does not affect the change in the height of the room. The thermomat has a five-layer insulation, is not afraid of high humidity, and is controlled with an accuracy of 1 ° C. Differs in versatility, absence of an electromagnetic field.
- IR film coating. Infrared heat exchanger is a modern alternative to conventional heating with a healing effect. IR radiation does not require large expenditures of electricity and has a positive effect on human health. In the process of ICTP operation, air ionization occurs, which kills pathogenic bacteria and eliminates unpleasant odors.
- Self-regulating cables. The design tends to change the power in certain areas, taking into account the air temperature in the surrounding space. This saves energy.
Electric transformer substation has a number of advantages:
- unpretentious, versatile installation;
- regulation of modes by means of a thermostat;
- lack of visual manifestations, aesthetics;
- use as main or additional heating;
- long service life over 15 years;
- a large amount of additional equipment is not required for the operation of the line;
- uniform heating of the room;
- safety.
The disadvantages of an electric floor include a serious cost of maintenance, the need to organize grounding, and a decrease in the height of the room.
Stacking and control system
Calculations are carried out in advance, material and control equipment are purchased. Installation is carried out as follows:
- In the screed: a hydro-barrier, thermal insulation, a mounting grid and a heater are placed on the subfloor.
- On the screed: the technology is similar to the first option, but instead of the second segment, an adhesive solution is applied.
- For tiles: the principle of work is the same as for screed installation.
The electrical line is controlled by a thermostat. The water floor is most often regulated by means of shut-off valves, a three-way valve.
