Underfloor heating is a modern and efficient solution for heating living spaces, offering not only comfort but also energy savings. An important decision when installing underfloor heating is the choice of installation method. In this blog post, we take a detailed look at the different types of installation, their advantages and disadvantages and important aspects of planning and installation.
How does underfloor heating work?
Underfloor heating works based on the natural physical principle of convection and radiant heat. As soon as the warm water circulates through the heating pipes, the heat is transferred to the floor. This heated floor then radiates the heat evenly into the room, creating a pleasant and comfortable indoor climate. The advantage of this system is that the heat rises from the floor, which leads to even distribution and avoids cold zones that often occur with conventional radiators.
Meander installation
With meander installation, the heating pipes are laid in parallel rows, with the flow and return on opposite sides of the room. This type of installation is suitable for rooms with a low heat requirement, as the heat distribution over the surface is different. The flow area is warmer than the return area.
Advantages:
Simple and quick installation
Low material requirement
Inexpensive
Disadvantages:
Uneven heat distribution over the surface
Not suitable for rooms with high heat requirements
Double meander installation
With double meander installation, the heating pipes are also laid in parallel rows, but with double the laying distance. The return is fed back between the supply pipes so that the supply and return pipes are next to each other. This ensures more even heat distribution over the entire surface.
Advantages:
Even heat distribution
Suitable for rooms with a higher heat requirement
Disadvantages:
Higher material requirement than with meander installation
More complex installation
Snail or spiral installation
With spiral or helical installation, the heating pipe is laid in a spiral from the edge of the surface inwards. This type of installation is particularly suitable for rooms with a very high heat requirement, as the heat distribution is most even.
Advantages:
Very even heat distribution
Ideal for rooms with a high heat requirement
Disadvantages:
High material requirement
Complex and time-consuming installation
Electric underfloor heating
Electric underfloor heating consists of heating mats or heating foils that are laid under or over the screed in the floor structure. It usually achieves an output of 100 to 160 watts per square meter and the old floor covering is first removed for installation. The heating mats or foils are then laid on the screed and the new floor covering is laid on top. For tiled floors, the elements are laid directly in the tile adhesive; for vinyl floors, they are laid floating. They are controlled via temperature sensors on the floor, which are connected to an electronic room thermostat. With smart home solutions, the heating can also be controlled via a smartphone app.
Underfloor heating installation types Advantages and disadvantages
The installation of wet and dry systems for underfloor heating differs as follows:
Wet system
The heating pipes are aligned on an insulating layer and then covered with liquid screed. The screed hardens and fixes the pipes in place.
Installation is more complex, as the heating pipes have to be fixed individually and temporarily and the screed has to dry before further work can be carried out.
Suitable for new buildings, as the floor is laid for the first time, making installation easier and cheaper.
The heat transfer and storage through the heating screed is advantageous.
Higher construction height from approx. 5-7 cm, depending on the type of screed (cement, anhydrite, etc.).
Advantages:
- Good heat storage, high energy efficiency
- Robust construction, lower risk of damage
Disadvantages:
- Longer drying times required
- Higher construction costs and effort
Dry system
The heating pipes are laid in system panels with studs, grooves or fixing elements that hold the pipes. There is no need to pour screed over them.
Finally, a load-distributing layer of dry screed panels, gypsum fiber, wood-based material or stone slabs is laid.
Laying is quicker as only prefabricated materials are used. Approx. 10-15 minutes per m² for one fitter.
Suitable for old buildings and modernizations, as installation is less time-consuming than a wet system.
Low installation height from approx. 2-4 cm, depending on the system structure.
A stable, even substrate is important, as unevenness cannot be leveled out independently.
Advantages:
- Quick installation without drying times
- Low installation height, ideal for old buildings
- Flexible in the application of different floor coverings
Disadvantages:
- Higher costs for materials compared to wet construction methods
- Less heat storage capacity
The choice between wet and dry systems depends mainly on the building fabric (new/old building) and the spatial conditions (installation height).
Wet system vs. dry system
The main difference between wet and dry systems for underfloor heating lies in the type of installation and the material used:
Wet system:
The heating pipes are embedded directly in the liquid screed and enclosed by it.
Advantageous for new buildings, as the floor is laid for the first time and installation is easier.
Good heat transfer and storage through the screed.
Higher installation height from approx. 5-7 cm.
Dry system:
The heating pipes are laid in system panels with studs, grooves or fixing elements, without screed covering.
Finally, a load-distributing layer of dry screed boards, gypsum fiber, wood-based material or stone slabs is applied.
Suitable for old buildings and modernizations with limited installation height.
Lower installation height from approx. 2-4 cm.
Faster installation, as only prefabricated materials are used.
Systems with low installation height
For builders and renovators who want to minimize the installation height, thinner heating mats or foils are a practical solution. These systems can be laid directly under thin floor coverings such as laminate or vinyl.
Advantages:
- Low installation height, ideal for buildings with low ceiling heights
- Suitable for renovation projects
Disadvantages:
- Limited performance in terms of heat storage and distribution.
Technical aspects and planning
Choosing the right type of installation depends on various factors, including the type of building, the floor covering and personal preferences. Detailed planning should be carried out before installation, taking into account the thermal requirements of the rooms.
Practical tips for installation
- Observe the recommended distances between the heating coils or heating mats.
- Make sure that the substrate is suitably prepared to ensure even heat distribution.
- Avoid typical installation errors such as uneven laying or damage to the heating coils.
Costs and cost-effectiveness
The cost of installing underfloor heating varies depending on the type of installation and the complexity of the project. In the long term, however, savings can be made on energy costs, as underfloor heating systems work more efficiently than conventional heating systems.
Which new technologies can improve the efficiency of underfloor heating systems?
There are several new technologies that can improve the efficiency of underfloor heating systems:
Intelligent regulation and control
Intelligent regulation and control of underfloor heating can save a lot of energy. Modern systems automatically adjust the flow temperature and heating output to the actual heat requirement, based on the room temperature, outside temperature and times of use. This enables heating to be tailored to requirements.
Heat pump technology
Heat pumps work particularly efficiently with underfloor heating systems, as these can be operated in the low temperature range. The small temperature difference between the heat source (air, floor, water) and the heating water results in high heat pump efficiency and therefore low electricity costs.
Optimized installation distances
Modular installation with variable spacing of the heating pipes allows heat dissipation to be optimized at critical points such as external walls or transition areas. This ensures more even heat distribution and greater efficiency.
Highly efficient materials
The use of materials with high thermal conductivity in drying systems, such as thermally conductive panels or foils, leads to a faster reaction and better heat distribution. Screed systems with optimized thermal conductivity are also available.
Heat pump + underfloor heating: environmentally friendly and cost-effective
Heat pumps work particularly efficiently with underfloor heating systems, as the low flow temperatures of approx. 35°C significantly increase the efficiency of the heat pump, while the low temperature difference between the heat source (air, floor, water) and the heating water results in a high level of heat pump efficiency and therefore low electricity costs.
Even heat distribution
The large-area underfloor heating distributes the heat evenly throughout the room and ensures a pleasant indoor climate, avoiding draughts and temperature differences.
Cooling function possible
Modern reversible heat pumps can also use underfloor heating for cooling in summer by reversing the refrigerant circuit, and underfloor heating systems are particularly suitable for efficient cooling due to their large surface area.
Sustainability
Heat pumps use environmentally friendly energy from the environment (air, earth, water) and are therefore a sustainable heating technology. In combination with underfloor heating, the advantages of both systems can be optimally utilized, making the combination of heat pumps and underfloor heating an efficient, convenient and environmentally friendly solution for heating and cooling buildings. Efficiency can be further increased through careful planning and coordination of both systems.
Conclusion
Choosing the right installation method for your underfloor heating is crucial for comfort and efficiency in your home. Whether dry construction, wet construction or systems with a low installation height - each type of installation has its advantages and disadvantages that need to be weighed up. Careful planning and professional installation are the key to an optimum heating solution that meets your needs.