How to install electric underfloor heating
Underfloor heating is growing in popularity as it's a discreet and efficient way of heating parts of your home. Consider carefully what different materials you'd like to use as they vary in terms of conductivity; concrete acts as an insulator so it takes longer to heat up and cool down.
Here we investigate how to install an electric underfloor heating system with a concrete and tile method. Read on to find out how to install the system yourself.
Level of difficulty
Level 3 – Advanced
What you need
- Tape measure
- Vacuum cleaner
- Cement
- Mastic trowel
- Electric heating system
- Electric box
- Thermostat box
- Underfloor heating floor sensor
- Scissors
- Screws
- Screwdriver
- Power drill
- Digital multimeter
- Tiles
The steps to follow
1. Measure the area where you plan to install your underfloor heating.
2. Purchase an underfloor heating mat kit from your local DIY shop.
3. Clean the floor so that it is clear of debris and dust. Make sure that it is level. If it isn't, you'll need to apply a layer of cement to level it..
4. Let the cement dry before proceeding with the installation.
5. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the heating system. An electrical and thermostat box should normally be included in the underfloor heating mat kit and the next step is to install that.
6. Prior to installing the electric and the thermostat box, make sure the mains power is turned off.
7. Mount the electric and thermostat boxes, 1.5 m (5 ft) above ground level.
8. Next, install the floor sensor. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on installing the floor sensor probe.
Note:
Wait for the newly cemented floor to fully dry before you turn the electric and thermostat box on. The wiring procedures for the electric and thermostat box installation can be extremely complicated; we strongly recommend that you get the job done by a qualified electrician.
9. Now that the wiring is installed, you can start cutting the electric underfloor heating mat to the desired size. Unroll the electric heating mat, measure and cut the mat accordingly. Make sure that you only cut the mesh and not the wires!
10. Test to see if the mat is working properly by connecting the earth and resistance wire to a digital multimeter. Be extremely careful when performing this test so that you avoid getting an electric shock.
11. Spread a layer of cement and lay the electric heating mat on top of the cement. Press the mat down on the cement and let the cement dry.
12. Apply a second layer of cement on top of the mat making sure you create a level layer with the back of the mastic trowel.
13. Finally tile over the layer of cement.
14. Wait for about 4 weeks for the cement to completely dry before turning on the electric heating system.
15. Varnish or paint your new balustrade.
