Rating of the best electric underfloor heating in 2020

Each person strives to make his home comfortable and cozy. Comfort, first of all, is associated with warmth. Warming up, we feel protected from all adversity that remained outside the door. True, the classical heating system does not always meet our needs: in the off-season it simply does not work, and in the cold season it cannot provide adequate heat in every corner of the apartment. This defect is completely solved by installing a warm floor.

Let's consider what electric underfloor heating is, and figure out which one is the best.

Varieties of electric underfloor heating

All electric heated floors are divided into three groups:

• cable;
• heating mats;
• film.

Let's see what is the peculiarity of each variety separately.

Cable underfloor heating

This is the very first, but has not lost its relevance and at the present time, type of warm floor. As the name implies, it is a cable, which is a heating element. The cable can be with one or two cores. The single-core has only one heating core, therefore it requires connection to the network on both sides. This is a significant drawback, since causes inconvenience in the design and installation of a warm floor. In addition, it creates an intense electromagnetic field; therefore, it is not recommended to lay it in bedrooms and children's rooms. But this is the cheapest option.

A two-core cable consists of two cores (wires) and does not need to be connected to the network from the other end. It is securely insulated with a factory sleeve. This makes the installation of a two-core cable much easier, especially in rooms with a large area. In addition, there is practically no electromagnetic field, which makes it possible to use it in living rooms.

Heating cables also differ in cross-sectional thickness. Allocate thick (4-5 mm) and thin (2-3 mm). Thick cables require laying under a cement-sand screed with a layer of at least 3-5 cm. Thin cables can be mounted in a layer of tile adhesive, which creates an advantage in installation.

An important parameter of heating cables, which must be taken into account when choosing for a specific room and for a specific installation method, is their power density (per linear meter).So it is recommended to purchase a cable with a linear power of 18-22 W / rm for a cement screed, and 8-12 W / rm is sufficient for dry laying under a finishing coat.

It is more practical to use underfloor heating with a new type of heating cable - self-regulating shielded. Its distinctive feature and at the same time its advantage is that it reduces power consumption when the temperature in the heated room rises. Its plus is that it can be laid directly under the final floor covering, because local overheating is impossible with it.

Due to their flexibility, the cables can be used for heating in rooms of various configurations, including complex ones. If you follow the instructions and recommendations from the manufacturer when laying a warm floor, and also use it correctly, then its service life can reach 50 years.

Heating mats

Heating mats are a logical continuation of the previous type. They look like a mesh (silicone, plastic, etc.), into which cable sections are evenly woven.

The installation of this floor is accompanied by less work. This is due to the fact that there is no need to fill the screed. Depending on the power, it can be installed either in a thick adhesive layer or under the final floor covering. In both cases, the rise in floor height will be minimal. It is most convenient to lay heating mats in rectangular rooms.

Electric wires in mats can be with one or two cores, they were mentioned above. The specific power of these heating systems is considered not per linear meter, but per square meter. So, when using them as the only source of heating, the required power must be at least 150 W / m², for secondary heating 120 W / m is acceptable².

All heating mats are equipped with thermostats, the most modern of which are programmable. They allow you to adjust the floor temperature, the heating turn-on time, when you really need it.

Film warm floor

This is an innovative type of underfloor heating, which is also called infrared. It has the highest efficiency in comparison with others.

The mechanism of operation of this floor is radically different: it does not heat itself, but emits infrared radiation, which already heats the walls and the floor. In addition, this radiation is only beneficial: it ionizes the air without drying it out, removes strong odors.

The film warm floor has a structure that is different from the previous types. It is represented by a thin heat-resistant film. The role of heating elements is played by carbon nanostructure plates. They are interconnected by copper buses, which are connected to the thermostat using a copper wire, and it is already connected to a 220 V electrical network.

This floor can be installed under any final floor covering. It is worth remembering that the film does not like deformations, and it must be laid on a flat, dense surface (for example, plywood sheets with a thickness of at least 1 cm). It is also not advisable to put furniture on it. To increase heat transfer, it is advisable to put thermal insulation under the infrared film. Power ranges from 100 to 200 W / m²... Most often this floor is used for additional heating. Despite all the innovation, the term of use is shorter than that of other species - within 15 years.

What to consider when buying an electric underfloor heating

Each of its types has its own specifics and recommendations for installation, the duration of the heating system's operation directly depends on whether or not it is observed. So, when buying a warm floor, you need to focus on some points:

• underfloor heating will be used as the only or secondary heat source.

The choice of its specific power depends on this. In the first case, it is worth giving preference to models with a specific power indicator of 150-180 W / m²... In the second case, 110-140 W / m is sufficient²... This indicator will also change depending on the purpose of the room. For example, a balcony needs a higher power output than a bedroom or bathroom.

• installation method.

Each type has its own subtleties of installation.The cable floor is almost always laid in a screed layer up to 5 cm. Heating mats can be installed in a thin screed layer (2 cm), under a tile in a layer of glue, less often under a laminate or parquet. The infrared film floor is only installed under the floor covering (not under the tiles).

• possibilities of common electrical input by load.

If your input cable is not rated for this power consumption, it should be replaced and an additional automatic fuse installed.

• installation of an additional residual current device (RCD).

It is an obligatory item when laying underfloor heating in rooms with a lot of water (bathroom, kitchen, sauna). It is also important to install grounding in rooms with damp processes.

• the possibility of lifting the floor.

The thickest will be the cable floor, because it requires thorough preparation in the form of a screed, insulation and thermal insulation. The foil floor, although very thin in itself, also affects the height of the floor. After all, it requires a base in the form of plywood (at least 10 mm) and heat-reflecting material.

• arrangement of heavy furniture.

This paragraph applies to floors that are not equipped with a self-regulating power function. When a heat dissipation restriction is placed above the underfloor heating element (for example, a furniture leg less than 15 cm), it can overheat and cause a malfunction of the entire system. In addition, when laying a warm floor, you should step back from the walls and central heating batteries.

After examining the features of each type, you can begin to review the best electric floors of 2020.

The best cable underfloor heating

SpyHeat Economy SH-300

Underfloor heating, which is a single-core shielded heating cable. It has an oval section of 7x4 mm. This underfloor heating model can be used for both additional heating and main heating. In the second case, to obtain full heat, the heating area should not exceed 1.9 m²... It is recommended to use it for heating walk-through rooms, balconies, hallways. Manufacturer's warranty - 17 years. Made in Russia.

Cost - from 1270 rubles.

• corresponds to the declared characteristics;
• when used correctly, the service life reaches 50 years.

• creates an electromagnetic field;
• not recommended for heating in living rooms.

Fenix ​​ASL1P 15960

Single core shielded cable with a cross section of 3-3.4 mm. Laying of this warm floor is possible under tiles, self-leveling floor, laminate, etc. Laying in a screed is possible. To obtain the maximum effect, installation can be carried out with a loop pitch of 4 cm. Country of origin - Czech Republic.

Cost - 6350 rubles.

• installation in damp rooms is possible;
• suitable for direct heating.

• can not be used for outdoor work.

SpyHeat Classic SHD-15-300

This model is based on a two-core shielded cable with an oval section of 7x4 mm. It is recommended to lay this warm floor under a concrete screed with a thickness of 3 cm. It can be used in rooms of various configurations, because the cable can be laid in the shape you want. The step width between the heating elements is 7.5-14 cm. The minimum ambient temperature is not lower than 5 ° C. Country of origin - Russia.

Cost - from 990 rubles.

• can fit on walls;
• can be used to heat rooms with high humidity;
• low electromagnetic radiation;
• service life with correct operation up to 50 years.

• dries the air;
• you can start using it only after a month (after the screed has completely dried).

Thermo SVK-20

Two-core shielded cable with a cross section of 6.7 mm. Fits into a screed under any finishing floor covering. For greater reliability, the cable is reinforced with fiberglass. The maximum temperature is 90 ° C. The birthplace of the brand is Sweden.

Price: 3380 rub.

• lifetime warranty from the manufacturer;
• minimum service life - 50 years;
• reliable insulation of heating conductors.

• dries the air;
• expensive.

DEVI DEVIflex 18T (DTIP-18)

Electric two-core shielded heating cable.Installation is carried out in a concrete screed with a thickness of 3 cm. It can be used for heating both indoors and outdoors (on roofs to prevent the adhesion of snow and ice). The cable section is 6.9 mm. Suitable for any finish flooring. The maximum cable temperature is 65 ° C. The guaranteed service life is 20 years. Country of origin - Denmark.

Price: from 4750 rubles.

• fireproof outer insulation;
• can be used for outdoor work;
• the minimum bending radius is 4 cm.

• dries the air.

Teplolux 18TLBE2-23

Underfloor heating based on a shielded two-core cable. The specific power of the cable is 18 W / running meter, which makes it possible to use it as a main source of heat and a secondary one. It is important to pay attention to the cable laying step. The minimum distance between the cable turns is 8 cm. Installation is carried out in a cement-sand screed. The guarantee is 25 years. Country of origin - Russia.

Price: from 2770 rubles.

• the kit includes a mounting tape and a tube;
• can be used in the anti-icing system.

• dries the air.

Comparison of technical characteristics of the considered models of cable underfloor heating

Model	Length, m	Power consumption, W	Specific power, W / rm	Maximum heating area, sq.m	Cold cable length, m	Price for 1 running meter meter, rub.
SpyHeat Economy SH-300	21	300	20	2,9	2	60,5
Thermo SVK-20 165W	8	165	20	1,5	3	422,8
DEVI DEVIflex 18T (DTIP-18) 395W	22	395	18	2,8	2,3	216
Teplolux 18TLBE2-23 420W	23	420	18	2,9	2	120,6
Fenix ​​ASL1P 15960 960W	64	960	15	7,5	2,5	99,3
SpyHeat Classic SHD-15-300	20	300	15	2,6	2	49,5

The best heating mats

ERGERT® MAT EXTRA-150

This heating mat differs from similar options in increased reliability, which is ensured by the use of a two-core heating cable, which, in turn, has high-temperature Teflon insulation and continuous shielding of heating and conductive cores.

The base in which the cable is fixed is self-adhesive and is a fiberglass mesh.

The set includes a corrugated tube with a plug for installing a temperature sensor.

The price depends on the coverage area. The cost for a mat measuring 0.5x1.0 m is 5410 rubles. Information about available sizes and cost can be found on the website of the official manufacturer of the product.

• External and internal high-temperature insulation is the maximum possible (PTFE fluoroplastic 270 ° C);
• The thickness of the mat is minimal - 2.5 mm;
• Continuous armored braided screen provides protection against mechanical damage and rupture;
• The manufacturer gives a 50-year guarantee.

• High price.

DEVI DEVIheat 150S (DSVF-150)

The model is a synthetic mesh, on which a single-core cable is fixed with a certain pitch. The shielded cable has a cross section of 2.5 mm. Installation under tiles or laminate flooring in a layer of adhesive is recommended. It is used for heating walk-through rooms: bathrooms, hallways, balconies.

Cost: from 4570 rubles.

• practically does not change the height of the floor.

• creates electromagnetic radiation;
• it is necessary to think over the location of the heating mat in advance, because the other end must be returned to the beginning of the installation to connect the thermostat.

Teplolux Mini MH200-1.4

Heating mat based on single-core shielded cable. Ideal for tiling. Made in Russia.

Price: from 3110 rubles.

• installation on different floor bases is possible;
• does not require screed filling.

• creates an electromagnetic field.

Electrolux EEM 2-150-0.5

Underfloor heating from Electrolux is a two-core cable fixed on a textile base. The thickness of the mat is 3.9 mm. Perfect for living rooms, bathroom. The warranty period is 20 years. The birthplace of the brand is Sweden.

Price: from 1990 rubles.

• can be used in wet rooms;
• double insulation of cable cores withstands up to 4000 V breakdown voltage;
• electromagnetic radiation is several times lower than the minimum permissible standards;
• service life: 50 years.

• not found.

Warmstad WSM-300-2.0

Heating mat 4 mm thick. It is based on a two-core shielded heating cable with one cold end, which greatly facilitates installation compared to single-core models. Suitable for installation under tiles, laminate and other flooring. The warranty period is 25 years. Manufacturer - Russia.

Cost: from 1750 rubles.

• The optimum ratio of price and quality;
• can be used to heat any premises.

• not found.

TEPLOCOM MND-5.0

The heating mat consists of a thin two-core cable laid on a fiberglass mesh. The double shield not only protects against electrical shock, but also allows electromagnetic radiation to spread. Laying in a cement-sand screed 2 cm thick or in a layer of tile adhesive is permissible. Warranty period of use: 16 years. Made in Russia.

Price: from 4080 rubles.

• recommended for use in rooms where people are constantly present;
• inexpensive.

• the warranty period is shorter than that of other models.

Comparison of technical characteristics of the considered models of heating mats

Model	Size, cm	Power consumption, W	Specific power, W / sq.m	Heating area (max), sq.m	Cold cable length, m	Price for 1 sq.m, rub.
ERGERT® MAT EXTRA-150	Various, from 100x50 to 2400x50	75-1800, depending on size	150	12	3	6590
DEVI DEVIheat 150S (DSVF-150)	200x50	150	150	1	4	4576
Teplolux Mini MH200-1.4	250x50	200	140	1,4	2	2494
Electrolux EEM 2-150-0.5	100x50	82	150	0,5	2	3980
Warmstad WSM-300-2.0	400x50	300	150	2	2	876
TEPLOCOM MND-5.0	1000x50	874	160	5	2	816

The best film warm floors

Caleo PLATINUM 230-0,5 560W

Infrared floor heating is a thermal film 400x50 cm in size and 0.4 mm thick. A distinctive advantage of this model is the self-regulation of power. As soon as the film temperature rises, the power consumption begins to drop. Suitable for dry installation under laminate, linoleum, carpet.

Cost - from 5480 rubles.

• has energy saving properties;
• furniture can be placed on the floor areas under which the film is laid;
• does not dry the air;
• neutralizes unpleasant odors.

• a heat reflector based on aluminum foil cannot be used as a substrate.

Attention! More infrared underfloor heating options popular in 2020 can be found at separate article.

Q-TERM 0.5 m

Infrared film floor from Q-TERM is a thermal film 50 cm wide and 0.33 mm thick. The step of cutting the film from the roll is 25 cm. Laying such a floor does not require screed or glue. In addition, Q-TERM infrared film can be used to heat not only the floor, but also the walls. 15 year warranty. Country of origin - South Korea.

The cost of 1 running meter is from 190 rubles.

• sold in rolls, which allows you to buy the right amount of film;
• can be moved to another place;
• ionizes the air;
• does not dry the air.

• for laying you need a perfectly flat surface.

Caleo GOLD 230-0.5

This model of a warm floor is represented by an infrared film 200x50 cm in size and 0.4 mm thick. Specific power is 230 W / m²... It can be used as a source of main and additional heating. Under any finishing floor covering. Warranty period: 15 years. Made in Korea.

Cost - from 1830 rubles.

• there is a self-regulation function;
• high fire safety due to anti-spark mesh;
• the service life with correct installation and use reaches 50 years.

• requires certain skills for self-installation.

Rexva Xica XM310

The warm floor of this model is represented by an infrared film 0.34 mm thick and 1 meter wide. The length is cut to the required quantity.

Specific power is 220 W / m²... Laying is done dry under any floor covering. Country of origin - South Korea.

The cost of 1 running meter is from 370 rubles.

• can be dismantled for further use elsewhere;
• failure of one section does not affect the performance of the rest;
• suitable for heating both residential and utility rooms;
• the large film width makes laying faster on large areas.

• not found.

EASTEC Energy Save PTC

Underfloor heating based on infrared film with self-regulation function. Film width - 1 meter, thickness - 0.33 mm, length - cut-off. It is used as the main and additional heating in premises for various purposes. Manufacturer - South Korea.

The cost of 1 running meter is from 650 rubles.

• quickly and evenly heats the room;
• can be mounted under furniture;
• reduces the heating temperature by a third in the place where the furniture is on the film;
• no electromagnetic field.

• not found.

How nice it is not to depend on central heating, which stops working when it is not yet quite warm. Underfloor heating is the comfort and coziness in the house that everyone can afford.