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Electric Underfloor Heating 101
What is Electric Underfloor Heating?
In Convection Heating a heating body is used to heat up the air, which then distributes heat as it flows over the surfaces of the objects in the room (walls, furniture, etc.). Electric underfloor heating systems, however, distribute heat mainly by radiating it, just like the Sun! Floor heating warms objects directly with long wave electromagnetic energy. Radiant underfloor heating systems do not try and heat the air, rather they warm large surfaces such as the floor or ceiling. It is these surfaces that in turn warm you and all the other solid objects in the room.
Heat is circulated through electric heating elements (either cables coated with electric insulation, fabric mats with cables woven into them or foils) buried in the floor construction or installed within the ceiling. The floor/ceiling absorbs this energy and then gives it off as radiant heat. Electric underfloor heating systems can be used to heat an entire house or simply provide spot comfort in kitchens and bathrooms.
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Convection Heating Systems
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Radiant Heating Systems
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Purchasing
What will it cost to install?
Installation costs vary for every job, but here are some guidelines:
- Minimum charge for an average sized bathroom is $750.00.
- In Slab and Screed/Tile Bed installations using cables cost about $60-$65 per square metre.
- 'Superthin' Devimat™ installations cost about $90-$100 per square metre.
The prices for heating systems depend on the following:
- The size of the rooms to be heated
- The number of 'heating zones'
- The amount of heat required to maintain comfort levels
- How well insulated the building is
- The type of thermostats used, e.g. Floor, Air or Floor & Air sensors
The prices listed above are estimates only and are for the design, supply and installation of the heating. They include the supply only of the thermostats, contactors and time switches as required. Electrical connection is NOT included in these prices. For an accurate obligation free quote please send a copy of your plans and the type of thermostat you require to DEVI.
What does it cost to run?
Running costs will vary depending on the installed load, electrical tariff used, use patterns, heat losses/insulation, outside temperatures, temperature selected, number of zones used etc. To conserve energy, heating in rooms not required should be turned down or off.
Is supplementary heating required?
If steady 24-hour a day warmth is required, the building is well insulated and the correct electricity tariff is used, then generally no supplementary heating is required.
Are the systems guaranteed?
Our heating systems are guaranteed for 10 years against any manufacturing faults and our thermostats have a 2 year replacement guarantee.
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