Renovating a room often brings a dilemma: how can you improve thermal comfort without drastically altering floor heights or embarking on endless building work? If demolishing floors, pouring new screeds, or completely redoing the plumbing system is out of the question, electric underfloor heating represents a smart, less invasive solution.
Unlike traditional systems, this technology involves a dry installation, utilising heating cables that are only a few millimetres thick. For this reason, we at Parma ST design, supply, and—if the client requires it—install these systems to solve space issues and integrate them seamlessly with existing architecture.
In this article, we will explore how the radiant system works, when it is preferable to a wet system, and analyse its actual energy consumption.
How electric underfloor heating works
The system converts electrical energy into heat without using any heat transfer fluids. The core of the system is a heating cable laid in a serpentine pattern that works via the Joule effect: as the electric current passes through, the cable reaches the desired temperature. The spacing, namely the distance between the cables, is adjusted according to the required thermal output, with two possible installation scenarios:
- new builds: the conductor is embedded within the screed, which protects it and acts as a thermal mass, gradually releasing heat into the room;
- renovations: to avoid demolishing the subfloor, low-profile systems are laid directly underneath the new floor covering, raising the floor level by just a few millimetres.
Once installed, the cable is controlled by a thermostat equipped with a floor sensor, which activates the system only when needed. Heat rises through radiation, ensuring uniform comfort without the clutter of pipes or boilers.
The advantages of electric radiant flooring
The strengths of this technology compared to traditional systems relate to installation, space requirements, and daily management:
- reduced thickness: the ultra-thin profile of the cables adapts even to the most restricted floor heights, eliminating the need to pour a new screed;
- simple, dry installation: the system does not require boilers, hydraulic circuits, or manifolds. It is laid over the existing base or directly beneath the new tiling before being connected to the mains electricity;
- zero maintenance: with no fluids, pipes, or generators to check, the heating cables remain protected within the flooring, and the system runs smoothly without requiring any upkeep over time;
- zoned control: each room is equipped with its own thermostat, guaranteeing quick reaction times and allowing independent heating for each space.
Precisely because of the dry installation, building times are shortened, and finishing touches can proceed immediately. During our technical site survey, we assess the installation subfloor and the planned floor covering to accurately determine any floor build-up and recommend the most efficient configuration.
Installation over existing floors without demolition
Application on pre-finished floors is one of the main reasons people opt for this technology. Operating as a dry system without the need for a new screed, it is laid directly on top of the existing base or just below the new tiles.
This approach solves situations where a wet underfloor heating system would be unfeasible: partial renovations, single rooms, or historical buildings where it is crucial not to drastically alter floor levels, doors, or thresholds.
The only remaining step is to define the millimetric height increase, which varies depending on the type of cable and compatibility with the planned covering (from ceramic to porcelain stoneware). For this exact reason, we evaluate the best solution to find the highest-performing setup.
Differences between electric and wet underfloor heating
The two systems differ primarily in how they generate and distribute heat. In a wet system, an external generator heats the fluid circulating through pipes embedded in the screed; in an electric system, the cable itself heats up, with no intermediary carriers.
This structural difference alters the system’s behaviour across three main areas:
- available space: wet systems require a screed several centimetres thick and a more complex installation involving manifolds and circuits. Electric heating, as we have seen, operates within just a few millimetres and avoids masonry work;
- responsiveness vs inertia: electric systems boast exceptionally fast reaction times, as the cable brings the surface to temperature very quickly. A wet system, conversely, is hindered by its own thermal inertia; it is slow to start but performs best during long, continuous heating cycles;
- long-term maintenance: while a wet system requires monitoring the condition of the boiler, manifolds, and fluid, maintaining an electric system is virtually nonexistent.
Radiant flooring: integration and specific environments
Electric underfloor heating is the premier choice for warming limited areas or creating independent comfort zones. The flexibility of this technology also offers another advantage: wherever floor space is insufficient or high thermal output is required, Parma ST systems can even be installed on walls, ensuring identical results in terms of comfort.
In renovations (such as remodelling a bathroom or a single room), where connecting to the wet circuit in the screed is impractical, the low-profile cable quickly solves the problem. The same principle applies to commercial areas and offices, allowing spaces like a reception or a hallway to be heated completely independently from the rest of the building. It is also ideal for occasionally used rooms, such as basements, guest rooms, or areas not covered by the central heating system.
Due to its very nature, it is frequently designed as a supplementary system. A heat pump, for instance, can cover the building’s base heating requirements, while the electric radiant flooring kicks in only in rooms that need to warm up quickly.
To reduce running costs and optimise energy consumption, the most practical solution is to pair the system with solar panels, utilising the clean energy generated during the day.
Consumption and sizing of electric underfloor heating
The energy consumption of electric underfloor heating and the required power output depend on several factors, including the room’s intended use, the level of thermal insulation, and the system’s role (primary heat source or supplementary heating). Typically, to efficiently bring a room to temperature, an installed power ranging from 100 to 150 W/sqm is recommended.
This system works best in new builds or recently renovated properties aimed at improving energy efficiency, as a well-insulated building envelope minimises heat loss. Conversely, in poorly insulated environments or properties relying on a single heating system, sizing must be custom-calculated to guarantee the right performance.
Furthermore, zoned control is a fantastic ally in keeping costs down. A smart programmable thermostat can activate the heat only where and when it is needed, thus preventing waste.
Do you want to find out if electric underfloor heating is the right solution for your project? Our technicians will assess the operating conditions alongside you and size the installation to fit your specific needs. Moreover, we are an official, authorised Chemelex distributor: a synonym for excellence that allows us to offer extended warranties reserved for certified partners, safeguarding your system’s lifespan over time. Contact Parma ST for technical advice and a site survey.