Who are the top 5 electric underfloor heating brands for 2022? Straight off the bat, you may be thinking ‘Why is a British manufacturer of electric underfloor heating writing an article about the competition?’ You may even be thinking ‘oh, this is another one of those blogs where all the competition is rubbish.’ However, we think you‘ll be surprised.
When it comes to electric underfloor heating, there are so many brands out there, how do you know which one is right for you? If top notch customer support is a must have, then some are better than others. Likewise, if you are looking for unquestionable reliability, then some pip others to the post. Alternatively, you might be here to find the cheapest type of electric underfloor heating. So, if you are a homeowner, installer or a contractor, then we hope that this ‘top 5 underfloor heating brands for 2022’ gives you what you need to help you make a decision that is right for you.
As always, it isn’t about us, we want to make sure you can enjoy the comfort of underfloor heating that’s hassle-free.
With years of experience in the industry we’ve got to know the who’s who of electric underfloor heating and there’s some great brands out there who all offer something a little bit different. In this article, we’ll look at the types of underfloor heating (including controls) available from the largest brands in the UK, and provide details on the warranty, service, and a little bit about them.
All information used for ‘the top 5 electric underfloor heating brands of 2022’ article is publicly available. We’ve created this article to help make your life easier by having everything you need in one place when researching underfloor heating brands and products for your project. For the purpose of this article, we are just going to focus on electric underfloor heating so we can objectively compare apples with apples.
Any quotes used have been taken directly from the website of the underfloor heating brand and if any tweaks are made it will only be in relation to grammar and nothing else.
So, in no particular order, let’s begin…
If you want to read about the products from one particular brand, just click on the links below.
“Warmup are a British-based research driven company, focusing on developing innovative heating solutions that bring energy-efficient warmth to our customers’ lives. We aim to drive the global use of energy-efficient heating solutions through our commitment to research, product innovation and exceptional service. We want to change the way people heat their homes by developing heating systems that are smarter and easier to use whilst offering both lower energy consumption and luxurious comfort. With our radiant heat technologies, we’re working towards creating a cleaner, more sustainable future for all of us. Warmup won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade, 2020.”
When it comes to underfloor heating, Warmup offer both wet (hydronic) and electric underfloor heating systems.
DCM-PRO
An ideal electric underfloor heating and decoupling system for tiled floors. The DCM-PRO system helps to protect tiled floors from cracking and forming gaps due to seasonal temperature changes.
Warranty: Lifetime Limited
StickyMat
Warmup’s StickyMat system boasts an ‘ultra-thin 1.8mm wire’. The system comes with pre-spaced heating wire which is attached to an adhesive mesh mat that is rolled over the floor.
Warranty: Lifetime Limited
Foil Heater
This Foil Heater solution offers a dry installation because there is no need for screed and self-levelling. It’s ideal for use with floating floors or under soft floor finishes such as engineered wood.
Warranty: 15 Year Limited
Loose Wire
The Loose Wire System is a heavier heating cable that is good to use in rooms that are irregularly shaped or have lots of permanent fixtures.
Warranty: Lifetime Limited
Inscreed Cable
Designed to be installed within a concrete screed and suitable for most floor finishes. It is also a great system to use if the floor covering is changed multiple times during the lifetime of the system.
Warranty: Lifetime Limited
Manual
MSTAT is Warmup’s manual thermostat and can be used with both electric and wet underfloor heating systems. MSTAT allows the user to immediately adjust the temperature just by turning a simple dial.
Warranty: 3 years
Programmable
There are two programmable thermostats available from Warmup, the Tempo and the 3iE. The Tempo thermostat is easy to use and offers dial-based functionality and a digital screen. “The Tempo’s Proportional Adaptive Function learns the time it takes to warm the room and activates the heating early so it is up to the right temperature when needed.” It can also be used with all of Warmup’s electric underfloor heating systems.
According to Warmup’s website the 3iE is “the world’s first fully interactive, touch technology, energy-monitor thermostat.” It’s also the “first thermostat with a 2.4-inch full colour screen and integrated touch technology – patent protected.” It comes with a wide choice of screen themes and provides great heating control which helps to reduce energy waste.
Warranty: 3 years (both models) – you can upgrade the warranty for £24.99 inc. VAT
Smart
If you want to use your phone to control your heating, Warmup offer the 4iE Smart WiFi thermostat and the more recent release, the 6iE Smart WiFi thermostat. Both can be used to control wet or electric underfloor heating and work with Warmup’s free MyHeating™ app which is available on the Google Play Store and the App Store. According to Warmup’s website “Warmup Smart Thermostats control your heating automatically and can help you save up to 25% on your annual energy bills.” The more recent released 6iE comes with a Smartphone touchscreen and helps homeowners reduce energy bills further when it is used with Warmup’s MyHeating heating and AutoSwitch apps. It also comes with SmartGeo™ which automatically turns down the heating if you are out.
Warranty:
(6iE) 12 years – with Warmup Heating System
(4iE) 3 years – Extended Lifetime Warranty available
“The ProWarm™ range of underfloor heating products offer the home owner, and installer, flexible solutions to suit any project and budget. Easy to install water systems are available, perfect for new builds, or electric systems, which are ideal for retro fits as they create minimal disruption. All ProWarm™ electric systems come with a Lifetime Warranty giving you total peace of mind.
The ProWarm™ brand of underfloor heating is the best online seller in the UK. The reason for the success of our company is that our products are available at more than 30 online retailers, all approved by ProWarm™, and more than 100 UK outlets, including electrical wholesale suppliers, plumbers’ merchants and tile shops.”
ProWarm™ offer both wet (hydronic) and electric underfloor heating systems.
ProWarm™ underfloor heating mat system
Heating mats from ProWarm™ come in three different outputs; 100W, 150W and 200W and can be used in most rooms of a typical home. This system can work with tiles and other floor finishes but the installation method will differ. If there are awkward spaces the cable can be removed from the mat to shape appropriately.
Warranty: Lifetime
ProWarm™ loose cable system
This system is good to use for smaller and more awkward areas such as bathrooms. Because the system comes on a drum as one continuous roll, there’s more workable space for the installer and provides the capability to evenly space the cable easier in awkward spaces.
Warranty: Lifetime
ProWarm™ ProGrid+ cable system
Designed to make the installation of loose laid cable more efficient and less time consuming. This pre-spaced grid system allows the heating cable to be placed in the grooves allowing the installation of the desired heat output per m2. So, there’s no need for additional tape or fixings.
Warranty: Lifetime
ProWarm™ underwood foil heating system
Designed to be installed under carpet and vinyl floors. The foil mats are fully earth screened which means that they can be installed in wet areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. Additionally when using this system under carpet or vinyl, use the ProWarm™ dual overlay system.
Warranty: Lifetime
ProWarm™ inscreed heating system
This system is designed to be laid directly under a 50mm screed or into a foil faced insulation such as Celotex. With an output of 17W per linear metre, this system is typically used in projects such as new extensions or conservatories as they take longer to heat up.
Warranty: Lifetime
ProWarm™ Pro Digital
An entry-level thermostat which features clever controls. You can use either floor, air or combination sensors to control the temperature, and programme for each day of the week and up to four set points.
Warranty: Lifetime
ProWarm™ ProTouch Wifi
This thermostat lets you control your electric underfloor heating without the need for a control centre. Simply pair to your WiFi at home by using the application which is available on both Android and IOS platforms. It features 7-day programmer, optimal start, and multi temperature display.
Warranty: Lifetime
ProWarm™ ProTouch™ Touchscreen
Used to control either electric underfloor heating or wet underfloor heating systems, this thermostat controls the temperature well whilst reducing energy waste. It features a holiday mode, manual override, and up to four set points each day.
Warranty: Lifetime
ProWarm™ ProTouch™ IQ
Released in 2014, the Prowarm™ ProTouch iQ™ is a smart thermostat which enables the user to control the electric underfloor heating system from anywhere. This thermostat requires the ProWarm™ ProTouch iQ HUB to maximise the features and allows you to create a fully controllable network for your home heating.
Warranty: Lifetime
ProWarm™ 3IE Thermostat
The ProWarm™ 3iE™ thermostat offers advanced energy monitoring which means you can see exactly what your energy costs are for the underfloor heating system. A programmable thermostat, the ProWarm™ 3iE™, features Active Energy Management™ which can help save on your energy bills via prompts asking you to test lower energy consumption levels.
Warranty: Lifetime
No direct reviews of ProWarm™ are available from their website. However, check out some of product specific reviews on their distributor sites such as Wickes.
“Heat Mat is one of the leading manufacturers and distributors of electric underfloor heating in the UK and has become the brand name of choice for the professional installer.
We manufacture innovative ranges designed to satisfy the unique requirements of the UK market and provide cost effective heating systems. Over the last twelve years we have led the market in the development of what have now become standard products, including the introduction of sole source heating 200W/sqm systems, fully earthed underlaminate ranges and BEAB approved products.”
Heat Mat offer electric underfloor heating systems.
Undertile Heating Mats
Heat Mat’s undertile heating mats are available in a wide range of outputs. These include 110W (for well insulated areas), 160W (go to option for most floors and rooms), 200W and 240W (for high heat loss areas). According to Heat Mat’s website the range from 160W and up can be used as a source of sole source heating for properties that are well insulated.
Warranty: Lifetime
150W Combymat System
This system is ideal to use with both floating laminate and engineered floor boards up to a thickness of 18mm. The cut and turn design helps to speed up installation and the system is 18th Edition compliant without any additional earthing required.
Warranty: Lifetime
Undertile Heating Cables
Suited for installation in complex or small areas. The heat output can easily be matched to the homeowners requirements by altering the spacing of the heating cable. An output range of between 80W/m2 and 230W/m2 is possible for virtually any floor finish.
Warranty: Lifetime
Decoupling Membrane
Used with loose underfloor heating cables, Heat Mat’s decoupling membrane is designed for use specifically with their 3mm PKC range, and suited for use under tiles. The membrane protects the heating cable during the installation of the floor tiles and an approximate output of 150W/m2 can be achieved by alternating a 3 stud and 5 stud spacing on the membrane.
Warranty: Lifetime
In-Screed Heating Cable
Heat Mat’s in-screed heating cable is perfect for a project where a new screed floor is going to be laid. Great to use in large spaces and for any floor covering. Take advantage of cheaper rate electricity by warming the floor overnight ready for the heat to be ‘released’ during the next day. The 5mm cable can also be used outdoors.
Warranty: 15 years
Manual
The basic manual thermostat available from Heat Mat is the TPS31. Most suited for rooms where a timer is not required, the TPS31 is easy-to-use and has some hidden functionality – heating scheduling. This can be turned on or off depending if you want it or you don’t.
Warranty: 3 years
Programmable
Heat Mat’s only programmable thermostat offering is the touchscreen NGTouch. Depending on your lifestyle the NGTouch has different modes that you can use to control your underfloor heating. Modes include; holiday mode, eco mode or boost mode. The NGTouch also allows you to monitor energy use in kW and £s and you can switch it to perform as a manual thermostat if you prefer.
Warranty: Lifetime
WiFi
Heat Mat offer a wider range of WiFi thermostats than programmable. This range of controllers uses “App based adjustment including compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Apple Homekit, Google Assistant and IFTTT.” Heat Mat’s HC90 WiFi thermostat offers remote operation from anywhere in the world via its companion App while the touchscreen also allows easy in-home control. The neoStat-e is another option. It’s a clever bit of kit as it uses the location feature on your Smartphone to know when you are out. It turns the heating off and that means you are saving on energy consumption.
Finally there is the NGTouch. It can be used to control any of Heat Mat’s underfloor heating systems and doesn’t need a hub to unlock its full potential. The touchscreen thermostat allows remote control from a n app whilst you are away from home.
Warranty: Lifetime
Difficult to find many independent reviews. However, a few customer testimonials can be found on their website.
“Flexel International have been manufacturing and supplying innovative electric heating systems and accessories to the world market since 1978. Our range includes underfloor heating, ceiling heating, frost protection cables, mirror demister pads and far infrared heating panels.
In 2003 we merged with the Fenix Group of companies and today are one of 13 companies under their banner with production facilities in the UK, France, Spain and the Czech Republic.”
Flexel offer electric underfloor heating systems.
ECOFLOOR Underfloor Heating Mat
This heating mat by Flexel is available in an output of 150W/m2 and 200W/m2. The heating cable is attached to a fibreglass mesh scrim which is easily rolled out over the floor. Double sided tape is on the underside of the mat so that it can simply be fixed to a clean floor surface area. Suitable floor finishes include; tile, stone, slate and marble.
Warranty: Lifetime
ECOFLEX Underfloor Heating Cable Kit
Made in Europe, Flexel’s cable kits come with the heating cable, adhesive tape, floor primer, roller and thermostat conduit. These kits (specifically the cable) are ideal for smaller underfloor heating installations and where rooms have a more awkward layout. The cables can be used on suitably prepared wooden and concrete substrates.
Warranty: 10 Years
ECOFLOOR In-screed Underfloor Heating Cable
Rated at 15W/lm this single core heating cable is ideally used in new build projects where a screeded floor is laid. A 50mm screed depth is needed and for better efficiency lay the cable on foil backed insulation.
Warranty: 10 Years
ECOFOIL Under Laminate Aluminium Foil Mats
Designed to be used under LVT or laminate and SPC floor finishes, Flexel’s ECOFOIL is a dry installation offering where there is no need for self-levelling compound. Used with ECOMAX Lite insulation the system has a low build height (7mm) and can be used in wet areas as the aluminium foil is fully earthed.
Warranty: 10 Years
ECOFILM SET Underfloor Heating Element
Also available as a cable kit, ECOFILMSET comes in lengths of up to 10m and in three different widths. There are two standard outputs; 130W and 160W. It’s fast to install, has a low build up height but not appropriate for wet areas such as bathrooms or wetrooms. When combines with ECO-MAX, it can be used for projects with a carpet or vinyl floor finish.
Warranty: 10 Years
Programmable
Flexel’s touch screen thermostat, the FlexelTouch, is a simple to use electric underfloor heating thermostat. The user is guided through the program setup and temperature adjustment, reducing the need for complicated instruction manuals. The features it contains helps to minimise the running costs of the system.
Warranty: 3 years
WiFi
The app-controlled FlexelTouch WiFi provides 4 editable preset programs that helps to make controlling underfloor heating easier and more efficiently. Via your Smartphone, you can remotely control the underfloor heating from anywhere by downloading the FlexelTouch App. It allows you to adjust temperatures, monitor energy consumption and more.
Warranty: 3 years
We believe comfort doesn’t need to compromise the environment. By combining our expertise in electric heating and our drive to change how homes are heated, we design and make electric heating systems in Great Britain that are Naturally, Better by Design.
As a result, living spaces are transformed into energy-efficient places of comfort without impacting the environment. Live better. Live well…
We offer electric underfloor heating systems and more. Check out the full range.
Mesh
Designed and made in Great Britain and only 3.5mm thick. The fully self-adhesive mesh sticks to the substrate wire side down which protects the fully earthed TwistedTwin heating cable and speeds up the installation process.
Available in outputs of 100W/m2, 150W/m2 and 200W/m2, the pre-spaced heating cable creates an even and consistent heating output.
Compatible with all types of floor finish and projects from new build to refurbishment. Rated IP68, ThermoSphere Mesh can also be used for wet room projects with the appropriate accessories.
Warranty: Lifetime
Membrane
Award-winning ThermoSphere Membrane is a decoupling and heating system in one. This electric underfloor heating system is perfect for floors finished with tile or stone. Rated IP68, ThermoSphere Membrane is ideal for bathrooms and wet rooms when combined with our tanking kit.
The decoupling membrane layer is used to encase our unique TwistedTwin electric heating cable at variable spacing to provide outputs of either 195W/m2 or 130W/m2. Rated for extra heavy use in the Robinson Test, it is the most robust heated decoupling system available.
As the only supplier to offer both a fleece-backed and self-adhesive option, you can easily choose the system that is right for your project.
Warranty: Lifetime
Foil
ThermoSphere Foil is the safest and most advanced electric underfloor heating system that’s designed to heat engineered timber, laminate, carpet or vinyl floor finishes and at only 1.5mm thick, there is minimal impact on floor height.
ThermoSphere Foil is a hard-wearing foil designed for a long-lasting installation with efficient heat transfer. The double layer of foil is specifically designed to protect the heating element and achieve an even spread of heat to the floor above. It is also the only heating foil with a continuous earth braid to ensure complete protection and safety.
Equipped with a cushioning underlay, the heating cable inside ThermoSphere Foil is embedded to remain totally protected from abrasion. Accessible cable loops simplify cut and return installation and provide protection for the heat element after installation is complete.
Warranty: Lifetime
Inscreed Heating Cable
A versatile electric heating system which is designed for installation within the screed layer of new builds or renovation projects where floor height is not an issue. The TwistedTwin heating cable comes with full earth protection and a robust PVC coating that protects the heating element during installation.
Suitable for installation in concrete screeds of 40mm to 100mm depth and energy efficiency can be maximised by fixing the cables to foil faced insulation.
Warranty: Lifetime
Manual
Designed for accurate manual control of electric underfloor heating systems with simple on / off control with manual temperature adjustment. It comes with a built-in ambient temperature sensor and external floor sensor for accurate temperature management.
Warranty: 3 years
Programmable
Available in both black or white variants, this Lot 20 compliant programmable thermostat comes with a wide range of energy saving features. These include; flexible heat scheduling, energy saving adaptive start as well as ambient and floor temperature sensing modes. It’s easy to programme using the touch panel display and the sleek glass fascia with LED back light makes the display even easier to read.
Warranty: 3 years
Bluetooth Programmable
A new addition in 2021, the Bluetooth Programmable thermostat (BT21) has redefined how electric underfloor heating is controlled. At first glance, it looks like a simple manual thermostat. However, by combining the built-in Bluetooth technology and the companion app, users unlock an array of practical features that make this the fastest and easiest underfloor heating thermostat to set up.
Users who prefer a more manual approach can simply use the dial on the thermostat to adjust the energy saving and maximum temperature. However, the setting up of the thermostat, including setting the heating schedule, is done in less than 60 seconds using the app. For homes where multiple thermostats are installed, the easy to use preset function enables the user to simply ‘cut and paste’ one thermostat setting to the rest. This means that the heating schedule only needs to be set up once no matter how many thermostats have been installed.
Warranty: 3 years
Smart
Energy use is monitored allowing users to identify the times and opportunities where they could be saving energy, and reducing heating bills. One of the biggest features of the SmartHome thermostat is the ability of the user to control the electric underfloor heating with their voice via Amazon Alexa and Google Home.
All of the ThermoSphere SmartHome thermostat features are available at the touch of a button from a smartphone. For example, adjusting the temperature and editing the heating schedule. In order to enable a true smart home experience, it is essential that the SmartHome Hub is connected. Up to 100 thermostats can be connected per hub and 10 hubs can be controlled by a single smartphone.
Warranty: 3 years
Dual Control
Unique to the UK, the Dual Control thermostat not only allows easy control of your electric underfloor heating but also control of an extra heating appliance such as a towel bar or mirror demister.
It can be installed as either landscape of portrait orientations and includes eight different screen background colours to blend with the decor of the room. Just like all but one of the ThermoSphere thermostats (manual), the Dual Control is Lot 20 compliant which means that its feature rich including flexible scheduling and smart adaptive start.
Warranty: 3 years
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When it comes to the top 5 electric underfloor heating brands for 2022 there are so many to choose from and with legislative changes planned and carbon reduction targets needing to be met, electric heating will continue its rise in popularity.
All information contained within this blog was correct at the time of publishing. If you do have any changes or updates to include, please email marketing@thermosphere.com.
As always, if you have any questions about electric underfloor heating, contact one of the team. Just head on over to the contact us page to start the conversation.
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