This is the most comprehensive summary of underfloor heating information I’ve ever seen!

Classified by Pavement Structure

In terms of installation structure, underfloor heating can be divided into two types: wet-system underfloor heating and dry-system underfloor heating.

Wet-system underfloor heating: This system consists of insulation boards, reflective film, steel mesh, underfloor heating pipes, and a concrete backfill layer, with the heating pipes secured using cable ties and staples. Since the heating pipes are fixed to the insulation boards and the backfill layer serves to store and release heat, this system offers superior thermal insulation. Wet-system underfloor heating is currently the most mature installation method among water-based systems and is also the more traditional approach. It is relatively inexpensive and dominates the domestic underfloor heating market, holding a market share of over 90%. While the installation process involves a relatively large amount of work, the cost is lower, and the system has a long service life. Dry-type underfloor heating: This method does not require filling materials such as crushed stone to be poured over the XPS boards and pipes, nor does it require backfilling. It does not occupy floor height or space and provides rapid heat transfer. It is commonly used in rooms with low ceilings or in fully finished interiors. Since it can only be used with flooring (dry-type systems cannot be installed over marble or ceramic tiles), the cost is relatively high, and it is not widely used in actual home renovations.

Heating Systems

For most consumers, the most important factor when installing underfloor heating is choosing a reliable brand. Since the average consumer typically lacks specialized knowledge about underfloor heating and has no way of judging its quality, they can only rely on the assurance provided by reputable brands. Below, we have listed some of the more well-known brands for both electric and hydronic underfloor heating systems for your reference. The list is presented in no particular order.

Hydronic Underfloor Heating

Hydronic underfloor heating is a home comfort system primarily divided into four components: the heat source system, the piping system, the control system, and the insulation system. All four are indispensable. Each component is supplied by different manufacturers. The control system for hydronic underfloor heating mainly consists of a manifold and a thermostat. The manifold regulates temperature, enables zone heating, and ensures stable water flow. Brands include: Giacomini, Calife, Oventop, Senwell, Yiwa, and others. The thermostat acts as the “remote control” for the underfloor heating system, with major brands such as Calife, Danfoss, Siemens, Hailin, and Wanjia Nuan. There are now also smart thermostats available that allow you to control room temperature via a mobile app.

Insulation System

Insulation materials for underfloor heating generally include: extruded polystyrene boards (XPS), perimeter insulation strips, and reflective foil. These three items, along with staples, wire mesh, aluminum foil tape, expansion joints, and insulation sleeves, are collectively referred to as underfloor heating auxiliary materials.

 3.2 Electric Underfloor Heating Electric underfloor heating systems can be primarily divided into the heat source system (i.e., power supply), heating element system, insulation system, and control system. Typically, electric underfloor heating brands provide comprehensive installation plans for the entire system.