In short: for an apartment bathroom, electric underfloor heating is usually the right choice. It's easy to install and doesn't depend on the building's heating system. Water underfloor heating suits a house better, where it's connected to the home's heating or a heat pump.
Electric underfloor heating
- Easy to install: a thin heating mat or cable goes under the tiles, and the floor barely rises.
- Works in any apartment: all you need is electricity and a thermostat.
- Running cost follows the electricity bill: in a small bathroom it's usually low, especially if the thermostat lowers the temperature at night.
Water underfloor heating
- Cheaper to run if the house is heated by a heat pump or another low-cost source.
- More complex to install: pipes go into the floor and the floor rises more.
- Often not allowed in apartment buildings: taking underfloor heating from the shared heating system usually requires the association's permission, as it affects heating in other apartments.
What to keep in mind
- Thermostat with a floor sensor: keeps the floor evenly warm and prevents overheating.
- Unheated areas: the mat doesn't go under the bath, toilet or cabinets.
- The right order: underfloor heating is installed before waterproofing and tiling. It can't be added later without breaking the tiles.
- An electrician connects it: the heating needs its own circuit with a breaker and residual current device.
For example, in the Gerbera tee and Õismäe tee bathrooms we installed new underfloor heating during the renovation.
Frequently asked questions
Does underfloor heating warm the whole bathroom?
In a small bathroom, often yes. In a larger room or a house with a cold outside wall, a towel rail or radiator is a good addition.
Can underfloor heating go on top of the old floor?
Usually not. The mat goes under the tiles, so the old tiles must come off. The best time is during a bathroom renovation.
Can underfloor heating stay on all the time?
Yes. With a thermostat you can set when the floor is warmer and when cooler.
Planning a bathroom renovation with underfloor heating? Ask us for a free quote. See also our electrical work and bathroom renovation.
