How to Install Electric Underfloor Heating in Your Home or Apartment? Complete Guide by Termofol

Electric underfloor heating is a solution that is gaining increasing popularity among private investors and installers. Heating film or heating mat is a real alternative to traditional heat sources. Its growing use in living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms is due to user convenience, the ability to easily control temperature, and the lack of need for extensive heating installations (pipes, pumps, etc.). The installation of electric underfloor heating is quick and, compared to traditional solutions, requires much less complicated installation work.

In this article, we will answer the most important questions:

• First question: How to install heating film?
• Second question: How to install a heating mat?
• How to install heating under vinyl panels, boards, and floor tiles?
• Where should heating films not be used?
• Which solution to choose: mat or film?

Types of Electric Underfloor Heating from Termofol

Termofol offers two leading systems of electric underfloor heating, designed for different types of rooms, floors, and user expectations.

Termofol Heating Film

This is a thin, flexible, and technologically advanced form of surface heating that works perfectly in dry rooms where the floor is finished with floor panels. It can be used:

• Film under laminated panels – the most common solution in living rooms and bedrooms,
• Heating with film under LVT vinyl panels – provided they are adapted for use with underfloor heating,
• Installation of film under layered boards – properly seasoned and certified by the manufacturer.

The films are available in various widths and power ratings, such as 60 W/m², 80 W/m², 100 W/m², 140 W/m², allowing them to be matched to the energy class of the building and individual heating needs. These systems are very thin (below 1 mm), which means they do not raise the floor level – this is particularly important in renovated apartments.

Heating films are installed directly under the panels, on a layer of insulating underlay and vapor barrier film, without the need for screeds or adhesives, which significantly shortens installation time and eliminates so-called wet work. This system is ideal for renovation applications and as the main source of heat in buildings with low energy demand.

Termofol Heating Mat

Heating mats are a proven solution designed for installation under ceramic tiles, stoneware, or natural stone, where the floor is resistant to high temperatures and moisture, which is why they are most often used, for example:

• In bathrooms,
• In kitchens,
• In hallways and vestibules,
• In technical or utility rooms.

The mat is a mesh with a factory-embedded heating wire of a specific power (most often 150 W/m²). It is first laid on a prepared, dry, and even substrate (and underlay), and then covered with a layer of flexible adhesive, in which tiles are laid. Its construction allows for precise cutting and planning in difficult spaces.

Termofol Heating Mats are moisture-resistant and have the appropriate certifications allowing them to be used in bathrooms. Thanks to their high unit power, they can quickly heat cold tile floors – even with a short morning activation of the system.

Comparison of Applications: Heating Film vs. Heating Mat

How to Install Heating Film?

Heating film is a thin, flexible, and quick-to-install form of heating, particularly recommended for rooms such as:

• Living room,
• Bedroom,
• Children's rooms,
• Hallway,
• Office.

Installing electric heating under panels requires several layers:

1. Insulation – ideally a dedicated Termofol underlay.
2. Heating film – laid according to the project and instructions.
3. Power supply wires and temperature sensor – installed between the strips of film.
4. Vapor barrier film layer – protects the installation from above.
5. Floor panels – laid directly on the system.
6. Thermostat – controls the operation of the entire system

How to Install a Heating Mat?

Heating mat is a flexible mesh with a heating wire laid on it, which works perfectly in rooms such as:

• Bathroom,
• Kitchen

Underfloor heating under floor tiles requires three basic steps:

1. Preparing the substrate – clean, dry, and even.
2. Using insulation mats – improve the system's effectiveness, prevent heat loss.
3. Unrolling the heating mat – installed directly on the underlay
4. Covering with adhesive mass – the mat must be fully covered.
5. After the adhesive dries – ceramic tiles, stoneware, or other temperature-resistant materials are laid.

How to install a heating mat? – a detailed instruction is always included in the Termofol product set, but each system should be designed considering the heating power, room layout, and type of floor finish.

How to Install Heating Under Vinyl Panels?

Underfloor heating under vinyl panels requires a special approach – vinyl is more sensitive to temperature than laminates. Therefore:

• only panels approved by the manufacturer for underfloor heating should be used – TERMOFOL heating films have declarations of compliance with products from leading panel brands in Poland – check our floor manufacturers' recommendations
• the maximum surface temperature should not exceed 28°C,
• it is recommended to use a thermostat with a floor sensor,
• the heating film should be laid according to the manufacturer's recommendations – with full adherence to vapor and insulation layers.

Heating Film – How to Install Heating Under Floorboards?

How to install heating under floorboards? – this question is gaining popularity among users choosing natural wood.

Recommendations:

• glued layered wood will perform much better than solid boards,
• the thickness of the boards should not exceed 14–16 mm,
• precise temperature control is required – a thermostat with a floor temperature sensor is an absolute necessity,
• the wood should be seasoned and adapted for use in an environment with underfloor heating.

Termofol heating films work with this type of finish, provided the above requirements are met.

Where Does Electric Underfloor Heating Work Best?

Electric underfloor heating is a universal solution – it works well in both modern apartments and renovated single-family homes. Thanks to the possibility of using heating films and heating mats, the system can be adapted to the type of finish and purpose of the room.

Underfloor Heating in the Living Room – Heating Film

The living room is a representative space and is most often used during the day. Heating film under floor panels allows for the complete elimination of wall-mounted radiators, providing greater design freedom. With an even distribution of heat, the temperature in the room is stable, and the floor is pleasantly warm, even with large glazing or balconies. The system operates silently and instantly – heating can be turned on only when it is actually needed (e.g., in the afternoon or evening). Combined with a modern controller, this solution is convenient and economical.

Underfloor Heating in the Bathroom

The bathroom is a place where thermal comfort is felt most directly. A heating mat under the tiles is the ideal solution – it provides rapid heating of the floor, and due to its structure, it can be installed even in small areas. The feeling of a warm floor after stepping out of the shower or bath is not only a luxury but also a way to avoid moisture and mold (heat accelerates the evaporation of water from the floor). Moreover, electric underfloor heating in the bathroom can successfully replace other sources of heat – especially in small interiors where there is no space for a ladder radiator.

Underfloor Heating in the Bedroom – Heating Film

In the bedroom, comfort and silence are paramount. Termofol heating films, placed under panels or boards, operate completely silently, do not generate air movement, nor cause dust circulation – this is particularly important for allergy sufferers and people with respiratory problems. Unlike traditional radiators, electric underfloor heating does not dry the air, does not cause temperature differences between the feet and head, and allows for even heat distribution throughout the room. The system can be programmed to provide gentle heating, for example, only in the morning and evening.

Underfloor Heating in the Kitchen – Heating Film and Heating Mat

The kitchen is a space with increased humidity and intense use, so heating mats under floor tiles are an excellent solution. Their use in the work area (by the countertop, stove, sink) significantly increases work comfort, especially in winter when the ceramic floor can be unpleasantly cold. Thanks to underfloor heating, moisture evaporates faster from the surface, improving hygiene and safety (lower risk of slipping). Importantly, the system does not take up wall space – which is a huge advantage in small kitchens or those open to the living room.

Why Choose Polish Heating Films from Termofol?

Polish heating films from Termofol are designed and manufactured in Poland, taking into account European standards and safety regulations.

A wide range of heating power ratings of Termofol systems allows for perfect matching of heating films and heating mats to the conditions of a specific building. Choosing the right power is the key to energy efficiency, comfort, and optimal costs.

Energy Classes of Buildings – What You Need to Know

Polish and European standards define energy consumption for heating in several classes:

• Passive House (EUco 1–15 kWh/m²·year, class A+/A) – extremely low heat loss. In such houses, films with a power of 60 W/m² are sufficient
• Energy-efficient House (30–70 kWh/m²·year, class A/B) – well insulated, often with heat recovery. It is recommended to use films 80 W/m²
• Standard House (classes C–D, 157–344 kWh/m²·year) – requires films with a power of 100–120 W/m² or the use of heating mats with a power of 150 W/m² under stoneware or tiles

Why Power Selection is Crucial?

• Lower operating costs – good insulation and precise power matching allow for significant energy consumption reduction. A class A house with a 60 W/m² film can consume only about 84 kWh per month, while a standard house with a 100–120 W/m² film can exceed 300 kWh.
• Efficiency and comfort – too weak a film will overheat without reaching the desired temperature, while too strong will introduce excess energy, which can lead to uncomfortable heat fluctuations.
• Ecological balance – a higher class house (A/B) consumes less energy, which translates to lower bills and reduced CO₂ emissions.
• Compliance with legal and investment requirements – buildings of class A or B sell better and increase in value.

Practical Scenarios for Power Selection:

• We have a Passive House: 60 W/m² film under panels – sufficient for comfortable heating without additional heat sources.
• We are building an Energy-efficient House: 80 W/m² film in the living room, 150 W/m² mat under tiles in the bathroom – the ideal mix of efficiency and speed.
• We are renovating a Standard House: 100–120 W/m² film in the living room and bedroom, 180–200 W/m² mat under tiles – suitable even in rooms with higher heat loss.

Integration with Other Systems

Electric underfloor heating from Termofol can be easily integrated with photovoltaic panels or heat pumps. Such a configuration allows for real savings and fits into the assumptions of higher energy classes (A/B), contributing to reduced energy consumption, limited emissions, and stabilized bills. Heating film and heating mat can work excellently with air conditioning, creating an effective hybrid heating system.

Each TERMOFOL set is covered by a warranty, and detailed instructions and technical support facilitate installation.

So – How to Install Electric Underfloor Heating Step by Step?

• Choose the appropriate system: heating film under panels, heating mat under tiles.
• Prepare the substrate and materials according to the instructions.
• Ensure proper temperature control – choose a smart thermostat with wifi control functions and, for example, an open window detection feature, and do not forget about the floor sensor.
• Follow safety rules during installation
• Consult with an installer or use the support of the Termofol technical department in case of any doubts or questions.

Electric underfloor heating offers convenience, aesthetics, and modernity. With Termofol, you can create a warm, safe, and energy-efficient space throughout your home – from the living room to the bathroom. Heating film or heating mat can be an excellent alternative to traditional heating solutions!

If you have questions about products, power selection, or installation design – contact us. We are happy to help – we are available by email: support@termofol.pl and by phone: +48 12 376 86 00