Heating foil

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Heating foils are the thinnest variant of electric underfloor heating . The heating elements of the heating foil are applied as an electrically conductive coating to a carrier and welded into polyester foil. Electric current is fed into the heating foil via two copper strips and its electric energy is converted into heat.

Working principle

In principle, all surfaces and dry floors are suitable for floating installation of heating foils. They are suitable for new buildings as well as for retrofitting in existing buildings. A wet installation is also possible, but requires a different type of installation (see picture). The commissioning of heating foils in new buildings may only take place after the screed has completely dried.

Carbon heating foils are the thinnest variant of electric underfloor heating (min. 0.338 mm). Due to its low height, the heating foil has a great advantage over water-bearing underfloor heating. The heating elements of the heating foil are applied as an electrically conductive coating to a carrier (e.g. glass fiber fabric) and, for the purpose of insulation, welded (laminated) in polyester foil. The electrical current is conducted into the heating foil to the carbon strips and converted into heat via two inserted copper strips (right and left side), which serve as the main conductor.

With the exception of the edge of approx. 3 cm, the entire coated area inside the heating foil heats up evenly and thus ensures pleasant warmth over the entire laid strips. Due to its extensive heating effect, the heating foil not only generates floor heat, but also heats the entire room evenly.

The electric heating is supplied directly from the house's power grid, to which a separate circuit for the electric underfloor heating is connected. The heat of the heating foil is controlled by a specially installed temperature controller. The temperature sensors laid under the heating foil enable needs-based and economical heating operation. Heating foils convert the fed-in electrical energy almost 100 percent into heat, which is why they can be described as efficient compared to night storage heating. The heating costs for electric underfloor heating are calculated from the electricity consumption, which results from the heating output and heating duration. This can be a disadvantage when there is a higher heat demand.

Comparison of convection heating to foil heating / infrared underfloor heating

Function of convection heating

Convection heating is a radiator design that transfers the heat to the room air by means of so-called convection. The air is heated by the convector and therefore rises upwards. Since with convection heat is absorbed by the room air passing by, large temperature differences between the convector and the room can lead to relatively strong air movements and thus to dust swirling.

Function of the surface heating (heating foil)

The cozy warmth of underfloor heating is created by the mild radiant heat that flows from the bottom up. Cold underfoot does not exist in a house with underfloor heating. The cost-effectiveness of underfloor heating cannot be dismissed either. Due to the large area of ​​the installed heating elements, the operating temperature can be reduced by up to 3 ° C without having to do without the usual warmth. The heating foil is the system with the lowest installation height.

laying

Due to their low installation height, the heating foils can be laid under almost any floor covering. The installed heating foils ensure warm feet and almost even room warmth at a low temperature level. Some manufacturers or dealers offer the heating foils as individual components, which, due to their closed production method, cannot be cut without cutting through the electrically conductive heating elements. These heating foils are laid as they are purchased. If the heating foil is to be cut to fit the room before installation, heating foils are suitable, which can be individually shortened and trimmed to the specified area. The heating foil, often self-adhesive, is produced by the meter and can be purchased as a finished cut or by the meter from the dealer or manufacturer.