Mobile heated floors: types and advantages, selection parameters, installation instructions

Mobile heated floors are innovative heating systems. Their main feature is the ability to be moved to any convenient location in the home.

Furthermore, installation eliminates the need for waterproofing, screeding, or finishing. Simply lay the sheet on the surface, connect it to a power source, and the portable unit is ready for use.

The portable underfloor heating system consists of electric heating elements covered with heat-resistant flexible film, a power supply, and a thermostat. Installing a portable heater is much less expensive than installing a permanent system.

Where is it convenient to use?

A portable electric carpet can be used anywhere there's an electrical outlet. It can be used to heat a living space, or in a bathroom or loggia to create a comfortable atmosphere.

This type of heating is suitable for apartments, as a supplementary heating system during winter, as well as for offices and country houses. It can also be installed in utility rooms where radiator heating is not available.

To use removable underfloor heating as the primary heating system, the room surface must be 70% covered with heating film. However, in winter, this system is only suitable as a supplemental heat source.

Please note! There are models specifically designed for use in cars, which keeps feet warm.

The kit includes an adapter that allows you to connect the device to a car cigarette lighter.

What types are there?

Mobile heated floors are divided into two types depending on the design of the heating element: resistive film and devices that heat using infrared waves.

All models are compact and attach to the surface using special fasteners. Electric underfloor heating mats weigh approximately 3 kg, and when folded, they are quite compact and easy to carry.

These products have different voltages: 12 or 220 watts, depending on their intended use. Floor power per square meter ranges from 200 to 600 watts. These heating devices operate on electricity.

All heated floors, in the form of heated mats, have a maximum heating temperature of +55 degrees, so these devices are absolutely safe for humans.

Please note: These mobile portable systems circulate both cold and warm air without drying out the air.

Infrared

The most popular model among warm floor mats is considered to be infrared film.

Device

Infrared underfloor heating consists of a film covered with carbon strips, which are connected in blocks of 20. The heating elements (carbon strips) are connected in parallel, allowing the system to continue functioning even if one block fails.

Models with a continuous carbon layer are available. These designs allow the floor to function even if the material is damaged locally.

Operating principle

This device uses a carbon paste with carbon compounds as a heat emitter. Heat is dispersed throughout the room using infrared rays with a wavelength of 5 to 20 microns.

In addition, the infrared floor design includes a foil layer, which is not present in a resistive floor, allowing the waves to be directed in the desired direction.

Please note: Infrared waves have a directional effect, so they heat the room evenly.

Advantages

A warm infrared electric mat has many advantages, making it a popular choice when choosing a heating system. These include:

• the ability to cut the film along special lines, which simplifies the installation process;
• high level of thermal conductivity - provided by carbon;
• efficiency - at minimal cost;
• low production of anions, which are completely absorbed by the floor covering - therefore, such a warm floor covering does not pose a health risk;
• safety - since the technology connects the floor to a grounded outlet;
• compatibility with any floor covering - laminate, linoleum, carpet;
• minimum heating time is about 5 minutes;
• destruction of microbes in the air with infrared rays;
• the presence of a thermostat, which allows you to set the desired temperature.

Flaws

It is worth noting the minor disadvantages of infrared floors:

• the structure has many hidden contacts, so it is necessary to test the floor before laying;
• high price;
• fire hazard if not installed correctly.

Resistive

The resistive heating mat is another model of mobile heated floors.

Device

A resistive mat is a two-layer film, the heating element of which is made up of metal strips connected by two conductive wires.

The tracks are made of a high-resistance material, allowing for rapid heating. The distance between them is less than 1 mm, ensuring even heating of the floor. A power bus is located on the side of the product.

The base is a polymer, and the top layer is a composite plastic. It withstands mechanical stress and high temperatures well. Therefore, the product can be repeatedly twisted and untwisted without damage.

Operating principle

The operating principle of such floors is similar to that of cable systems. The film consists of several blocks, and heat is transferred through them one after another by convection.

The heating process is as follows: metal strips are heated using electricity and transfer heat to the finishing coating, which then transfers it to the room.

Advantages

Like the infrared model, this floor is easy to install, portable, and easy to move. Furthermore, these mats are safe because they don't overheat, eliminating the risk of burns.

If one strip fails, the entire system continues to function. A thermostat maintains the desired temperature. The device is highly efficient, convenient, environmentally friendly, and does not dry out the air. Therefore, it is allergy-free.

Flaws

The disadvantages of resistive film include the following:

1. Possibility of installation only by the "dry" methodInstallation under screed is prohibited. Therefore, it can be laid under laminate, linoleum, and carpet, but not under tiles.
2. The product is fragile, easily deformed, and susceptible to mechanical damage. Do not bend it, as this may cause creases. It is recommended to cover the film with polyethylene before laying the flooring.
3. It is forbidden to lay it under a carpet, especially a thick one, as it reduces the level of heat transfer.

Manufacturers

Mobile underfloor heating systems are manufactured in Russia, Europe, and China. All companies are constantly improving the design of their heating devices.

Mobile underfloor heating

In our country, domestic products are the most popular.

Teplolux Express

Teplolux (Russia) is the leading seller of mobile floors, with the Teplolux Express being the most popular. This model series can be used under various flooring materials, including laminate, carpet, linoleum, and even tile.

This mat has a flexible synthetic felt front, making it easy to roll up. It weighs approximately 3 kg and has a power rating of 300 to 560 watts. It comes with a 2.5-meter cord.

A huge plus is the presence of a special thermostat, which allows you to set the temperature for each day of the week. This allows you to save up to 70% of energy.

NICK SINION

NIK SINION LLC (Russia) manufactures SinPlen film heating units, standard sizes 5–6 m². They operate on a 220 V power supply. These floors produce 280 W per m², providing 30% of the full heating capacity of the room covered by the heating mat.

Trio

Trio (Ukraine) specializes in small, portable units (1.8 x 0.6 cm). These floors are efficient, cost-effective, and affordable, suitable for spot heating in small spaces (bathrooms, balconies).

Kind warmth

The company's core business is portable infrared floors measuring 80 x 50 cm and rated at 220 watts. The brand's key strength is its vast design palette, diverse color palette, and variety of patterns.

The floor is energy-efficient, safe, and works even in damp rooms. It can be used for drying shoes and in vegetable storage areas.

Warm house

The Viks model is popular among the products of the Teply Dom company.

This rug is colored on both sides, making it suitable for installation even in damp areas. Installation is simple—just lay the rug down and plug it in.

Sinplen

Sinplen is a portable, highly sought-after heated floor. Although only 0.6 mm thick, this doesn't compromise heating quality or a wide temperature range. It pairs perfectly with laminate and carpet.

In addition to standard lengths, the manufacturer accepts orders for custom-sized rugs.

Selection parameters

The application range for mobile heated floors is quite extensive, so when choosing a design, consider the area of ​​the room to be heated and the unit's power. It's also important to decide whether the heating will be primary or supplementary.

Advice! It is recommended to purchase products from reputable and trusted manufacturers. Please ensure that the product has certificates detailing fire and electrical safety.

When choosing portable infrared heating, you need to pay attention to:

• contact insulation;
• Film thickness—it should be at least 0.3 mm. Keep in mind that the greater the thickness, the more resistant the product is to mechanical damage;
• power - for linoleum 160 W/m2, for tiles 220 W;
• carbon spraying - uniform layer, without gaps;
• The spaces between the carbon strips can be clear or cloudy.

Please note: Clear ones are adhesive and will warp over time. Cloudy ones are laminated and will last for many years.

When purchasing a resistive film, remember that this type of underfloor heating should not be installed under carpet or in a damp room, as contact with water can cause a fire. However, this depends on the manufacturer; we've described models that are moisture-resistant.

Whatever model you choose, pay special attention to the quality of the product. It's best to avoid cheap flooring from dubious manufacturers, as the comfort and safety of your home depend on it.

Laying technology

Installing portable underfloor heating is simple and requires no special skills. Simply lay out a mat and plug it into a power outlet.

This device can be laid on various floor coverings, since the direction of warm flows is upward, so the finishing material is not important.

The main thing is to have a flat surface on which to lay the floor, and the top covering should completely cover the heating film.

Please note: The decorative covering used to cover the mobile underfloor heating system must not be rigid.

There is no point in installing such systems under laminate, parquet, or wood, as the solid product will significantly reduce the operating efficiency.

When installing a portable floor under linoleum, you need to study the product's characteristics, as many materials emit harmful fumes when heated.

The ideal option for a mobile floor unit is carpet. When choosing a carpet, consider its thickness. Thin carpets conduct heat well, but the thicker they are, the less efficient the system will be.

When choosing carpet, it's important to consider its quality and composition. If it contains harmful substances, they will be released into the air when heated. Such proximity can be harmful to human health.

Please note: The best covering for portable heated floors is considered to be a thin, high-quality natural carpet.

Features of operation

To improve the performance of removable heating and extend its service life, several points must be taken into account:

1. Place the mobile mat only on a level surface. Pits and cracks may damage it.
2. Do not place furniture or heavy objects on the film, as this will lead to overheating and, subsequently, to system failure.
3. The floor should be connected to a separate power source with a built-in fuse.
4. Do not turn on assembled.
5. Only the film part should be covered; the thermostat must not be covered.
6. Do not place thick or heavy materials on top of the product, as this will impair the proper functioning of the floor.
7. Do not leave on when not in use.

Mobile underfloor heating systems are convenient and efficient heating devices that don't take up much space. They're easy to operate, and installation requires no special experience.

With this type of flooring, your feet will always be warm, and when the outside temperature drops, you will be able to maintain comfortable conditions in your apartment.

Video materials

Mobile heated floor in 5 minutes.

Mobile heated floor Teplolux