The heated mat is a kind of warm floor that does not need special installation. For safety, the surface of the mat is protected by a cover that prevents moisture from getting inside. The upper side is covered with carpet, and the lower side is usually equipped with a protective screen to prevent heat loss. To determine which heated mat is better, consider their varieties, selection criteria and review the most successful models of heated mats.
The selection of goods was carried out on the basis of reviews, opinions and ratings of users posted on various resources on the Internet. All information is taken from public sources. We do not cooperate with manufacturers and trademarks and do not call for the purchase of certain products. The article is for informational purposes only.
What are the heated mats depending on the heating technology
For the production of warm rugs, several technologies are used:
1. Floor mats
Structurally, such products are thin veins laid throughout the mat and well insulated. Models heat up quickly, providing a comfortable floor temperature. Thermal mats are very durable, they can be folded for storage or transportation.
The device of a warm rug based on an electric cable.
2. Infrared mats
The most popular version of warm rugs. As a heating element, graphite strips on a polymer film are used, placed inside a special cover. When connected to a power outlet, the film begins to emit infrared rays that heat surrounding objects.
The device is a mat based on a film generating infrared radiation.
Each design has features that affect the choice of rug.
Types of warm mats, depending on the purpose
For their intended purpose, heating mats can be divided into several types.
For heating the legs
Electric foot mats are small, effectively warm the limbs and do not pose a danger to the body. Low temperature prevents burns.
For pets
Animals that are forced to sleep on the cold floor can also catch a cold. Therefore, in order to create comfortable conditions for pets, it is advisable to purchase a heating mat.
For bathroom
After warm water, it is unpleasant to get up on a cold tile. Thermal mat will not allow to freeze or slip on the tile.
For auto
In this category, devices with infrared radiation are most often used. They consume little energy, are compact and easy to care for.
For drying shoes
Rugs are used not only for drying shoes, but also for heating them in cold hallways without heating.
For seedlings
Growing seedlings will be much more successful if you use a special heating mat. Soft heating will prevent the death of plants from temperature changes on the windowsill.
Almost all models are interchangeable, many heat not only locally, but also increase the temperature in the room as a whole.
How to choose a heated mat
Today there are mats of any size and purpose for sale. In a small room, for example, a nursery, you can cover almost all the flooring.
Manufacturers offer standard mats that are designed just for heating, or products with special options. When choosing rugs, you should focus on several parameters:
- appointment
- type of heating elements,
- surface material
- energy consumption indicator
- the presence of a temperature controller,
- degree of protection against electric shock.
The mat should have a nice cover so that it is comfortable to walk barefoot on it. Equally important is high-quality moisture protection.
Appointment
First of all, you need to determine for what purpose a heated mat is purchased. The dimensions of the mat depend on its purpose:
- Automotive. They are used for seats or for the floor, while the floor should be placed at the feet and not go beyond the space allotted in the machine. Auto products are adapted for low voltage networks.
- For animals. Pets can scratch or bite the mat, so you need to choose products with increased durability. The animal should be weaned first to spoil the wires. The maximum heating temperature must not exceed 35 ° C.
- For bathroom. When purchasing a thermal bath mat, you must make sure that it has effective water-repellent properties. It is also important to pay attention to the insulation and anti-slip coating on the back. Antifungal treatment is applied to many models.
- For legs. Usually for this purpose small rugs are produced, occupying a small area. The maximum temperature is 35-40 ° C, exceeding this norm can cause burns. There are products in which the highest temperature can reach 50 ° C. If such a carpet is not equipped with a temperature controller, then it is better not to take it.
The largest models are used for floor heating over a large area. In this case, you need to focus on the size of the room where you plan to lay the thermal mat.
Type of heating elements
Each type of heating elements of the mat has its advantages and disadvantages:
1. The most durable are mats using a thin electrical cable. The advantages of the models include heating speed, durability, the ability to adjust power. But in the places where the cable passes, the carpet sags over time, because the heating is uneven. Furniture must not be installed on the product; internal elements may be damaged.
2. Infrared mats consume a minimum amount of energy, evenly heating the entire surface. Rugs are not afraid of moisture, they are not subject to overheating. However, some products are not recommended to be repeatedly collapsed and deployed.
Surface Material
Many people choose a thermal mat for their visual appeal. Manufacturers are trying to diversify the color and coating material. But in certain places - the bathroom, the car - the coloring is not as important as the performance. For wet and dirty surfaces, it is better to purchase products with a rubberized back. It is easier to clean and does not slip.
Warm rug with rubberized side.
The presence of a temperature controller
The built-in thermostat greatly facilitates the use of the device. Depending on the purpose at the moment, you can set the appropriate temperature. To create a comfortable atmosphere in the whole room will help maximum heating, and for the legs you can use the average temperature. The best choice would be a model with auto power off.
Warm mat with thermostat.
Heatlux Express 300 W
A universal solution for floor heating in an apartment or in a country house. The mat is made of a thin heating cable and is equipped with a reliable protective sheath. Designed for laying directly on the floor covering under the carpet. Long pile carpets are not recommended as a top shelter; it is better to use mats.
The mat fits into a convenient transport bag and fits easily into a cabinet for storage. A 2.5 meter power cord allows you to position the mat anywhere in the room. Heating to a maximum temperature of 30 ° C takes 1 hour.
Specifications:
- The area of heating - 2,8 m²
- Cord Length - 2.5 m
- Options - Shielded
- Size - 200 x 140 cm
- Maximum temperature - 30 ° С
Heating mat CALEO
A heating mat made using infrared technology. Designed mainly for delicate drying of shoes. Due to its rather large size, it can accommodate several pairs. It can also be used to warm your feet or as a warm litter for your pet.
Good insulation prevents moisture from entering. The mat is well cleaned and washed, has auto-regulation. When reaching the maximum temperature several times reduces energy consumption.
Specifications:
- The area of heating - 0, 24 m²
- Cord Length - 1.7 m
- Options - auto-regulation
- Size - 40 x 60 cm
- Maximum temperature - 40 ° С
Thermolux Carpet
Cable thermal carpet, which is used to dry shoes or to warm feet at home and in the office. The optimum temperature maintained by the device (40 ° C) does not dry out leather products, but gently warms them up without changing their shape. The canvas holds up to 5 pairs, that is, you can dry the shoes for the whole family. As a local warm floor, the mat can be placed anywhere.
A high-quality coating is easily cleaned of dirt and quickly restores its original appearance. A convenient hook is provided for storage, for which the mat can be hung.
Specifications:
- The area of heating - 0, 40 m²
- Cord Length - 1.8 m
- Options - auto-regulation
- Size - 50 x 80 cm
- Maximum temperature - 40 ° С
Kind heat KVLZ 60
The mat is intended for use as a warm floor covering in the bathroom. The product quickly heats up within 5-10 minutes. Creates a comfortable foot temperature on the surface and slightly warms the room. Especially relevant in bathrooms of private homes or in apartments in the off-season. Mat has a high degree of protection against moisture, is resistant to mechanical stress. The bottom surface has anti-slip properties.
Specifications:
- The area of heating - 0, 24 m²
- Cord Length - 1.5 m
- Thickness - 0.5 cm
- Size - 40 x 60 cm
- Maximum temperature - 35-40 ° С
Heated mat Teplovichok
This is a mat with infrared heating designed for local heating of the floor or any horizontal and even vertical surfaces. The manufacturer positions the device as a universal solution with which you can dry your shoes, warm your legs, heat seedlings or animal beds. The top layer of the mat is fleecy, and the bottom is made in the form of a foamed substrate, which ensures the preservation of heat. It can be equipped with a heating controller.
Specifications:
- Power - 360 W
- Cord length - 1.9 m, with a switch and 2.2 if a mat with a regulator
- Size - 120 x 230 cm, there are other options
- Maximum temperature - 42 ° С
Rug heated "Heat of the Crimea" No. 2
An infrared warm mat, its main purpose is to dry the shoes, but can also be used for other purposes. Inside the carpet, an environmentally friendly and safe carbon heating element is used.
Specifications:
- Power - 50 W
- Size - 50 x 33 cm
- Maximum temperature - 45 ° С
The main advantages of thermal baths
The heated carpet is a heating element placed in the carpet. Moreover, depending on the types of heating elements, the following types of these products are distinguished:
- electric
- infrared
- jade carpets.
In this case, the most common and popular is a mat with an infrared heating element. Technically, it consists of a special polymer film, which, under the influence of an electric current, obtained from a regular household electrical network with a voltage of 220 V, heats up and emits infrared rays, and therefore, heat. Moreover, unlike conventional electric heaters, thin graphite strips serve as fuel elements here. Jade carpet with heating is made by the same technology, only jade is used as a heat transfer.
On a note! The heated electric carpet has conventional heating elements that are not capable of generating infrared radiation.
Moreover, its design is similar to the design of such a device as an infrared carpet with heating, in addition, they have the same advantages in use. So, for example, graphite and electric heating elements have a high degree of thermal conductivity, as a result they can warm up a fairly large room, despite the small area of the rugs.
The second advantage of using such heating devices in everyday life is their low energy consumption. As a result, a standard-sized carpet that heats a standard room spends as much electricity during its operation as an ordinary light bulb consumes. This is due to the fact that the efficiency of the heating elements used in it is several times higher than conventional electrical appliances.
It is worth noting that heat mats are not intended for complete heating of rooms, a carpet with heating is used exclusively to create additional heat in one zone - on the floor. Another plus can be called absolute harmlessness to the human body. The fact is that it heats up to a maximum of 45 ° C, and therefore can not cause burns, and the heat generated by it will positively affect the blood circulation in the lower extremities.
Benefits
The electric carpet was invented relatively recently, but is already in great demand, as a product not only in households, but also by motorists, tourists, athletes and even farmers. To understand what are the advantages of a heated carpet before similar stationary heating systems, you need to understand them in detail.
The advantages are:
- Mobility. The carpet is not heavy, so it is easy to relocate from place to place. To dismantle the system, just unplug the device from the mains and twist the carpet with a heating mat.
- Easy installation. To prepare the device for work according to forces and the child. It is only necessary to spread the floor heater and connect it to the power supply.
- The ability to adjust the level of heating. To select the temperature regime there is a thermostat. It controls the rotation of a special lever.
- Thermal safety. The mat coating does not heat up above +30 degrees, which eliminates the possibility of thermal burns. Such a warm floor can be safely used in a nursery.
- Profitability. The energy consumption of a mobile underfloor heating almost does not exceed this indicator for a stationary analogue. One square meter floor system consumes approximately 250 watts. Of course, based on the dimensions of the mat. Suppose a heating system of 10 square meters. m indicator of energy consumption will be completely different.
- Durability and reliability. The portable type of underfloor heating has high resistance to mechanical type loads, temperature fluctuations, and corrosion. If even one of the sections breaks, it will not affect the performance of the product. And in case of serious damage, the carpet turns off automatically. The device usually lasts a long time and does not cause trouble.
- Affordable cost. To buy a warm floor mat is simple, you just need to visit a specialized store or buy online. The price of the system is acceptable for many consumers.
- Efficiency. An outdoor type portable device has an efficiency of about 90% and higher.
- Does not drain air, does not burn oxygen.
- It does not cause allergies. It has no contraindications for use by young children.
- Beneficial effect on health.
- Preservation of heat and a comfortable atmosphere in the house
- The infrared model helps restore the nervous system.
- A variety of colors for every taste and style.
- The presence of a certificate and guarantees for the device from the manufacturer.
- The presence of detailed instructions with the operating rules of the mobile heating device.
But, despite such a number of advantages, an electric carpet is not without its drawbacks:
- The system cannot be loaded with heavy weight. For example, heavy furniture cannot be placed on a carpet. A heating mat in high pressure areas will react with a marked increase in temperature. This situation will negatively affect the condition of the device and the furniture, and also reduce the duration of the heated carpet.
- Do not close the temperature sensor. Otherwise, it will fail due to improper operation.
- The portable warm carpet is installed only on a flat surface. The presence under it of hollows, tubercles and cracks will lead to the fact that the film in the places of damage is remembered and bent. These changes will adversely affect the performance of warm flooring.
- For some models, special sockets are required, sometimes it is necessary to think about installing additional protective equipment to prevent the electronic filling from breaking down.
Although, these shortcomings can hardly be considered negative qualities of the product. With proper use of the device, flaws will not occur.
Basically, users speak positively about the presence of a warm mobile carpet in the interior. Judging by the feedback from consumers on a warm carpet, it is advantageous to place this mobile system on the balcony for heating.
In a glazed room with good insulation of windows and walls, a heating carpet will create a comfortable atmosphere in the cool season.
Given the large number of advantages of the product, a heated carpet can be a profitable and useful purchase. Heat stimulates energy in a person, improves mood, and among other things, the carpet will not only warm, but also save money. Its energy consumption does not exceed the indicator of a conventional light bulb. Because the efficiency of heat elements in the device is much higher than the efficiency of conventional electrical appliances.
But thermal carpets are not intended for global room heating. Their task is to create heat exclusively in the location - on the floor. Carpets are heated in certain sizes, but some manufacturers accept orders for individual measurements.
Popular models
Depending on the size, the heated mat can have different purposes. There are models that are purchased exclusively for drying shoes. They are placed in the hallway and have small dimensions.
If you need a warm floor in the room, then the product should be large. And choosing an infrared or jade heating element is an individual decision.
For the car, special mats of medium size are sold, which are located on the seats or on the floor. Floor have a smaller size, from the category of those used in the halls for drying shoes.
Sellers of shops and kiosks and everyone who works in rooms with a cold floor choose Step and Teplolux rugs with protection against high humidity.
They prefer to lay the same model in dressing rooms and bathrooms. Different sizes and colors of the coating are offered by Maxan. Here there are small-sized rugs for aviaries and hallways, and large floor coverings in the living room or in the nursery.
The design of the electrically heated carpet involves a heating element in the middle of the carpet.
Depending on the type of heating elements, products are distinguished by type:
- electric,
- infrared,
- jade carpet.
The most common and popular type of thermal carpet is infrared. Its design is based on a special polymer film that heats up under the influence of an electric current of 220 V, which results in the emission of infrared rays and heat. Unlike other electric heaters, special graphite strips are involved here as elements that generate heat.
Using the same technology, jade carpetwhere the heat transfer is jade. It has a design similar to an infrared heated carpet and the same operational advantages.
The graphite and electric heating element is characterized by high thermal conductivity, which makes it possible to warm up a large footage with a small area of carpets.
The mat can only be floor-mounted according to its location; it can be hung on the wall if desired. For wall models, the heating element is not hidden in the carpet, but in the picture. This is a film heater with carbon fiber as a heating element. Lightweight construction, safety and high efficiency - these are the similarities between floor and wall domestic heaters.
How to choose?
Having decided to purchase a heated carpet, you first need to understand what it is bought for. Products of this type currently serve as a source of additional heating for the floor in residential premises, a place for work, a car salon and for other purposes and directions.
For example, a heating mat in winter is often laid in the dogs enclosure, in the street rabbitry and in the house.
The dimensions and design of these products are completely different, which should be considered when choosing.
Carpet for heating in a car dealership must be specially adapted for operation in a network with low voltage.
Customer reviews are advised to clarify the purpose of the appointment of the carpet when buying. For dog enclosures, the coating should be with high strength, and if it is planned to use a heating mat in a steam room, it should have good insulation and water-repellent properties.
Given all these important factors, you can get just such a product that will last a long time. In addition, you do not have to overpay for the presence of unnecessary functions. In addition to the scope of the electric carpet, you should pay attention to the "technical content" of the product before buying.
For example, lovers of a combination of pleasant and useful, it makes sense to buy a jade carpet with a heating function. When heated, jade has a beneficial effect on the human body, helping to improve blood circulation.
Regarding the shell of the electric carpet, it is usually made of carpet, but for a hallway or a car, the product must be chosen in which the bottom is rubberized. It is much easier to clean than the one made entirely of carpet. On sale there are electric carpets made of fabric or wool. Here you have to choose a product in appearance.
Terms of use
In order for the product to serve for a long time, it is necessary to adhere to some rules.
- In the network of operating heating mats, only 220 V must be maintained. If you want to use the rug in the car interior or in a room such as a utility room or a change house, you have to worry to maintain a voltage of only 220 V. In some cases, you need to spend extra money on equipment.
- It is worth mentioning about a possible short circuit. Even taking into account the fact that a special film is used to make heated carpet to insulate the heating elements, there is still the possibility of a short circuit.
- Do not allow the heating product to come into contact with water. Suppose an electric carpet can be laid in a corridor in a bathhouse, but not in a relaxation area where contact with liquid and high humidity are obvious. Exceptions are only for special models, with moisture protection.
- Also, when buying such a product, you should carefully study what is indicated in the instructions for it. Many floor mats with a heating effect are produced abroad, where other electrical safety rules and regulations in the field of electrical engineering apply. In this connection, your purchase may simply not work in domestic power grids. To avoid this, it is better to prefer the products of Russian manufacturers.
Any heated carpet needs proper care. This is especially true for the material of the envelope where the heating panel is located. The carpet is cleaned using the same means as ordinary carpets. If you buy a rug in which the heating element is “sewn”, you need to take care of the precautions when cleaning it so as not to cause damage.
During the cleaning process, it is necessary to prevent excess moisture from getting on the carpet material, so as not to spoil the pile. Pets should not be allowed to bite and gnaw a carpet heater.
Cats like to bask on them, but animals can gnaw wires and suffer from electric shock. Observing all the rules of operation, the electric heating carpet can serve its intended purpose for a long time and significantly increase the level of comfort in the room.
Test rug heated "Teplovichok" can be seen in the video below.
Negative qualities of heated cows
However, the heated carpet also has negative qualities. So, for example, it requires a special connection. The fact is that some models of such coatings need special sockets, sometimes it is necessary to provide for the installation of special protective equipment that prevents the failure of electronic filling on some models of such rugs.
In the network where they are operated, a voltage of 220 V must be strictly maintained. If you want to use them in a car or in utility rooms, you will have to make sure that this voltage is maintained in the network strictly within 220 V. In some cases, additional material costs.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the possibility of a short circuit. Despite the fact that the carpet with underfloor heating is made using a special film protecting the heating elements, there is still some chance of a short circuit. Due to this, this product should be kept away from direct contact with water. For example, a similar carpet can be put in the corridor or in the dressing room, but not in the steam room itself.
Important! To avoid most of the negative factors, you must try to select a quality product.
You need to inspect the warm mat from time to time for damage to the wires and insulating material. Damage noticed in time will protect you from electric shock.
As for the need for special wiring, the simplest models of these devices can work from a regular household network. Here you only have to change the outlet to the euro if necessary. Problems can arise only with complex models equipped with thermal sensors and a computerized control system.
It is also worthwhile to carefully study the accompanying documents when purchasing this accessory, because many rugs are issued abroad, and there are their own rules and regulations in the field of electrical engineering and electrical safety. As a result, your purchase may simply not work on our power grids. To avoid this, purchase domestic products.
Rules for choosing heat mats
If you decide to buy a heated carpet, you will first need to focus on what it is intended for. Currently, such products are used for additional heating of rooms in residential premises, furniture, and the passenger compartment. At the same time, the size and design of such rugs will be completely different, which will need to be considered when buying them.
The heated carpet for the car interior must be adapted for use in low voltage networks, the product placed in animal enclosures should have increased strength, and if you use a heat mat in a bathhouse, it must be well insulated and have water repellent properties. As a result, if you take into account all these factors, you will be able to get at your disposal a product that will last you a long time, while you do not overpay extra money for functions that you do not need.
In addition to the scope of the destination, you should also pay attention to its technical content before buying. So, for example, if you like to combine business with pleasure, it makes sense for you to purchase a heated jade carpet. The fact is that when heated, jade has a good effect on the human body, improving its blood circulation. As a result, you can not only heat your floor, but also treat yourself for diseases of the circulatory system.