In Slab Heating Solutions
Choose Livella for Unmatched Comfort & Efficiency
- Trusted Brand across Australia & NZ
- 30+ Years of Experience
- Fast & Efficient Home Heating
- Custom Designs for Every Room
- Smart Controls & Affordable Pricing
- Space-Saving & Aesthetic Appeal
Efficient Warmth for New Builds and Polished Concrete Spaces
Livella’s in-slab heating systems are the ideal solution for new homes and polished concrete applications, offering both efficiency and comfort.
Versatile for Any Space
Whether you need to heat a small room or a large open-plan area, Livella has a wide range of in-slab heating cables to suit your needs. Our variety allows you to strike the perfect balance between installation costs and individualised control.
Consistent Comfort Throughout
Installed directly onto reinforcing mesh, in-slab heating cables ensure full coverage across every room or open-plan area. This setup provides uninterrupted warmth, making your space consistently cozy and comfortable.
Smart Energy Savings with Off-Peak Power
Our in-slab heating systems are designed to make the most of off-peak power rates. By generating heat during low-cost hours, the system stores warmth for up to 24 hours, providing consistent comfort without high energy costs. Keeping your home warm while optimizing your energy savings.
Why In-Slab Electric Heating Outperforms Hydronic Systems
In-slab electric heating has distinct advantages over hydronic systems. Its installation is simpler and faster, with no plumbing required, resulting in lower upfront costs. Electric systems heat up quickly, providing instant warmth, whereas hydronic systems can take longer to reach the desired temperature. Additionally, electric heating requires less maintenance, eliminating concerns about leaks or water quality. With a compact design and no bulky components, in-slab electric heating delivers consistent warmth while keeping your space clean and clutter-free.
Commercial Uses
Hot Yoga
In-slab heating is perfect for new installations, allowing floor coverings to be regularly replaced without concern. Precision temperature control ensures the comfort of participants — and the desired therapeutic effect.
Cold Rooms
In-slab heating cables are regularly used in cold rooms to protect building foundations. Because of its ultra-thin electrical design, a secondary system can be installed for redundancy.
Animal Enclosures
Encased in the concrete slab, in-slab heating cables are completely hidden and protected. Animal enclosures can be cleaned as normal, even while the system continues to run.
Snow Melting
In-slab heating cables are suitable for snow melting applications in public spaces, in driveways, and in outdoor recreation spaces.
— Not just for Cold Winters
In Slab Heating: Complete Guide to Radiant Floor Heating Systems
If you’re building a new home in Australia and want reliable, energy-efficient warmth underfoot, electric in-slab heating is one of the smartest choices you can make. This form of radiant floor heating involves installing ultra-thin electric heating cables directly inside the concrete slab during construction, allowing heat to rise gently and evenly through the floor to create consistent, comfortable warmth throughout your home.
At
Livella Underfloor Heating, we specialise in electric in-slab heating systems designed specifically for Australian homes and climates. Our systems are installed at the concrete pour stage, integrating seamlessly into the building process and providing long-lasting performance without the need for bulky equipment or ongoing maintenance. With precise temperature control, excellent energy efficiency, and compatibility with a wide range of floor coverings, Livella’s in-slab electric heating delivers a premium heating solution that enhances both comfort and liveability.
Understanding In Slab Heating Systems
In-Slab heating refers to any radiant heating system where the heating elements are positioned inside the concrete slab itself, below the finished surface. Unlike on-slab or inscreed systems, in-slab heating becomes a permanent structural part of your home during the concrete pour.
The key benefit is thermal mass. The concrete slab absorbs heat from the embedded cables and releases it slowly and evenly over many hours. This creates a stable indoor temperature without draughts, hot spots, or the constant cycling you get with ducted or forced-air heating.
In slab heating is ideally suited to:
- New residential builds
- Large open-plan living areas
- Homes prioritising energy efficiency and comfort
- Homes with solar panels installed
Because the slab holds heat so effectively, it works exceptionally well as a low-energy, set-and-forgetheating solution.
Electric In Slab Heating
Electric in slab heating uses resistive heating cables embedded within the concrete. When electricity flows through the cable, it generates heat that transfers directly into the surrounding slab.
At Livella Underfloor Heating, our electric in slab systems are carefully specified to deliver consistent output, allowing us to accurately size systems based on your floor area and insulation levels. Electric systems are often chosen for their simplicity, as they don’t require boilers, pumps, or water pipework.
Once the slab warms, it continues radiating heat evenly across the entire floor surface, creating a comfortable indoor environment with minimal temperature fluctuation.
Electric in slab heating is particularly well suited to:
- Smaller homes or zones
- Projects without access to hydronic infrastructure
- Builders seeking straightforward installation coordination
Installation Methods and Applications
Correct installation is critical to the long-term performance of any in slab heating system. Systems must be accurately positioned, secured, tested, and insulated before concrete is poured.
Electric Cable Installation
Electric heating cables are laid evenly across the slab area, typically secured to reinforcing mesh using cable ties to prevent movement during the pour. Adequate concrete coverage above the cable ensures both protection and effective heat transfer.
Before pouring concrete, we carry out electrical resistance testing to confirm the system is fully intact. This step is essential, as repairs after the slab has cured are extremely difficult.
Our pre-designed cable layouts remove guesswork and ensure the correct heat output for each space.
Insulation Requirements
Insulation can improve the performance of in-slab heating by helping to contain and direct heat upward into your living space. While additional insulation beneath and around the slab will enhance efficiency and reduce heat loss, it is not essential for underfloor heating to work effectively.
Many homes achieve a comfortable and satisfactory heating outcome without extra insulation, as the system is still capable of delivering consistent warmth through the slab. However, where insulation is included — such as rigid foam beneath the slab or edge insulation around the perimeter — it can further improve heat retention, overall comfort, and running efficiency.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Problem
Slow Response Time
In slab heating doesn’t respond instantly due to the slab’s thermal mass.
Solution
Treat the system as steady background heating rather than on-demand. Programmable thermostats and off-peak operation work exceptionally well.
Problem
Heat Loss Through Slab
Insufficient insulation leads to wasted energy.
Solution
Install high-quality under-slab and edge insulation during construction.
Problem
Floor Covering Compatibility
Some floor finishes restrict heat transfer.
Solution
Tiles and polished concrete perform best. Timber and carpet require careful temperature control and material selection.
Problem
Expansion Joints
Heating elements must not cross structural expansion joints.
Solution
Plan heating zones alongside structural engineering layouts during design.
Conclusion
In slab heating delivers quiet, even, and energy-efficient warmth by turning your concrete slab into a long-lasting heat source. With correct design, insulation, and installation, it provides decades of comfort with minimal maintenance.
Next Steps
- Speak with Livella Underfloor Heating for system design and sizing
- Coordinate installation timing with your installer before the slab pour
- Choose thermostats and zoning to suit your lifestyle
If your slab has already been poured, we also offer in-screed heating solutions that achieve similar results without structural changes.
Additional Resources
We provide:
- Detailed electric system specifications
- Sizing guidance for new builds
- Installation diagrams for builders and trades
- Energy efficiency advice tailored to Australian and NZ conditions
In Slab Heating FAQs
What is in slab heating and is it suitable for Australian and NZ homes?
In slab heating is a radiant floor heating system installed inside the concrete slab during construction, providing consistent warmth throughout the home. It is well suited to Australian and NZ new builds, especially in cooler climates where energy efficiency matters.
How much does in slab heating cost in Australia and NZ?
In slab heating costs depend on home size, system design, and heat source, but it offers excellent long-term value through low running costs. Livella Underfloor Heating designs systems specifically for Australian and NZ homes and conditions.
Can in slab heating be installed throughout the entire house?
In slab heating can be installed across living areas, kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms for whole-home comfort. Livella Underfloor Heating designs zoned systems to suit local climate and lifestyle needs.
When should in slab heating be installed during construction?
In slab heating must be installed before the concrete slab is poured during construction. Early planning with Livella Underfloor Heating ensures correct insulation, pipe layout, and long-term performance.
Thousands of Renovations and New Builds with Happy Families
5 Bedroom Home
Torquay, VIC
“I recently had the pleasure of working with the Livella team who undertook an in-slab heating installation in a new 5 bedroom home project. The results have exceeded all of our expectations. It’s a luxurious addition that combines efficiency and comfort. I can’t recommend the Livella team highly enough. If you’re considering underfloor heating, don’t hesitate, It’s an investment that will not only make your home warmer but also elevate its overall appeal and value.”
Bathroom Renovation
Lilyfield, NSW
“Recently we had Livella underfloor heating system installed in our bathrooms and couldn’t be happier with the results. This upgrade has truly transformed the bathrooms. It’s efficient and adds a touch of luxury to our daily lives. I would highly recommend this system to anyone, It’s a worthwhile investment the whole family love it."
3 Bedroom Home
Greenwich, NSW
“I recently had the privilege of having a underfloor heating system installed in my home, and I’m absolutely thrilled with the results. The team at Livella worked closely with us to customise the heating design to suit our specific needs and preferences. They took into consideration the layout of our home, room usage, and even our preferred temperature settings for each area. The team demonstrated exceptional skill and expertise throughout the project. The installation process was efficient, and they paid great attention to detail, resulting in a seamless and flawless finish.”
