SwissWarm 4th-generation heating film (infrared heating film)
The 4th-generation heating film is made with a larger carbon-paste area and a full-width contact strip: it gives off heat over a larger area and more evenly than earlier generations. It is self-regulating: where furniture or a rug covers it, it reduces its own power. It is manufactured to the order of Toma Family Mobil Kft. (futofolia.hu), and we are the only distributor in Europe.
In brief
- The 4th-generation heating film is a 0.4 mm thick, self-regulating (PTC) heating film with a larger carbon-paste area and a full-width contact strip between the carbon paste and the copper strip.
- Self-regulating: where furniture or a rug covers it and the heat cannot escape, it reduces its own power, so no air gap needs to be left under furniture.
- Compared with the 3rd-generation ("intelligent") heating film, it differs in two structural points: the contact (a full-width strip instead of a mesh solution) and the larger heat-emitting carbon-paste area.
- The 4th-generation heating film is manufactured to the order of Toma Family Mobil Kft. (futofolia.hu), and we are the only distributor in Europe.
- 15.5-year warranty on the 4th-generation heating film if we carry out the installation.
What is the 4th-generation heating film?
The 4th-generation heating film is a thin, self-regulating electric heating element that goes behind the floor covering, a plasterboard ceiling or a wall, and heats with long-wavelength infrared radiation. It consists of carbon-paste strips enclosed in plastic, supplied with current by copper strips running along the two edges; the heat is given off by the carbon-paste surface.
The Hungarian words fűtőfólia and fűtőfilm both mean the same product, heating film: the two words are only a distributor's distinction, with no technical difference between them.
The data needed for design:
- thickness: 0.4 mm, width: 50 cm;
- power: 110, 220 or 400 W/m². The choice is always determined by the building's heat loss, not by the floor area;
- radiation: long-wavelength, 8–14 µm infrared;
- complete layer build: 6 mm together with the reflective foil and the vapour barrier;
- protection: IP67, always fitted with an earthing mesh.
The film itself is marked: 4th GENERATION PTC PREMIUM HEATING FILM, SwissWarm, Fűtőfólia. PTC refers to the self-regulation (see below).
Generations 1 to 4 of heating film compared
Heating film receives its current through the copper strip along its edge, and the heat is given off by the carbon-paste surface. Between the generations, the design of these two parts and the self-regulation have changed. Where our sources have no comparable data, the cell shows "—".
| Aspect | 1st generation | 2nd generation | 3rd generation | 4th generation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contact (copper strip to carbon paste) | copper and silver strips pressed onto each other, an unstable contact: arcing and short circuits could occur | conductive polymer layer between the copper and the silver: arcing ruled out | mesh contact | full-width contact strip between the carbon paste and the copper strip |
| Heating strips | not connected: a hairline crack could knock out a whole strip | interconnected heating surface | — | larger carbon-paste area, more even heat output |
| Self-regulation (PTC) | none | none | yes: about 25% less power in the covered part | yes: reduces its own power in the covered part |
| Furniture on the heated floor | a 4–5 cm air gap was needed under furniture | a 4–5 cm air gap was needed under furniture | no air gap needed | no air gap needed |
| Carrier | weaker PET carrier, which could be damaged even during installation | — | — | — |
| Thickness | — | — | 0.5 mm | 0.4 mm |
| Power | — | — | 110, 150 or 220 W/m² | 110, 220 or 400 W/m² |
| Availability | heating films made before 2015 | heating films made before 2015 | in Hungary since 2015; no longer sold by us | what we install today; manufactured to the order of Toma Family Mobil Kft. (futofolia.hu), and we are the only distributor in Europe |
| Warranty | — | — | 10-year warranty | 15.5-year warranty if we carry out the installation |
Source: the earlier 3rd-generation and 4th-generation product pages of futofolia.hu, the article "Heating films presented, generations 1–3", the generations summary on the /infrafutes/ page and the client's data from September to October 2026 (see the list of sources). The 220–240 W/m² figure for the 3rd generation comes from the earlier product page.
What makes the 4th-generation heating film self-regulating?
Self-regulating (PTC) heating film reduces its own power in the covered part, while continuing to heat unchanged on the surfaces left free. As temperature rises, the resistance of the carbon paste rises, so where the heat cannot escape, under furniture or a rug, the power drawn is lower, by about 25%, and the heating film does not overheat.
Why does this matter?
With the non-self-regulating 1st and 2nd-generation heating films, a 4–5 cm air gap had to be left between the underside of furniture and the floor, otherwise the heat was trapped and the floor covering could overheat. The positions of furniture had to be planned in advance, and rearranging later was practically impossible. With self-regulating heating film, the home can be rearranged at any time.
What self-regulation does not replace
Even so, we do not plan a heated surface under built-in furniture that reaches the floor, and we keep to the highest surface temperature permitted by the floor covering's manufacturer with the thermostat's floor sensor. Annual consumption is determined not by the generation but mainly by the building's heat loss and the set temperature.
You can try the self-regulating property on heating film switched on in the Budapest showroom. We also present the difference between generations on video (in Hungarian):
How does it differ from 3rd-generation intelligent heating film?
The name "intelligent heating film" refers to self-regulation, a property the 3rd generation introduced. Many distributors use the word today, so on its own it does not tell you which generation or what construction of product you are getting. Based on our own products, the difference is as follows:
What is the same
- Both generations are self-regulating (PTC): they reduce their power in the covered part, so no air gap needs to be left under furniture.
- Both can be built into the floor, ceiling and wall.
What is different in the 4th generation
- Contact: instead of the 3rd generation's mesh contact, a full-width contact strip runs between the carbon paste and the copper strip. In the early generations this was exactly the weak link.
- Heat-emitting surface: the carbon-paste area is larger, so heat is given off over a larger area, more evenly.
- Thickness: 0.4 mm instead of 0.5 mm.
- Warranty: the 3rd-generation heating film carried a 10-year warranty; the 4th-generation heating film comes with a 15.5-year warranty if we carry out the installation.
What does this mean if you already have 3rd-generation heating?
We no longer sell the 3rd-generation heating film, but the warranty on earlier installations remains valid. If your existing heating does not work properly, you can report the fault online. On the 3rd generation in detail: 3rd-generation heating film; on the name: what is intelligent heating film?
Who makes the 4th-generation heating film, and who distributes it?
The 4th-generation heating film is manufactured to the order of Toma Family Mobil Kft. (futofolia.hu), and we are the only distributor in Europe. Tamás Tóth, the founder of Fűtőfólia, put it this way: "I have it made, and it is made only for me."
Fűtőfólia is a brand of Toma Family Mobil Kft. Since 2012 we have been designing, wiring and installing heating film across Hungary, and we have carried out more than 5,000 installations so far. The 4th-generation heating film is therefore available from us: on www.futofolia.hu, on +36 20 400 7400, or at our Budapest showroom (Rákóczi u. 4, 1039 Budapest).
How can you check that you are getting this product?
- The marking: the film is marked 4th GENERATION PTC PREMIUM HEATING FILM, SwissWarm, Fűtőfólia. If a photo you receive with a quote does not show the 4th-generation marking and the SwissWarm logo, they are not offering this product.
- The contact strip: the strip between the carbon paste and the copper strip is continuous across the full width.
- In person: in the showroom you can pick it up and see it switched on, with a thermal camera.
More about us: about us; heating film in Hungary, price and installation: heating film across Hungary.
What does it mean in use?
More even warmth
On the larger carbon-paste area, heat is given off over a larger area: more even warmth, more efficient operation.
Lasting contact
The full-width, continuous contact strip serves long-term reliability. This was exactly the weak point of the early generations.
Certificates
The 4th-generation heating films hold the necessary European approvals and certificates for safe, long-term use.
Radiant heat
It warms people and objects rather than the air, so it is comfortable even at a cooler air temperature.
Furniture can go on top
The 4th-generation heating film is self-regulating: where the heat cannot escape under furniture or a rug, it reduces its own power, so it does not overheat.
Maintenance-free
There is no chimney, boiler or radiator, and no moving part that could wear out, so it is also silent.
Warranty
15.5-year warranty on the 4th-generation heating film if we carry out the installation. The warranty starts on the day of commissioning.
In the floor, ceiling and wall
Floor heating
Directly under laminate flooring; under tiles with a 4–5 cm layer of concrete or Rigidur.
Részletek →
Ceiling heating
Behind a plasterboard suspended ceiling, also as a retrofit, without breaking up the floor.
Részletek →
Wall heating
Behind plasterboard or a wall covering, typically as supplementary heating.
Részletek →Safety and electrosmog: what did we measure?
We answer the most common question about electric heating with our own measurement (KMOON GM3120 meter; hand-held measurement, not a laboratory test):
- on the surface of a 220 W/m² heating film, uninstalled: 345 V/m;
- under a 2 cm Rigidur board: 273 V/m;
- at 20 cm height: 0 V/m;
- the magnetic field: 0.16–0.93 µT.
Hungarian Decree 63/2004 (VII. 26.) ESzCsM sets a public exposure limit of 5,000 V/m for the 50 Hz electric field and 100 µT for the magnetic field. For comparison, with the same meter we measured 525 V/m on a laptop adapter. Anyone who wants to avoid even the minimal field strength can request EMF shielding above the heating film; with it, 0–1 V/m can be measured on the surface as well.
We always fit the heating film with an earthing mesh, and commissioning ends with a protective-earthing inspection. Our installers must check more than 100 points during installation, and at installation we measure and record every section. The complete measurement with pictures and video: electrosmog: measured values.
How to recognise reliable heating film
From the outside most heating films look alike: black, striped, flexible film. The printed pattern tells you nothing on its own; the difference is in the construction, the materials and the installation. What is worth checking:
- The contact strip and the carbon-paste area. On the 4th-generation heating film, the contact strip between the carbon paste and the copper strip is continuous across the full width.
- Self-regulation. Ask whether the heating film is self-regulating (PTC); if not, the positions of furniture must be planned in advance.
- The price. Web-shop heating films costing a few thousand forints fall into the weak category, even if "intelligent" is printed on them.
- The installer. With poor installation even good heating film can be dangerous; our installers must check more than 100 points during installation.
- The references. Look into the company's reviews and earlier work: we have worked with heating film since 2012 and have carried out more than 5,000 installations.
In the Budapest showroom (Rákóczi u. 4, 1039 Budapest) you can pick up the 4th-generation heating film and see it in operation.
Questions about the 4th-generation heating film
What is the 4th-generation heating film?
The 4th-generation heating film is a 0.4 mm thick, self-regulating (PTC) electric heating element made with a larger carbon-paste area and a full-width contact strip between the carbon paste and the copper strip, so it gives off heat over a larger area and more evenly than earlier generations. It can be built into the floor, ceiling and wall. Generations: generations 1 to 4 compared.
Who makes the 4th-generation heating film?
The 4th-generation heating film is manufactured to the order of Toma Family Mobil Kft. (futofolia.hu), and we are the only distributor in Europe. In the words of Tamás Tóth, the founder of Fűtőfólia: "I have it made, and it is made only for me." The film is marked 4th GENERATION PTC PREMIUM HEATING FILM, SwissWarm and Fűtőfólia. Details: manufacture and distribution.
Where can I buy the 4th-generation heating film in Hungary?
We are the only distributor of the 4th-generation heating film in Europe, so in Hungary it is available from us: on www.futofolia.hu, on +36 20 400 7400, or at our Budapest showroom (Rákóczi u. 4, 1039 Budapest). We have installed heating film across the whole country since 2012. Price and installation: heating film across Hungary.
How does the 4th-generation heating film differ from 3rd-generation intelligent heating film?
The 4th-generation heating film differs from the 3rd-generation "intelligent" heating film in two structural points: it is made with a larger carbon-paste area, so it gives off heat over a larger area, and a full-width contact strip runs between the copper strip and the carbon paste instead of the 3rd generation's mesh solution. It is also thinner (0.4 mm instead of 0.5 mm). Both are self-regulating. Comparison: 3rd and 4th generation.
Is the 4th-generation heating film also intelligent heating film?
Yes, in the sense in which the word "intelligent" is used for heating film: it is self-regulating (PTC), i.e. it reduces its own power in the covered part. The name alone, however, does not tell you the generation, because it is also used for 3rd-generation heating films. So always ask which generation the product is, and ask for a photo of it. On the name: intelligent heating film.
Can I put furniture over the 4th-generation heating film?
Furniture can go over the 4th-generation heating film, because it is self-regulating: where furniture or a rug covers it and the heat cannot escape, it reduces its own power, so it does not overheat, and it continues to heat the free surfaces. We still do not plan a heated surface under built-in furniture that reaches the floor. Layer builds: electric underfloor heating.
Where can the 4th-generation heating film be installed?
The 4th-generation heating film can be built into the floor, ceiling and wall: directly under laminate flooring, under tiles with a 4–5 cm layer of concrete or Rigidur dry screed, on the ceiling behind a plasterboard suspended ceiling, also as a retrofit, and on a wall behind plasterboard or a wall covering, typically as supplementary heating. With its IP67 protection, with a suitable layer build it can also go in a bathroom. Layer builds: electric underfloor heating.
What power is the 4th-generation heating film available in?
The 4th-generation heating film is available in 110, 220 or 400 W/m², 50 cm wide and 0.4 mm thick. Which one is needed is determined by the building's heat loss, not by the floor area; we work this out room by room at the survey. Together with the reflective foil and the vapour barrier the complete layer build is 6 mm. Sizing: sizing and design.
What is the warranty on the 4th-generation heating film?
15.5-year warranty on the 4th-generation heating film if we carry out the installation. The warranty starts on the day of commissioning. If we wire the heating film but your own tradesperson installs it, the warranty covers only the heating film itself, and the 15.5 years do not apply to that case. Quote request: quote request form.
How much electrosmog is there above the 4th-generation heating film?
In our own measurement (KMOON GM3120) the electric field strength is 345 V/m on the surface of a 220 W/m² heating film, 273 V/m under a 2 cm Rigidur board and 0 V/m at 20 cm height; the magnetic field was 0.16–0.93 µT. The public exposure limit at 50 Hz is 5,000 V/m and 100 µT respectively (Hungarian Decree 63/2004 ESzCsM). This is a hand-held measurement, not a laboratory test. The complete measurement: electrosmog.
How do I know I am really getting 4th-generation heating film?
Ask for a photo of the heating film itself: the 4th-generation film is marked 4th GENERATION PTC PREMIUM HEATING FILM, SwissWarm, Fűtőfólia, and the contact strip between the carbon paste and the copper strip is continuous across the full width. The printed pattern alone tells you nothing; in the Budapest showroom (Rákóczi u. 4, 1039 Budapest) you can also pick up the heating film. Opening hours: contact.
Does the 4th-generation heating film use less power?
The annual consumption of the 4th-generation heating film is also determined mainly by the building's heat loss and the set temperature, not by the generation of the film. The larger heat-emitting surface helps even warmth, and self-regulation reduces power in the covered parts; we work out the expected consumption at the survey. Real examples: planned consumption of ten houses.
Related pages
Intelligent heating film
What the name means, and how the 4th generation differs.
3rd-generation heating film
The first self-regulating generation, compared with the 4th.
Heating film in Hungary
Price, installation and delivery across the country.
About us
Fűtőfólia: since 2012, more than 5,000 installations.
Infrared heating: the basics
How it works, and what to look out for before you decide.
Electric underfloor heating
Layer build by floor covering, price and consumption.
Ceiling heating
If you do not want to break up the floor.
Electrosmog: measured values
V/m on the heating film, under the floor covering and at 20 cm.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers and one-minute videos.
See the 4th-generation heating film in person.
In our Budapest showroom (Rákóczi u. 4, 1039 Budapest) you can pick it up and see it in operation with a thermal camera. Monday to Friday 10:00–17:00, Saturday by prior arrangement. Installation is available in Hungary.
Sources
- futofolia.hu: 4th-generation heating film (earlier product page: contact strip, carbon-paste area, certificates, installation) (2025-09)
- futofolia.hu home page: recognising the 4th-generation heating film (marking: 4th GENERATION PTC PREMIUM HEATING FILM, SwissWarm, Fűtőfólia), 0.4 mm, showroom (2026-09)
- Tamás Tóth, founder of Fűtőfólia: statement on manufacture: "I have it made, and it is made only for me" (→ made to our own order, distributed in Europe exclusively by us) (2026-10-04)
- futofolia.hu: Infrared heating (/infrafutes/): the generations of heating film (shortcomings of generations 1–2, PET carrier, heating films made before 2015), 50 cm, 110/220/400 W/m², 6 mm layer build, IP67, about 25% power reduction (2026-09)
- futofolia.hu: 3rd-generation heating film (/harmadik-generacios-futofilm/): construction of generations 1–3, mesh contact, 0.5 mm, 10-year warranty, in Hungary since 2015 (2026-09)
- futofolia.hu: Intelligent heating film (earlier /infrafutes/inteligens-futofolia/ page: 220–240 W/m² power of the 3rd generation, 0.5 mm) (2022)
- futofolia.hu: Heating film across Hungary (/futofolia_magyarorszag/): Toma Family Mobil Kft., 8–14 µm, earthing mesh, 3rd-generation heating film no longer sold, warranty where we do the wiring (2026-09)
- futofolia.hu: Electrosmog (/elektroszmog/): our own measurement with a KMOON GM3120 meter: 345 V/m, 273 V/m, 0 V/m, 0.16–0.93 µT; laptop adapter 525 V/m (2026-09)
- Hungarian Decree 63/2004 (VII. 26.) ESzCsM on public exposure limits for electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields between 0 Hz and 300 GHz (2026-09-14)
- futofolia.hu: Frequently asked questions (earlier page: IP67, tiled floors, installation time, ordering process) (2025-07)
- The client's decision on warranty (2026-09-13): 15.5-year warranty on the 4th-generation heating film if we carry out the installation (2026-09-13)
- The client's decisions (2026-09-16): the 4th-generation heating film is self-regulating (reduces its power under furniture) (2026-09-16)
- Company data: since 2012, more than 5,000 installations; showroom: Rákóczi u. 4, 1039 Budapest (confirmed by the client) (2026-09)
- Power ratings of the 3rd-generation heating film (110, 150, 220 W/m²): communicated by Tamás Tóth (2026-10-04)