There are many benefits to underfloor heating, but the biggest claim is that they are often cheaper to run than traditional radiator systems. The logic to this is that the water used is at a lower temperature, which is typically 50°C rather than 60°C plus in a traditional system.
It is claimed that the same level of comfort is achieved with the temperature in an underfloor heated room about 2°C lower than in a room heated with conventional radiators. Wall mounted radiators act as convectors to heat the air, with underfloor heating, the whole floor area acts as a emitter for radiated heat. With no need for wall mounted emitters, there is less restriction on placing furniture in the room also less ‘dust traps’ so the rooms are easier to keep dust free.
Categories: General, Underfloor Heating Systems
Underfloor heating has been widely used in northern Europe for many years and it would appear that here in the UK we are at last catching up with this popular form of home heating In recent years become quite popular in the UK, both for new builds and updating existing property. As with most things, there are various factors for and against underfloor heating and whether underfloor heating is the choice for you depends largely on your lifestyle.
With an underfloor heating system, the floor itself becomes the heat emitter and the heating of the room is from the floor up, unlike radiators in a normal central heating system where the emitters are mounted on the wall and the room is, effectively, heated from the ceiling downwards. Both electric and water based underfloor heating systems are available, they are almost identical apart from obviously, that one uses electric heating cable while the other circulated heated water through a pipe.
Categories: Electric Underfloor Heating, Underfloor Heating Systems
A frequent question is we have a new conservatory and would like to provide heating is it possible to install this without taking up the floor? The simple answer to this question is that it could not be simpler. Underfloor heating is achieved either by hot water pipes or electric cable buried in a screed or floor, but equally as effective is the use of electric heating mats which can be placed under a carpet, or by under tile heating cables ideal for bathroom areas.
With an under tile heating system, the floor itself becomes the heat emitter and the heating of the room is from the floor up, unlike radiators in a normal central heating system where the emitters are mounted on the wall and the room is, effectively, heated from the ceiling downwards.
Categories: Electric Underfloor Heating, General, Underfloor Heating Systems
Electric heating mats can provide underfloor heating to fit beneath virtually any floor covering. These include systems from simple floor warming with low build height in a small bathroom, to complete heating systems for new-build blocks of flats where the floor covering has not been finalised. Depending upon the area and floor covering, existing or proposed, there is an electric underfloor heating mat to suit.
120w/m2 electric heating mats provide a highly cost effective floor warming solution and are generally used above timber (plywood / moisture proof chipboard) floors or for low cost tile warming applications. 150w/m2 mats can be used as a primary heating option in most areas of the home when used in conjunction with insulation boards, or as a responsive secondary heating system on all floor types. 200w/m2 mat kits are generally used as a primary heating solution for conservatories or other areas of high heat loss but can also be used as a responsive heating solution in other areas.
Categories: Electric Underfloor Heating, Underfloor Heating Systems
As far back as Roman times, underfloor heating was used as a way to centrally heat buildings. For anyone who has been to the City of Bath, or looked at the Roman settlements along Hadrian’s Wall, particularly Vindolanda will see evidence of this early central heating system. They achieved this by passing hot air from a furnace through a labyrinth of small ducts beneath the floor; heat was imparted to the floor. In turn they relied on convection which heated the air in the living space, very much needed in Northern England.
This is a fine example of a very simple, yet effective principle providing a comfortable climate with even heat distribution. Modern underfloor heating works on a similar principle, but of course we now use hot water fed through pipes, or electric cables, buried into a screed, or for existing areas such as a conservatory, kitchen or bathroom a heating mat below the floor covering. Water underfloor heating is simple, efficient and economical to run, as the Romans found out.
Categories: Underfloor Heating Systems, Water Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating is becoming increasing popular and there are very good reasons why this is the case. This form of heating, heats from the floor up, thus allowing an even distribution of heat and maximising comfort levels. Radiators only offer localised heat and normally need to run at a much higher temperature. Heat from radiators convect directly to ceiling level leaving the temperature at floor level much lower. A concentration of heat at head height can cause discomfort. The smallest temperature difference between the floor and the air above means the system is easy to regulate. With individual room control being a common feature of underfloor heating systems, you can individually adjust temperature settings in each room of the house.
By using underfloor heating you can gain more useable space when compared to traditional heating methods. With underfloor heating, wet floors dry quicker and the peeling of wallpaper and discolouration of paint is prevented. It is also a very cost effective method and can result in a 15-40% energy saving over traditional heating methods. Underfloor heating is quiet and effective and can be used anywhere in the home or even a section of it such as a conservatory or bathroom.
Categories: Electric Underfloor Heating, Underfloor Heating Systems, Water Underfloor Heating
There are a great many advantages to underfloor heating (UFH), it’s economical and has a high comfort level for a lower radiation temperature. There are no wall hung radiators which can be dust collectors, with less restriction on where furniture is placed.
Many people believe that a drawback can be the relatively slow response time of underfloor heating, especially where the water pipes or cables are embedded in a solid floor. Underfloor heating is meant to be kept at a constant level, so in these cases it is usually best to keep the underfloor heating on a low level – it is not meant to be simply turned on and off like a radiator.
This is not considered to be a drawback for those who occupy the property constantly or if it is used as a form of background heating to perhaps supplement an open fire or wood burning stove. Kitchens and bathrooms are ideal for underfloor heating because the units are fitted and the UFH can be where it is needed the most, in the centre of the floor.
Categories: General, Underfloor Heating Systems
Underfloor heating systems are suitable for both domestic and commercial applications often these can have distinct advantages, in public areas where exposed hot surfaces can be dangerous, nursing and residential homes for example. Gas, oil or solid fuel boilers can be used as the source of heat for any underfloor heating system. Condensing boilers may be particularly suited as the operation of underfloor heating systems allows them to operate in their most efficient manner.
With underfloor heating, the systems can be installed in new properties or those undergoing refurbishment, extensions to homes would be ideal and so would conservatories making them a year round proposition. You can easily combine an existing system such as radiators, an example would be the ground floor being heated by an underfloor system whilst the 1st floor is heated using a wet radiator system, or radiators can be fitted in the bathroom and lavatory in homes where the main system is underfloor heating.
Categories: Underfloor Heating Systems
