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.

Ask anyone who has installed underfloor heating and they will tell you that it has great advantages over traditional wall mounted radiators. Many will claim with justification that it is cheaper to run than a conventional system, although this may depend upon the type of home into which underfloor heating is being installed. Usually underfloor heating using hot water in pipes beneath the floor is run at a lower temperature than that in a radiator.

Wall mounted radiators act as convectors to heat the air, with underfloor heating, the whole floor area acts as an emitter for radiated heat, the result is that the same level of comfort is achieved by underfloor heating at about 2°C lower than in a room heated with conventional radiators. With no need for wall mounted radiators, there is less restriction on placing furniture in the room also less ‘dust traps’ so the rooms are easier to keep dust free. Another massive plus with underfloor heating in kitchens and bathrooms is the fact that, say in wet rooms, the floor will dry quicker.

Underfloor heating heats from the floor upwards which allows an even distribution of heat maximising comfort levels. Conventional systems using radiators only offer localised heat and normally need to run at a much higher temperature. Heat from radiators rises directly to ceiling level leaving the temperature at floor level much lower.  Many find that a concentration of heat at head height can cause discomfort.

Control of the heat is simple with 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. Better still, by installing underfloor heating you can save hard earned money as this can result in a 15-40% energy saving over traditional heating methods.

Important health benefits can be seen with the use of underfloor heating particularly asthma sufferers, the system helps to reduce the number of dust mites in your home because moisture content levels are too low.

The first thing that we have to say is that underfloor heating, in common with any form of heating not work efficiently in poorly insulated homes, where the heat generated will simply escape. Check with your installer about ways to ensure that you keep heat loss to the minimum.

Underfloor heating provides the warmth to a room from the floor up rather than heating the ceiling space first which is normal with conventional radiators. Essentially, all systems work in the same way, a heating element warms a heat spreading device laid under the floor to achieve even warmth across it. The heat can be supplied to that element either by warm water or by electricity, hence the two main types of underfloor heating system, the wet system or electric element.

Underfloor heating is ideal for any location, but it is considered the perfect solution for bathrooms, particularly those with cold stone floors, conservatories and extensions, and a blessing in the kitchen area where a person can be standing for longer periods.