Underfloor heating is a system that distributes heat to your home evenly via hot water pipes or electric heating elements laid underneath your flooring material, whether that be tile, wood, or carpet. It’s an efficient, clean, and maintenance-free way to warm up any home. Here’s your introduction to everything underfloor heat.
How It Works
Underfloor heating works by transferring heat directly into the floors instead of the air like traditional heating systems. Warm water pipes or electric wires heat the floor, which then gently radiates heat into the space. This creates a more even temperature gradient in the room, eliminating any cold or draughty areas.
Types of Underfloor Heating
There are two main types – hydronic (water based) and electric. Hydronic systems use circulating pumps to pump heated water from the boiler through pipes laid under the floor. Electric systems have heating wires or cables built into the floor that heat up when switched on. Both are effective, so choose based on your needs and construction plans.
Installation and Costs
Underfloor heating can be installed in new builds by laying pipes or cables onto insulation below concrete or timber subfloors. For renovation projects, choose screw-down or loose wire systems which can be retrofitted on the existing floor. Installation costs vary greatly depending on property size and system type.
Benefits
Energy Efficient – Distributing warmth through the floor uses less energy than conventional radiators to achieve the same temperatures. This can lead to heating bills slashed by up to 10-40%.
Comfort – With no cold spots or draughts and a subtle, ambient warmth from the floor up, underfloor heating creates a truly cosy environment.
Space Saving – Without bulky radiators taking up wall space, underfloor heating leaves more room for interior design.
Healthier Air – Warm floors moderately heat the air from the base up instead of drying it out like radiators, promoting better air quality.
Safety – With no exposed heating elements, underfloor heating reduces the risk of burns from hot surfaces. Whole-floor warmth also feels more comfortable for children or the elderly.
Considerations
Higher upfront costs – The initial install costs are greater than for radiators or heating vents. However, savings from increased efficiency usually provide a return on investment over time.
Takes time to warm up – You cannot adjust the temperature instantly like with other systems. Still, smart thermostats with timers help control floor warmth efficiently.
Not suitable for all homes – Underfloor heating works for most, but very old or poorly-insulated properties may not hold enough heat. Assess viability with experts before installing.
Installation requires floor access – For retrofitting, flooring components might need to be taken up and areas below floors accessed, which can cause disruption. Plan accordingly with contractors.
Ideal Underfloor Heating Temperature is 29°C
As a general rule of thumb, an underfloor heating system’s water should heat between 28-31°C. Monitor your thermostat and floor itself with an infrared thermometer to achieve optimal temperatures. Too hot risks damage, too cold provides little warmth.
Hopefully, this overview gives you all the fundamentals of underfloor heating. With excellent efficiency and comfort benefits, it could be the ideal choice to warm your home. Consult professional heating engineers for tailored quotes and advice on your property’s underfloor heating potential.
Image by Freepik
