The rise of underfloor heating
There are a few different options for UFHs: do you want to have underfloor heating in just one room in your house or throughout your entire home? It really depends on your needs, the type of home you have or are considering building. Also, the issue of cost can not be neglected when choosing the type of underfloor heating you want to use, be it either electric or water/ wet-based.
Below I will demonstrate the reasons for your UFH project to show that one or the other may be better suited for your home.
1. Reason: The comfort of underfloor heating
The top of the list reason my customers consider having underfloor heating in their homes fitted is the feeling of warmth under their feet that a floor heating system can procure. UFH involves installing pipes into the flooring which ensures that the floor surface temperature is evenly distributed effectively turning the whole floor into one radiator. This means that the use of radiant heat technology as opposed to central heating is the advantage of UFH avoiding that the air in certain areas of a room becomes too hot or too cold and thus maintaining a steady overall room temperature. In this way, the heat emanating from the flooring will rise to warm the air more homogeneously. Walking barefoot in all seasons especially in cold winter months is finally possible with underfloor heating and creates less energy waste in your house.
There are two types of underfloor heating that you can install for your home project: Electric underfloor heating and water underfloor heating also called wet underfloor heating which I will explain further down at 4. Reason: Home energy savings through underfloor heating?
2. Reason: Saving space with underfloor heating
Another good reason to get underfloor heating fitted is the fact that it is invisible and allows you to maximise the space of your room. It can be challenging to find the right fittings and furniture especially when you have a small bathroom and need to optimise floor space, as radiators can take up a lot of room. As much as you spend time planning ahead, radiators are often used under windows or in corners occupying the main walls in the room. Also, when fireplaces are installed, or a stove is in use, this may come with higher costs when having to choose the right heat resistant furniture and fittings.
This picture shows an electric underfloor heating during a bathroom renovation project using a heated cable mat and converting electric energy into radiant heat.
Here is the same bathroom completed with underfloor heating (UFH) and finished white and grey marble effect hexagonal tiles
3. Reason: Underfloor heating is easy to maintain
Before you decide which UFH system to install, please make sure that you check with a professional or speak to me. I would be happy to guide and advise you on the best possible option for your home building project. Also, you can see my Before & After project for UFHs. As mentioned above there two types of UFH’s to choose from:
Electric underfloor heating: Electric is the most common type and used as a primary heat source, particularly adapted to small rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens and works with a heated cable mat converting electric energy into radiant heat. Electric UFHs are ideal for home renovation projects and compatible with different floor types which can be directly installed on top. Alternatively, a new floor can be laid.
Water or wet underfloor heating: If you want to heat a larger room this would be a better option as water floor heating is more energy-efficient. A heat pump or boiler warms up the water in the underfloor heating pipes to create warmth. A wet underfloor can cost more to install than an electric one and is ideal for large home building projects or new builds but on the other hand, generally involves low running costs.
Whichever system you opt for, it’s recommended to use high-quality floor insulation to enhance heating system efficiency leading to heat loss reduction. Like any other heating installation, underfloor heating also needs to be maintained throughout the years. The maintenance of a UFH system depends on the type of heating system:
Water-based UFHs need to be maintained on a regular basis due to the boiler needing to be serviced annually. Furthermore, to avoid any underfloor heating problems, you will need to check that there are no water leaks in the pipes and clean them to get rid of the water deposits such as limescale and mud.
Electric UFHs on the other hand, don’t require any specific maintenance due to the cable mat being inserted into the flooring which is resistant and not exposed.
4. Reason: Home energy savings through underfloor heating?
Underfloor heating systems might be a costlier option at the time of installation compared to other types of heating, however, in the long-term, they represent a significant investment from an energy-saving perspective. Also, particularly water UFHs require a low heating temperature, generally not above 35 degrees thanks to their ability to distribute heat in the rooms at home evenly. This means the boiler is running less, therefore reducing energy costs and carbon footprint and is ultimately more cost-efficient.
Important things to keep in mind when considering underfloor heating systems
If you are set on getting either electric or water underfloor heating installed, it’s important to consult an experienced professional who can explain the most suitable option for your home building project needs such as type, cost, installation and maintenance. Also, make sure that you keep the following points in mind:
- Proper insulation is crucial to reap the energy-saving benefits.
- Certain floor types are not suitable for home UFHs, such as untreated parquet flooring, floating floors or thick carpets where heat diffusion may be diminished.
- Underfloor heating systems can take more time to heat up compared to central heating, fireplaces for stoves.
- Finally, a little known advantage to equipping your home with underfloor heating is the fact that a warmer floor temperature can ward off dust mites making your house healthier and more hygienic!
Whatever your needs, whether you choose an electric or water-based underfloor heating system, I’m available to guide and advise you on your next home building project. Follow the link to the contact me form and get in touch. Looking forward to hearing from you!