Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating is one of the best ways of heating your home and can be more energy-efficient than traditional heating methods. There is a big drive towards underfloor heating particularly in new build developments. They are ideal for use with air-source heat pumps and are an eco-friendly solution for those conscious of their carbon footprint.
How Does It Work?
Underfloor heating works by heating your rooms from the floor up, which creates an even and consistent ambient temperature controlled by a thermostat. An underfloor heating system means no cold spots, even and consistent warmth, warm floors to walk on and overall lower running costs.
Radiators on the other hand use a slightly different method by pushing heat outwards and relying on air circulation to heat your rooms. This typically means that your room temperature fluctuates depending on where in the room you are, and also creates cold spots in your rooms.
Designing an Efficient Underfloor Heating System
It goes without question that an underfloor heating system should be properly designed and is essential in making sure the system runs efficiently. A badly designed system can lead to high energy costs, an under performing heating system and a poorly heated home.
There are several things that should be considered when designing and planning an underfloor heating system. These include:
The Floor Construction
The best underfloor heating solution for you depends on the floor construction. There are many solutions that we offer including systems for screed floors, floating or suspended floors, and we also supply a range of low profile systems for minimal floor buildups that are suitable for retrofitting.
The Room Layout
An underfloor heating system layout plan is the perfect way to map out your pipe work so that you avoid appliances and furniture such as kitchen units, toilets and any other fixed furniture.
Manifold Location
The manifold should be located centrally between all of the rooms that are being heated in a place that is easily accessible.
Pipe Spacing and Loop Lengths
Typically the most common pipe spacing between each run is 200mm but there are some occasions where the spacing needs to be narrower or wider due to heat loss. This is usually dictated depending on whether the area has been insulated correctly or having single glazing windows in a particular area.
There are also limitations on the length of each pipe run or loop. A single continuous loop is not possible due to the fact that it would be impossible to maintain an even water temperature around the entirety of the loop. This is why we take extra care when designing an underfloor heating system to ensure that each loop will run efficiently and effectively.
The Floor Finish
Considering your floor finish when choosing an UFH system is quite an important step in creating an efficient system. Floor finishes such as tiles are perfect with underfloor heating where as carpets have some limitations (depending on the TOG rating). Laminate or wooden floors are also great with underfloor heating systems.
Thermostats and Control
A crucial part of any underfloor heating system is the thermostat, as this is where you get to control the temperature of each zone in your home. When we design a system we ensure that each zone is controllable separately which gives you maximum flexibility.
We also make sure that you can control your system how you like, whether that is using a standard programmable thermostat or a WiFi controllable solution for on the fly adjustments.
We’re Award Winners!
With over 75 years of combined experience in the supply and design of underfloor heating systems, we pride ourselves on offering energy efficient and cost effective heating solutions for both residential and commercial properties.
Get a Free Quote
Underfloor Heating Myths
The biggest myth of underfloor heating is that it uses excessive amounts of energy to run compared to a traditional system which is simply not the case. Infact, water underfloor heating systems can run far more efficiently than a standard heating system and it also uses lower water temperatures to achieve the same results. Also, because underfloor heating utilises the entire floor space, it covers more area which ensures that the entire room is heated evenly and consistently.
Underfloor heating is one of if not the most efficient heating systems available on the market and once you experience the luxury of having a heated floor, it is very hard to go back.
More Underfloor Heating Myths DebunkedHow Long Does Underfloor Heating Take to Warm Up?
One of the problems with underfloor heating is the fact it can take longer to heat up to your desired temperature. With standard traditional heating systems you will typically find that they are a lot quicker to heat up, reaching comfortable temperatures within as little as 15 to 20 minutes. For underfloor heating this can take longer, and in some cases can take several hours due to various reasons.
The problem with underfloor heating is that there are a number of limiting factors that can effect how long underfloor heating takes to warm up. Things like a poorly insulated room or suffering from high heat loss can greatly impact the efficiency of the system. This is why the design of your system is vital so that we can make sure when you want to heat your home, it heats up as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Although this sounds like a major flaw with underfloor heating, it actually isn’t due to how an underfloor heating system is usually used. Typically an underfloor heating system is kept switched on which means you don’t get dramatic temperature fluctuations throughout your home. Your floor temperature is also likely to remain steady which means your home is comfortable all year round.
The Differences Between Water & Electric Underfloor Heating
| Electric UFH | Water UFH | |
|---|---|---|
| How Does the System Work? | Electric cable / wire is laid out across the room and then connected to the mains electric supply. | Uses underfloor heating pipe to pump warm water throughout the circuit. |
| Ideal For | Renovations or for smaller rooms such as bathrooms due to its easy installation. | Large renovations or new build projects. |
| The Running Costs | Electric underfloor heating is more expensive to run than water due to tariff prices. | Low long term running costs. |
| Installation Costs and Time | Electric ufh systems are cheaper to install and can be installed quickly and easily during a renovation project. | More expensive and takes longer to install. |
| Electric UFH | |
|---|---|
| How Does the System Work? | Electric cable / wire is laid out across the room and then connected to the mains electric supply. |
| Ideal For | Electric underfloor heating is more expensive to run than water due to tariff prices. |
| The Running Costs | Electric underfloor heating is more expensive to run than water due to tariff prices. |
| Installation Costs and Time | Electric ufh systems are cheaper to install and can be installed quickly and easily during a renovation project. |
| Water UFH | |
|---|---|
| How Does the System Work? | Uses underfloor heating pipe to pump warm water throughout the circuit. |
| Ideal For | Large renovations or new build projects. |
| The Running Costs | Low long term running costs. |
| Installation Costs and Time | More expensive and takes longer to install. |
What Underfloor Heating System is Best for my Room?
Bathrooms
The most popular room to renovate, the bathroom! Underfloor heating is great in the bathroom and can easily add a more luxurious spa like feel.
There are numerous options available that would suit a bathroom. The most popular choice is using an electric underfloor heating system as it is easy to install, great for smaller footprints like a bathroom or toilet, and is quick and easy to install underneath tiles.
Find Out More
Kitchens
Underfloor heating in kitchens is growing more and more popular. Being one of the most popular rooms in the house, underfloor heating makes for a perfect heating solution that is hidden away out of sight.
Underfloor heating can be installed under a wide range of floor finishes which makes both water and electric ufh systems ideal.
Find Out More
Extensions
When planning an extension, thinking about how you are going to heat it is a vital part of making sure it is future proof.
Installing underfloor heating in an extension is a great way to ensure that the area is heated adequately and also allows more flexibility with furniture due to not having to leave wall space for radiators.
Find Out More
Conservatory / Winter Garden
Conservatories can be a challenging space to heat due to the fact that most suffer from high heat loss.
There are ufh systems available that are highly suitable for high heat loss areas that will allow you to enjoy the space all year round, no matter what the weather brings.
Find Out MoreNeed some advice?
