How does underfloor heating work?

Underfloor heating systems work by pumping a controlled flow of warm water from any heat source, like a boiler or heat pump, through tubing embedded in the floor. In a new build or extension, the UFH is typically laid within the floor.

Types of Heating

There are two kinds of underfloor heating – electric or ‘dry’ systems and water-based or ‘wet’ systems. Electric systems are more affordable and less disruptive to install, but they’re running costs are higher, so they are best suited to smaller spaces such as tiled bathrooms, or spots that are awkward to get to.

Adequate insulation

Before an installation can commence the floor to be heated has to be adequately insulated normally with a 100 mm of celotec (or similar) under the screed (if a concrete floor). The better the insulation the better the U/F performance and it’s efficiency.

Height consideration

There are many different types of wet underfloor heating systems. Some will be for houses with floorboards and will be installed under floorboards or other low profile types can be installed onto the floorboards. Consideration of a change in floor height especially doors/frames needs to be considered for this type.

ASPECTS OF A UNDERFLOOR HEATING SYSTEM

Many aspects of underfloor heating systems make perfect sense.

A traditional radiator heating system has convection currents circulating heat around the room meaning the hottest part of the room is the ceiling and the coolest the floor. Due to the difference in the type of heat produced from U/F the reverse is true which is far better because we don’t live on the ceiling?

Heating time lag

Most U/F heating manufacturers recommend the heating is left on 24 hrs a day and not timed like a radiator system. This is because there is a considerable time lag for heating the floor slab before this can start to heat the room.

No wall space required

There are many advantages to underfloor heating but the main one has to be no wall space is required for radiators. With no convection currents circulating the room, this means there is less spread of dust particles around the room. Also no clicking or banging noises from radiators or their pipes due to their expansion or contraction when heating or cooling.

Perfect for high ceilings

Properties with high ceilings are perfect for U/F heating because of the reversal of the norm with the warmest part of the room being the floor and the coolest being the ceiling. Also with the evolution of large kitchen/living areas, U/F heating is perfect because they are normally tiled (or similar)and normally lack wall space for radiators.

Interested in Underfloor Heating??

Want to get a quote before making a decision. Get a quote today or get in touch with us on on 0845 460 4800.

ACCREDITATIONS

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TESTIMONIALS

Our customers have been recommending us to others since 1998. You may not have heard of us before – we do very little advertising – yet each year we install and maintain literally thousands of heating systems for local people just like you.

Interested in Underfloor Heating??

Want to get a quote before making a decision. Get a quote today or get in touch with us on on 0845 460 4800.