Underfloor heating is considered a modernised heating concept and is used throughout the world. However underfloor heating is not a new phenomenon as the heating system has been around since the days of the Romans. It is believed that in those days Romans constructed their buildings with voids, which enabled circulation of warm air to flow under the floor and through the walls. The air was heated by an outside open fire and required several people to look after the system. Since then times have changed, however one aspect has remained constant and that is the desire to be comfortable in all circumstances.
The Case of Underfloor Heating
Today's underfloor heating is a sophisticated version of the Roman principle, and the system is not restricted to just domestic dwellings, as many businesses have implemented the heating system into their commercial properties. One of the main reasons home and business owners have opted for underfloor heating is because of the environmental benefits ? underfloor heating is an efficient way to heat a building. The heating system operates at lower temperatures and consumes less energy, which means less CO2 emissions. The lower operating temperatures maximises the efficiency of the heating pump, and therefore the pump will last longer. Research has shown that energy saving is from 15% to 40% with underfloor heating.
Underfloor heating can either be warm water based or electricity driven, depending upon the precise requirements.
Warm Water Based
Warm water underfloor heating, also referred to as a wet system, uses a series of continuous pipes or tubes that are laid into the floor through which warm water circulates at about 50'C. The entire setup can incur high installation charges, however due to the energy saving features, cost reductions on heating are made in the long run. Warm water underfloor heating offers complete flexibility in terms of pipe types, installation specifics and control options.
Electrical Systems
Electric underfloor heating, also referred to as a dry system, uses electric cables or heating mats to generate the same results as a warm water system. The system is cheaper in terms of installation charges, and it also takes less time to install than the wet system. Electric underfloor heating is ideal for installing into buildings that are already constructed.
Advantages of Underfloor Heating
The foremost benefit is the comfort level extended. Unlike traditional heating system which works on heating a room from the top down, underfloor heating emits heat from the floor upwards, nor are there any cold spots in the room.
Another key advantage of the system is the setup aesthetics. The heating structure is in the floor and therefore maximises space in the room as furniture does not need to take into account the location of any radiators.
The heat control of the system is straight forward. Some underfloor heating systems are sensitive to the room and floor temperature and adjust automatically to any external changes. Or manual control is an option and individual rooms can be set at a temperature which is agreeable to all occupants.
Underfloor heating does not create any extra dust and helps to reduce dust mites, which is a benefit to people with lung problems, such as asthma.
Another joy of underfloor heating is the silence. Unlike conventional heating systems there isn't any annoying noises coming from the motor, or the radiators as they heat up.
Conclusion
Underfloor heating has been around since the Roman's time. The heating system fell out of vogue over the ages, but since the 1960's in the UK underfloor heating has seen a revival as people began to understand the system and realised the benefits the system would offer them.
People are becoming more eco-friendly. Local councils have instigated a recycling policy for all households in specific areas to practise and implement in the daily running of their home. One of the key elements on becoming more energy efficient is the heating system of your home. Many homes in the UK use radiant heating, which in this day and age has proven to waste more heat than conserve.
More public buildings and homes have taken the initiative to approach underfloor heating specialists to tackle this problem of energy wastage, installing underfloor heating systems to create an even flow of warmth in each room. This in turn has saved many companies and households money on heating bills. Installations of these systems are also cost effective and are completed in a short space of time, meaning no fuss for the individual.
Underfloor heating specialists will help to determine the best places to fit the system; generally, there are no restriction to fitting the systems. You would normally be offered two different types of underfloor heating systems; electric and hydraulic. Each work very differently from each other and are both very different in quality. The main differences are evident in the costing of maintenance and their effectiveness in heating a room.
Those who are unsure should discuss this with any underfloor heating specialists, as they are more likely to go through this in detail with you. They are also more likely to give you a personal recommendation that is suited for your needs. It is always a good idea to find out for you, which is more efficient and cheaper to run.
Hydraulic underfloor heating work similarly to normal radiant heating. These are good for circulating heat through heated water running through the pipes. This is good for warming up certain areas of the room, but unfortunately, these prove to be useless when the heated water move away from that specific area. Hydraulic heating tend to be less efficient when the heated water travels further away from the boiler, which means that the room will not be as warm as it one would desire it to be.
Hydraulic systems are also more expensive to run, as you incur the cost of maintenance and repairs. After a length of time, the boiler efficiency reduces considerably making it harder to warm up the rooms in the house. Furthermore, the water that travels through the pipes will also need much attention and maintenance, sometimes replacing which will mean more money spent.
Electric underfloor heating systems may appear more expensive than gas; however, this works out much cheaper than hydraulic heating annually. They are also more efficient at higher altitude rather than hydraulic heating which is not very good with high altitudes. Furthermore, electric heating is also easier to manage, with the temperature thermostat more easily controlled.
Whichever system you choose, both work to heat the floor almost evenly and concentrically, which reduces the uncomfortable cold floor feeling underneath your feet. It is all dependent upon what you are looking for in a heating system, whether it is quick heating application or a cost effective low maintenance heating, or just purely something, that is energy efficient and inexpensive.
Both Justin Clover & Anna Stenning are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Justin Clover has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management. Justin Clover wrote the Article 'An Overview of Electric Underfloor Heating Systems' and recommends you visit for more information on. Justin Clover's top article generates over 480 views. to your Favourites.
Anna Stenning has sinced written about articles on various topics from computers and the internet, Management and Wedding Gifts. Anna Stenning has had plenty of experience consulting with , having recently installed electric underfloor heating at home.. Anna Stenning's top article generates over 4090000 views. to your Favourites.