Utilising underfloor heating in your home can offer a more energy-efficient method of heating compared to other, more traditional options. There are two types of floor heating systems for you to consider: electric floor heaters, which are great for single-room heating, and water-based systems, which are ideal for installation within larger spaces.
Both systems will provide consistent warmth that does not use up a huge amount of energy by gently warming the people and objects in the room directly from the ground up. Below, heating expert Matthew Jenkins at MyJobQuote.co.uk goes over the main benefits of underfloor heating. Take a look at the list below:
Energy-efficient
Traditional radiators need to be heated to a high temperature in order to heat up a room effectively, whereas underfloor heating can run at a much lower temperature whilst still providing the same levels of warmth and comfort.
In addition to this, as radiators and central heating only focus on heating the air within a space, rooms can become prone to cold spots. This means that whilst the air next to the radiator feels warm, it may start to become cooler the further away you get into the middle of the room. As underfloor heating will cover the entire room, it eradicates cold spots and can also remove stuffiness in certain areas.
The combined efficiency from more widespread heating and lower operating temperatures means that underfloor heating can reduce energy use in a typical home by up to 35% – this will see a huge saving in your energy bills!
Easy to control
All underfloor heating systems should be controlled by a system-dedicated thermostat, and many are equipped to be compatible with a smart controller. Smart thermostats enhance the energy efficiency of the heating system and can provide programmable heat schedules or automatic heat functionality.
This means that your heating system will always automatically heat your home to the right temperature at the right time, but it can also be easily adjusted and altered according to personal preference.
Space-saving
With underfloor heating, you are able to design the layout of your home without having to consider bulky radiators taking up valuable space on the walls. Even the most modern radiators take up room, so heated floors can allow for much greater design freedom.
Low maintenance
Once installed, underfloor heating requires limited maintenance. By conducting pressure tests to eliminate the possibility of leaks, you can be assured that underfloor pipes will not need to be dug up again once they have been properly laid down.
The need for maintenance can lead to expensive call-outs and potential repair fees. Underfloor heating can save you money further down the line as well as on your energy bills.
Better air quality
Radiant heat is much better for the air quality in a room, and underfloor heating will keep the air within a space fresh and oxygen-rich while reducing the circulation of dust. In contrast, the high temperatures caused by radiators can actually increase discomfort and reduce oxygen levels.
This makes underfloor heating a much cleaner source of heat and beneficial to sufferers of certain health conditions. Convection heating can serve to aggravate the conditions of those who suffer from asthma and dust allergies due to the currents circulating and distributing a greater level of dust throughout the household.
Versatile for use with other heating systems
Underfloor heating can be installed in every room of your home and works with a range of floor types, such as wood, tile, stone, and carpet. Whilst it can be effectively used as the primary heating source for your home, it can also act as a secondary heat source in just one or two rooms to work alongside your existing heating system.
Water floor heating systems are compatible with ground and air-source heating pumps and can, therefore, offer a more sustainable solution than relying on a traditional heating system. The compatibility of underfloor heating with renewable energy sources means it is great for reducing both your carbon footprint and your energy bills.
Easy to install
Underfloor heating systems are suitable for installation both in new-build properties and as part of the renovation of an older property. Electric systems, in particular, can offer rapid installation times and could easily be fitted to cover an average-sized bathroom in under a day.
Owing to their more complex installation requirements, water systems will take longer to install than their electric counterparts but offer even lower long-term running costs, which makes them a smart investment.
But are there any cons of underfloor heating?
Of course, as with any heating system, underfloor heating can come with some downsides, and before purchasing a new system for your home, it’s worth considering some of the obstacles you may encounter:
- As previously mentioned, water-based systems will take longer to fit than electric heaters, and the time requirements will subsequently lead to higher installation costs. The installation price will vary based on your chosen system, the size of the area, and the fees that your installer charges, but you can typically expect to pay between £200-£300 per day in labour costs.
- An underfloor heating system is perfect in contemporary homes that have good levels of insulation but can have difficulty in heating homes with high levels of heat loss. Before you purchase a new system, you should ensure that its heat output is higher than the heat loss of your space – well-insulated rooms will require less heat to be produced by the system.
- With an underfloor heating system, the heat will gradually radiate upwards from the ground. This can mean that they have a longer warm-up time compared to traditional heating methods such as central heating and convection heating.
• If you are planning on retrofitting underfloor heating in an older property, you may need to increase the floor height. This can be off-putting for some properties where the ceiling heights are fixed. This is more likely to be a potential issue with water-based systems. Electric systems should have little impact on floor levels.
So, is it worth it?
With an idea of the pros and cons in mind, you are ready to make an informed decision on whether underfloor heating is the best solution for your home.
Although there can be some downsides, this heating method is a more sustainable way to keep your home warm and cosy, and its energy-saving technology can help you to make a big saving on bills.
There are various underfloor heating systems available to suit every project type and budget, so it’s definitely an investment that is well worth considering!
MyJobQuote.co.uk
Matthew Jenkins is a gas-safe engineer specialising in heating and plumbing. He works closely with MyJobQuote to provide expert knowledge to homeowners and tradespeople.