Romans developed the first underfloor heating about 2,000 years ago when they placed furnaces in cellars and used the generated heat to warm the ground floor. Water- and electricity-based underfloor heating is becoming more popular today as more homeowners discover the benefits of using this type of heat.
Radiant and convection heat work together to make underfloor heating a desirable way to heat a home. An underfloor heating system uses either electric heating cables or pipes carrying boiler-warmed water that are hidden beneath the floor. These cables or pipes send out radiant heat, which is absorbed by the floor, warming the entire surface of the floor. The heat absorbed by the floor is transferred into the rooms air where it expands and moves up to the ceiling as convection heat. When an underfloor heating system is used, the warmest air is concentrated at the floor level. Convection heat generated by a radiator warms a room from the ceiling downward, and the ceiling area contains the warmest air.
Underfloor heating systems provide some of the most comfortable temperatures for homes. Warm air is distributed more uniformly through the combination of radiant and convection heat, and the warmest air remains at the lower level of the room, where it is most needed. The whole floor area becomes the heat emitter, and all areas of the room receive the same amount of warmth. Individual thermostats for each room allow you to regulate the temperature of every area of your home. You can decide to keep a particular room at a warmer or cooler temperature than other rooms in your house, giving you more control over your energy usage, and saving both energy and your money.
Underfloor heating typically costs 20-25% less to operate than conventional radiator heating systems because they operate at lower temperatures. Homeowners with larger homes can realise savings up to 40%. The fuel efficiency saves you money and also protects the environment because you use less fuel.
You will have fewer limitations for furniture arrangement with underfloor heating. Not only do radiators occupy valuable space, but items cannot be placed in close proximity to them. With underfloor heating, you can plan on using the entire room for furniture and other objects. Fewer maintenance issues are a welcomed benefit for homeowners since this translates into less money spent. Underfloor heating promotes faster drying of floors in bathrooms and kitchens that often get wet from everyday use.
Underfloor heating is suitable for timber suspended and concrete floors. You will have your choice of numerous floor finishes with your underfloor heating, including lino, carpet, laminate, stone, and hardwood.
Related Posts