Underfloor Heating

Underfloor heating offers many distinct advantages over conventional systems in both its effect and efficiency. The concept of floor heating is based on circulating warm water through special pipes which are installed within the floor which effectively turns it in to a large radiator. The result is a fully controllable and even heat throughout the living or working areas which is warm, comfortable, fully controllable and free from cold spots.

The system is extremely energy efficient, requires very little maintenance, provides a healthier environment and allows greater freedom for interior design due to the absence of radiators.

Floor heating is ideally suited for use with high efficiency condensing boilers, combi-boilers, solar panels, heat pumps and solid fuel boilers. It will run off warm water from virtually any source providing a temperature from 35°C-90°C.

A Healthy Environment

Unlike conventional systems, Underfloor heating does not create air circulation which can carry dust particles around the living and working areas. The lower temperature also raises the relative humidity to approximately 12% (higher than a radiator system) giving a much healthier environment. Indeed, many asthma and allergy sufferers have given testimonials to its positive effects.

Why People Choose Underfloor Heating

Underfloor heating provides the warmth to a room from the floor up, rather than heating the ceiling space first. It also uses lower temperature water because the larger heating surface does not need to emit as much heat per square metre as a radiator. This means the boiler consumes less fuel, which in turn means lower running costs and less environmental damage.

The heat produced by Underfloor heating systems is different from radiators too. Underfloor heating emits a far greater proportion of its heat as radiant rather than convected heat.

The heat produced by Underfloor heating systems is different from radiators too:

For the same comfort level the room air temperature can be 2°C lower because radiant heat warms the surfaces rather than the air around the surfaces. This means you feel more comfortable. The lower temperature means less fuel is consumed, and the system is more economical, saving more money every year.

Underfloor heating systems are also completely hidden except for the room thermostat. You have no radiators to decorate or arrange your furniture around, so it gives you design freedom. And it is the perfect solution for heating areas with high ceilings such as galleries and atriums.

It’s easy to see why 80% of Swiss new builds and 35% of German choose Underfloor heating.