Underfloor Heating
There are two main types of underfloor heating, electric underfloor heating, which is sometimes known as a dry system, and water underfloor heating, which is also known as a wet system. Dry and wet underfloor heating systems are similar, both having their own pros and cons.
The main drawback of electric underfloor heating is the running cost. The cost of heating up an entire floor area with electric underfloor heating will be significantly more expensive than the running costs of wet underfloor heating.
The advantage of electric underfloor heating is the ease of installation; hence it is often used in smaller areas or DIY projects. Electric underfloor heating may seem like an economical option when you see the initial cost compared to wet underfloor heating but in the long run it will most likely end up costing you more. Investing in a quality wet underfloor heating system ensures longevity, efficiency, reliable performance, and low running costs.
While electric underfloor has an excellent heat output and a quick heating response time, it is critical to make sure that the heating output is controlled properly to avoid over-heating and potentially causing damage to floor coverings.
Wet Underfloor Heating
Wet underfloor heating is very efficient, it’s around 25% more efficient than radiators when paired with a modern condensing boiler and up to 40% more efficient when running from a heat pump. Unlike a gas or oil boiler, which heats water to between 65 and 85°C, a heat pump generates hot water at around 40°C.
Water underfloor heating can be coupled with renewable heating sources such as solar thermal and air source heat pumps, which works on lower flow temperatures than traditional heating methods.
You may not be aware that wet underfloor heating doesn’t have to be installed at the new build stage. Just like electric underfloor heating, it can also be installed during a renovation.
Other advantages for both electric and water underfloor heating include:
- Freedom of interior design – Because underfloor heating is completely hidden under the floor, interior designers have complete freedom to design the building without worrying about the placement of radiators and there is more freedom for the building to be decorated as there will be much more wall space for placing furniture against the walls and wall decorations.
- Health Benefits– This is a factor that is often overlooked when researching the different types of heating, the biggest health benefit of underfloor heating is a reduction of respiratory problems. Traditional convection heating from radiators moves warm air in a circular motion, capturing and redistributing dust particles. Whereas the radiant heat created by underfloor heating warms the room gently from the floor upwards, meaning that there is far less movement for the dust particles to get caught up in. Underfloor heating can also decrease the number of dust mites in your home by as much as 80% and it helps relieve pain for people suffering from arthritis.
- The most comfortable form of heating – Underfloor heating works by circulating warm water through a series of continuous loops that are fitted underneath your floor, creating a large radiant surface that heats your room from the floor upwards. This radiant form of heating is much more comfortable than the convected heat provided by radiators, which draws cold air across the floor, heating it and then convecting it upwards towards the ceiling.
- Safety – Radiators can cause safety issues, especially for young children, mainly because when radiators are operating at a high temperature, they can become scalding hot so there is a risk that a child or even a vulnerable adult could burn themselves by touching the radiator. Many care homes are making the switch to underfloor heating to protect residents with dementia. Some parts of a radiator can also be sharp, so there is also the risk of a person cutting themselves on one during a fall.
