Underfloor Heating Trends
We are lucky to have mild winters in comparison to colder parts of the world. However, the chillier snaps may have you piling blankets on to try to keep warm. Underfloor heating has been around for a few decades but rising electricity prices have kept many away from investing in it as a home or viable business heating system.
In this article, we discover the best underfloor heating options for you. Underfloor heating is low maintenance suitable for any type of floor.
Wet and Dry
Hydronic underfloor heating (wet) uses water to heat the floors. With water heating, a series of pipes beneath the floorboards or tiles are connected to your water heater (geyser) which then circulates warm water throughout the structure. Developments in hydronic underfloor heating systems offer an alternative to electrical systems. The hot water alternative will keep your entire home warm at a reduced long-term cost.
Electric underfloor heating (dry) uses a large system of wires placed under the floor in the room you wish to heat. Some people opt for heating mats that can be laid to cover a large portion of the room, whereas others go with a system of individual wires that can reach all parts of a room. The heating mats tend to be a bit more affordable as they can be mass-produced in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Long-term Savings or Not?
The initial cost of installing hydronic underfloor heating is higher than its electrical counterpart. However, in the long run, it is cheaper and more efficient to run than other heat sources. Hydronic heating systems also have an extremely long lifespan and require little maintenance once installed correctly. The system should last a minimum of 50 years.
Electrical underfloor heating, on the other hand, is generally more costly to run than hydronic underfloor heating. It may be wise to restrict it to smaller living areas.
Efficient Heating
As a radiant heating source, underfloor heating is able to evenly heat entire rooms from the ground up. That means there are no cold spots and the room can easily be kept at a constant, comfortable temperature. Different heat sources are available to suit your needs and preferences. Heat pumps, boiler pellets and solar heating are the most popular. Installing a buffer tank to store heated water for when it is needed can prolong your heat pump’s lifespan.
Electric underfloor heating is a lot easier to install compared to the pipes required for hydronic systems. It is not expensive to install and can most probably be done by you.
Think Big
To make it a cost-effective investment, hydronic heating is best suited to spaces that are bigger than 100m². Therefore, it is best to have water underfloor heating installed across your entire home or as an integrated part of your home’s water heating system. Single rooms such as bathrooms are best suited for electric underfloor heating as it will most likely only be used during the winter months.
Ready for underfloor heating? Find a specialist here on HOMEMAKERS.
