The Benefits Of Under Floor Heating

Under floor heating is generally conceptualized as an innovation even though it has been in existence for centuries in diverse parts of the world. As the name implies, Under floor heating system is one in which buildings are constructed with the heating system under the floor. It suits all type of building whether commercial or residential, and can easily be linked to a central heating system.

The benefits of using this system are enormous and include:

    ·  A harmonized system of heat distribution: This can provide a more comfortable environment to live in, where the feet are warm and the heads are cool; and the rooms are free from intense heat or cold as found in other forms of heating systems.

    · Energy Efficiency: When properly installed, the system provides efficiency of energy whereby the room temperature can be regulated at 2 - 3 degrees lower than a radiator heated room. Various research results indicates that when lower compartments of the room are warm and the upper compartments  are cool, there exist a general reduction in room temperature. This can save up to 15 - 60% of the total bill accruing from the use of fuel.

    · Improved quality of indoor air: Under floor heating system greatly reduces the circulation of dust, and increases relative humidity by approximately 20%, and consequently provides a more comfortable environment for those that suffer frequent asthmatic attacks often triggered by dust.

    · Creative Interior Decor: The absence of ugly radiators and piles in an under floor heating system makes room for a more creative interior decoration of the buildings. This benefit is unprecedented when compared to buildings that use other forms of heating systems.

   · Cost effective and easy to install: The under floor heating system is very cost effective and easy to set up and can either be undertaken by DIY project or by expert.

   · Compatibility benefits: This type of heating system is well compatible with different green power efficient heat sources such as heat pumps, solar panels, and condensing boilers.

The under floor heating system is suitable for any kind of floor. However, different floor types have different conditions to meet and these conditions must be kept in mind when installing the system. For example with wood finished floor like laminate hard-wood, or chipboard an optimal depth of 22mm must be used. For a carpet covering floor, the maximum carpet thickness should not exceed 12mm. the stone or tile finished floors such as ceramics, quarry or flagstones such Athena stone tiles ensure maximum heat output.

The two major under floor heating systems one could choose from are the wet and the dry systems. The wet systems circulate hot water via a series of pipe loops below the floor while the dry system conducts heat energy through electrical installations under the floor.