Underfloor Heating System: An Introduction

For many households and budgets, underfloor heating might seem too luxurious, and it can be a scruffy, difficult thing to install. Yet there’s no doubt that it can be a valuable option to hot air heating systems or traditional radiators, particularly in rooms with conventionally cold floors made of tile or stone.

If the price is a consideration, it can also be unexpectedly affordable, specifically if you’re thinking of revamping. This guide will help you know everything about underfloor heating, including its advantage and downsides and how you can determine if it’s right for you.

What Is Underfloor Heating?

Underfloor heating employs the basic principle of waves of heat rising through the air.

There are two types of underfloor heating system on the market. Underfloor heating can be either a ‘dry’ system of electric coils placed under the floor which heat up when the system is turned on or ‘wet’ system that fills warm water through pipes under the floor.

The former uses electricity to heat a very thin wire, and the other one uses warm water which flows through the heating pipe.

The aptness of each system relies on your project and preference. The electric system might be ideal for small areas such as bathrooms and renovations, as it doesn’t elevate floor levels. Wet systems are suitable for larger areas or new-builds as they are fixed into the underlying sub-floor.

Electric Underfloor Heating Systems

Electric underfloor heating systems depend on a network of wires placed under the floor that heat up when turned on. Depending on the room size, you can choose for heating mats which cover up big areas, or separate wires which can enter every nook and cranny. Since they come in a uniform size, heating mats are generally a bit cheaper.

The wires generally rest on top of a layer of insulation. They can be installed under different floor types. The electric wires themselves are quite narrow, making them inexpensive and more comfortable to install than a water-based system. However, they are also somewhat costlier to run, making them better suitable to smaller areas.

Water Underfloor Heating Systems

Whereas, water underfloor heating systems are a network of pipes connected to your boiler that send hot water all around the room.

Since underfloor heating systems spread out heat more uniformly than radiators, they essentially handle water at a much lower heat than a radiator. This makes sure that your condensing boiler is more effective and streamlined.

The struggle with water-based systems is centred around the installation, and usually the associated underfloor heating costs are higher in the beginning for this reason. It is always recommended to get your system installed by a professional, and not yourself.

Underfloor heating cost depends completely on what system you choose and whether you fit it into a new-build (or install when renovating an existing floor) or not.

There should be enough space in the floor or the ground need to be slightly elevated for installing the system because the pipes are thicker than wires. This means that while they are a brilliant solution for new buildings, they can be quite challenging to fix on some properties.

As a result, installing a water-based system is not stress-free and, not like electric systems, shouldn’t be fitted without professional assistance. However, water systems can be used along with a heat pump to lower your home energy bills further.

How to Install Underfloor Heating Systems?

The type of system you install will be dependent on the type of floor you have, with different types available for different surfaces.

When it comes to electric underfloor heating systems, it can generally be installed yourself, helping to cut down the overall cost.

Whereas water-based system is recommended to get installed by hiring a professional because installation needs arranging the pipes, connecting them to the boiler system and probably even raising the floor.

Underfloor Heating System: Its Working

Underfloor heating works by devising an ultra-thin heating wire fitted under the floor level. The wire heats up when the system is on, heating the floor surface and providing radiant heat which is evenly distributed and warms the room from the ground up.

Through radiant heat, you can experience the warmth and comfort sooner, and at a lower temperature. There is least air flow which helps in maintaining the temperature at a comfortable level, and even, everywhere in the room.

Underfloor Heating System: Its Pros and Cons

As is the case with everything in this world, the UFH system has several advantages and drawbacks that have to be taken into consideration when deciding to choose it or not.

Advantages of Underfloor Heating System include—

• Comfort
• Increased Heat Efficiency
• Better Home Value
• Easy to Install and Maintain

Drawbacks of Underfloor Heating System include—

• Quite Costly
• Takes Time to Heat
• Restricts Room Layout
• Water-based System Demands Professional Installation

Is Underfloor Heating System Right for You?

It’s essential not to be under the misconception that underfloor heating is a money saver.

The key attraction of underfloor heating is comfort and cosiness. The way both types- electric and water-based system heats a room will not only make your feet warm, but the heat generated will be more uniformly distributed and constant.

For instance, if you have a stone floor covering with underfloor heating fixed, the heat will be maintained, even if you have opened the window.

It also gives an immaculate, minimal and stylish look. A bathroom having underfloor heating will have no additional mess produced by bulky radiators, and the overall value of the home will be advanced through adding it.

There are a few things to consider when looking for an underfloor heating system—

Material- Whether you are looking for an electric or water-based system, focus on the materials, the underfloor heating wire or pipe has been built using.

Support- Although it is doubtful that you will undergo difficulties with your system after it has been installed to the floor, you should examine that support is accessible if required.

Warranties- Despite the fact, underfloor heating is well-known for its reliability once the system has been fitted, it is vital to ensure your system is protected with suitable warranties and guarantees.

Make sure to choose the underfloor heating system depending on the size of your bathroom or room, and the one that will not only help you stay warm but also provides excellent energy efficiency, reduces running costs and benefits in cutting down the heating bills.

Choosing the Right Underfloor Heating System Supplier

Eventually, the success and efficiency of an underfloor heating system rely on the design and quality. Choosing a provider who supplies an excellent design service and aftercare is vital. A professional underfloor heating company like My Bubble Bath is the place to buy an underfloor heating system at the best possible price.

If you have chosen the poorly built heating system, you will probably not know it until you have lived in the house for a whole heating season— and by that time it might be too late.

The ideal space saver, underfloor heating is turning out to be a progressively more popular option for bathroom heating. Having the focal heat source at the minimal point in the room is very cost-effective as heat rises, offering you the pleasure and comfort of stepping onto a lovely cosy floor after a bath or shower in chilling winter mornings.