We all try to reduce our utility bills while keeping our house warm. Underfloor heating
is becoming one of the most popular hot air systems in terms of
alternatives to traditional fireplaces and radiators. However, how do
these systems really work and what are the possible advantages and
disadvantages to installing one?
Underfloor
heating is the type of central heating system that attains indoor
climate control using radiation, conduction, and convection. The words
radiant cooling and heating are commonly used for describing this
approach as radiation is responsible for a big part of the consequent
thermal comfort. However, this use is technically correct only when
radiation constitutes more than 50% of the heat exchange between the
space and the floor.
Basics of underfloor heating:
There
are essentially two kinds of underfloor heating systems –dry and wet.
Wet system pump hot water through pipes under the floor for creating
heat while dry systems make use of electric coils below the floor to
attain the warmth.
Electrical
underfloor systems make use of a series of wires for heating up the
floor. Wires lay on top of the insulation and work with many different
flooring types. However, they do not work under carpets. Installation of
electric systems is cheaper when compared to water systems.
The advantages:
One
of the things that most people like about underfloor systems is that
they are not visible. Unlike ugly radiators they do not take up any
space or affect where furniture can be placed as they are hidden under
the flooring itself. Since they spread under the entire room there are
no cold and warm spots far or close to the radiator.
Underfloor
heating systems also do well at low temperatures which decreases the
amount of electricity required to operate them. The heating systems work
in a more optimal manner than radiators.
The Problems:
There
are essentially two main issues with underfloor heating systems. First
is, they are very expensive to install, depending on the kind of
property you are planning to install them in and the way they have been
constructed. They are extremely popular among newly built properties as
the designing can be fused in the house but may not work for some older
property. Certain flooring types may also not work well with underfloor
heating.
The
other issue is that they need more time to heat a space than a
radiator, so a regulator to help you in organizing the system is
essential.
Whether water or electric based, underfloor heating systems
are certainly a popular way to heat your home. Several newly built
properties incorporate this system and houses undergoing renovation can
also consider the same. Some older properties can also consider getting
the system installed, bringing a lot of savings to the house owners and
decreasing the carbon footprint coming with it. The radiant heat that is
produced by the system decreases air circulation and humidity, which
means there is a lesser chance of allergens and dust mites in the air.
