Pros and Cons of Underfloor Heating

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.