Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating works by pumping a controlled flow of warm water from any heat source through plastic tubing embedded in the floor. Because the emitting area is large, sufficient warmth is provided even on a cold winter day with no need for supplementary heating.
Underfloor Heating requires only low temperature hot water and is ideal for use with modern condensing boilers. With Underfloor Heating, comfort levels are high and running costs are low.
Underfloor heating is far from a new concept, it was first used by the Romans whose dwellings were constructed with voids through which air, warmed by an open fire, would pass, thus heating the structure.
Underfloor heating is not a new concept in this country either. In the past electric heating elements were buried within floor screeds. These were heated over night using ‘cheap rate’ electricity. However, this method was expensive to run and uncontrollable and the building would over heat during the day but in the evening, when heat is generally required, no further heat was available.
Utilising today’s modern multilayer pipes, control systems and high efficiency boilers, the underfloor heating systems of today are extremely comfortable and controllable. Radiators are no longer needed so giving more room space. The heat is more evenly distributed and dust is not circulated.
Underfloor heating from the whole floor area of the house gently warms the air above, eliminating cold spots. The warm air convects from the floor surface losing approximately 2 degrees centigrade at 2.0 meters above the floor, which makes the system ideal for all ceiling heights.
Independent tests reveal that the most acceptable indoor climate is one in which the floor temperature ranges between 19-29°C and the air temperature at head level ranges between 20 and 24°C. With radiator or convector heating systems a vertical temperature gradient is produced; colder at foot level than at the head.
Underfloor heating has made it possible to reduce energy consumption by using low water temperatures. These systems, based on the development of complex and very high quality plastic pipe, such as the multilayer pipe, now account for over 60% of some European heating markets.
- Space & Economics – Every square metre of your home can be fully utilised and the cost for our system is very similar to a radiator system.
- Hygiene – No dust and the underfloor heating will help to reduce house dust mites which is a benefit to asthma sufferers. Moisture content is too low, to support dust mites.
- Aesthetics & Labour Saving – You can design your home to suit your needs rather than that of your heating engineer. Cleaning of the floors is easier and wet floors dry very quickly. Prevents discolouration of paintwork, peeling of paper etc.
- Silence & Comfort – Radiant heat will provide the highest comfort levels at an even temperature throughout. Compared to radiator systems, there is no noise. No annoying ticking as pipes expand in floor voids.
- Cost effective – It has been proven that energy saving from 15-40% can be achieved with underfloor heating.
- Ease of control – Small temperature between the floor surface and the air above means the system is practically self regulating.