Having underfloor heating in your home can have many advantages. If it is coupled with renewable energy resources it can deliver significant energy and carbon emission savings. This is especially in comparison to other forms of heat emitters. However, as with most other things, underfloor heating can also have it's disadvantages, and whether or not it is for you will completely depend on you and your choice of lifestyle.
What is underfloor heating?
The warm water from the boiler system is circulated through lengths of pipe embedded in the floor. Each room has its own circuit and all circuits are connected to a distribution manifold. With each room having its own circuit, the process behind temperature control is quite simple. A thermostat is fitted in the room and connected to an electrically operated valve on the circuit serving that room.
What are the advantages of underfloor heating?
One of the reasons why many people decide to have underfloor heating installed is so that they can have the flexibility and room space to decorate how they wish. Another positive attribute is that an underfloor heating system can be suited to almost any type of flooring.
A further advantage is that you will not hear any unusual noises coming from the room, unlike radiators that can sometimes make sounds when switched on or off. This is an additional comfort, as you will not have to worry about avoiding hot radiators and you will hardly notice the under floor's heatings presence.
A problem often associated with radiators is that they tend to dry out the air. This will not be the case with underfloor heating, and thus you will feel an overall benefit to your home as a whole. Furthermore, allergy and asthma suffers will also benefit from an underfloor heating system as it has a balance of convection and radiation which minimises disturbance.
What are the disadvantages?
Although known as a great energy and space-saver in the home, underfloor heating is not suitable for everyone, and it is important to be aware of some of it's drawbacks.
For instance, if you decide to do a complete installation, you will have to be prepared to turn your whole house upside down. In order to have proper insulation in the floors, you will have to be prepared for a complete rebuild.
One problem that most people have with underfloor heating is the fact that, it can take quite a bit of time to heat up. This is particularly the case if the pipe is embedded in a solid floor. Depending on what type of flooring you have, the waiting time could even be longer. For instance, with a wooden floor, you might be looking at a 30 minute waiting period for it to warm up. On the other hand, a concrete floor could potentially take hours. You will also have to be prepared for an equally lengthy cooling period. At the end of it, it all depends on your individual taste, and what you are willing to put up with for your comfort. - 30517
What is underfloor heating?
The warm water from the boiler system is circulated through lengths of pipe embedded in the floor. Each room has its own circuit and all circuits are connected to a distribution manifold. With each room having its own circuit, the process behind temperature control is quite simple. A thermostat is fitted in the room and connected to an electrically operated valve on the circuit serving that room.
What are the advantages of underfloor heating?
One of the reasons why many people decide to have underfloor heating installed is so that they can have the flexibility and room space to decorate how they wish. Another positive attribute is that an underfloor heating system can be suited to almost any type of flooring.
A further advantage is that you will not hear any unusual noises coming from the room, unlike radiators that can sometimes make sounds when switched on or off. This is an additional comfort, as you will not have to worry about avoiding hot radiators and you will hardly notice the under floor's heatings presence.
A problem often associated with radiators is that they tend to dry out the air. This will not be the case with underfloor heating, and thus you will feel an overall benefit to your home as a whole. Furthermore, allergy and asthma suffers will also benefit from an underfloor heating system as it has a balance of convection and radiation which minimises disturbance.
What are the disadvantages?
Although known as a great energy and space-saver in the home, underfloor heating is not suitable for everyone, and it is important to be aware of some of it's drawbacks.
For instance, if you decide to do a complete installation, you will have to be prepared to turn your whole house upside down. In order to have proper insulation in the floors, you will have to be prepared for a complete rebuild.
One problem that most people have with underfloor heating is the fact that, it can take quite a bit of time to heat up. This is particularly the case if the pipe is embedded in a solid floor. Depending on what type of flooring you have, the waiting time could even be longer. For instance, with a wooden floor, you might be looking at a 30 minute waiting period for it to warm up. On the other hand, a concrete floor could potentially take hours. You will also have to be prepared for an equally lengthy cooling period. At the end of it, it all depends on your individual taste, and what you are willing to put up with for your comfort. - 30517
About the Author:
Tal Potishman, editor of Heating Central, writes articles about central heating, plumbers, plumber London, underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping save money by advising on efficient heating.
