There are two main types of underfloor heating, electric underfloor heating, which is sometimes known as a dry system, and water underfloor heating, which is also known as a wet system. Dry and wet underfloor heating systems are similar, both having their own pros and cons.
The main
drawback of electric underfloor heating is the running cost. The cost of
heating up an entire floor area with electric underfloor heating will be
significantly more expensive than the running costs of wet underfloor heating.
The
advantage of electric underfloor heating is the ease of installation; hence it
is often used in smaller areas or DIY projects. Electric underfloor heating may
seem like an economical option when you see the initial cost compared to wet
underfloor heating but in the long run it will most likely end up costing you
more. Investing in a quality wet underfloor heating system ensures longevity,
efficiency, reliable performance, and low running costs.
While
electric underfloor has an excellent heat output and a quick heating response
time, it is critical to make sure that the heating output is controlled
properly to avoid over-heating and potentially causing damage to floor
coverings.
ADVANTAGES OF WET UNDERFLOOR HEATING
Wetunderfloor heating is very efficient, it’s around 25% more efficient than
radiators when paired with a modern condensing boiler and up to 40% more
efficient when running from a heat pump. Unlike a gas or oil boiler, which
heats water to between 65 and 85°C, a heat pump generates hot water at around
40°C.
Water
underfloor heating can be coupled with renewable heating sources such as solar
thermal and air source heat pumps, which works on lower flow temperatures than
traditional heating methods.
You may
not be aware that wet underfloor heating doesn’t have to be installed at the
new build stage. Just like electric underfloor heating, it can also be
installed during a renovation.
Other
advantages for both electric and water underfloor heating include:
- Freedom of interior design – Because underfloor heating is completely hidden under the floor, interior designers have
complete freedom to design the building without worrying about the
placement of radiators and there is more freedom for the building to be
decorated as there will be much more wall space for placing furniture
against the walls and wall decorations.
- Health Benefits– This is a factor that is
often overlooked when researching the different types of heating, the
biggest health benefit of underfloor heating is a reduction of respiratory
problems. Traditional convection heating from radiators moves warm air in
a circular motion, capturing and redistributing dust particles. Whereas
the radiant heat created by underfloor heating warms the room gently from
the floor upwards, meaning that there is far less movement for the dust
particles to get caught up in. Underfloor heating can also decrease the
number of dust mites in your home by as much as 80% and it helps relieve
pain for people suffering from arthritis.
- The most comfortable form
of heating –
Underfloor heating works by circulating warm water through a series of
continuous loops that are fitted underneath your floor, creating a large
radiant surface that heats your room from the floor upwards. This radiant
form of heating is much more comfortable than the convected heat provided
by radiators, which draws cold air across the floor, heating it and then convecting
it upwards towards the ceiling.
- Safety – Radiators can
cause safety issues, especially for young children, mainly because when
radiators are operating at a high temperature, they can become scalding
hot so there is a risk that a child or even a vulnerable adult could burn
themselves by touching the radiator. Many care homes are making the switch
to underfloor heating to protect residents with dementia. Some parts of a
radiator can also be sharp, so there is also the risk of a person cutting
themselves on one during a fall.
Comments
Post a Comment