Underfloor Heating

Overview

• Description: Water-based underfloor heating systems, also known as hydronic systems, use pipes embedded in the floor to circulate warm water. This system is connected to a heat source, such as a boiler or heat pump, which heats the water and distributes it throughout the floor. The heat radiates evenly from the floor, providing comfortable and efficient heating.
• Advantages: Provides consistent heat distribution, energy-efficient, compatible with various heat sources, suitable for large areas, and can be used with different floor coverings.
• Considerations: Requires careful installation during the construction phase, higher installation costs compared to electric systems, and longer response times.

• Description: Electric underfloor heating systems use electric cables or heating mats installed beneath the floor surface. These systems are connected to the electrical supply and controlled by thermostats. When electricity passes through the heating element, it generates heat that radiates from the floor surface.
• Advantages: Easy installation, suitable for smaller areas or specific zones, responsive heating, individual room control, and can be used with various floor coverings.
• Considerations: Higher running costs compared to water-based systems, limited suitability for whole-house heating, and may require dedicated electrical circuits.

• Description: Retrofit underfloor heating systems are designed for installation in existing buildings without major floor modifications. These systems typically involve laying heating mats or thin heating elements on top of the existing floor and covering them with a new floor finish.
• Advantages: Suitable for renovation projects, minimal disruption to existing structures, quick and straightforward installation, and energy-efficient heating.
• Considerations: Thickness of the added floor finish, limited options for retrofitting in certain spaces, and may not provide the same level of performance as systems installed during the construction phase.