What is underfloor heating?
Underfloor heating is simply a way of heating a building under the floor. It's a system that is 'as old as the hills', after all the Greeks and Romans used a form of underfloor heating. Today with modern underfloor heating systems, warm water circulates under the flooring through plastic pipes.
To have an efficient underfloor heating system you need an efficient and modern boiler and a condensing combi boiler is the best choice if you have underfloor heating.
The benefits of underfloor heating
One of the main benefits is that is it aesthetically pleasing as the heating system is hidden away, no ugly pipes and radiators to contend with. Even with modern slimline radiators, which aren't as much of an eyesore as the big bulky radiators, you can still notice them in a room.
Underfloor heating distributes heat evenly, rather than in one place, as the piping underneath the floor is laid in loops. It can also be 'doubled up' where you want more heating, such as by patio doors, and left where you don't need it, such as by cupboards.
An underfloor heating system runs at a lower temperature for longer so it is a cost-effective form of heating, and it is super efficient as you can control it hour by hour if necessary. Some smart thermostats can control underfloor heating by half a degree! Thinking of your heating system in zones allows you to control the heating throughout the day where you need it the most.
If you are prone to allergies an underfloor heating system is a good choice, as a hard floor is the best floor for conductivity. A hard floor is easier to keep clean than a carpet, with no dust mites or hair and dirt that can become ingrained in a carpet.
Are there any downsides to underfloor heating?
There are two main downsides to underfloor heating - responsiveness and cost.
Underfloor heating takes time to heat a room from cold and takes longer to cool a room down than using radiators. This is when a smart thermostat is useful in conjunction with underfloor heating, to keep a room at a constant maintenance temperature, and then it will heat quickly when needed.
The cost of installing underfloor heating can be from under £300 for a small room, so there is a significant initial outlay, however over time savings can be made on your heating costs due to the efficient nature of this heating system. You may also need to budget for a contractor to fit the system if you are not doing it yourself.
To read more about the benefits of underfloor heating vs radiator heating check out this guide by Underfloor Heating Trade Supplies.
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On a freezing cold winter morning I can't think of anything better than this haha!
ReplyDeleteMe too!
DeleteI absolutely love underfloor heating, it makes such a difference. When we were on holiday last year our cottage had it and the kids just wanted to laze on the floor and watch movies! Mich x
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure about getting rid of radiators for one big reason - drying clothes! We use a clothes rack normally but it's good to have that option for drying especially in the winter.
ReplyDeleteI have a heated airer that you can use, like a giant radiator and it's brilliant for drying clothes.
DeleteI don't have underfloor heating. I was thinking of getting it as it looks a very good idea
ReplyDeleteMy Dad has underfloor heating and I absolutely love it. It is definitely something I'd look into when I have my own home.
ReplyDeleteC x
I think it makes a home really cosy and can be cost effective going onwards too.
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