Installing underfloor heating is becoming an increasingly popular way to heat your home. You might be surprised to know that underfloor heating dates back as far as 5,000 BC, so it’s definitely a tried and tested way to heat your home.
Of course, modern technology means current underfloor heating systems are much more effective than a thousand years ago. But when underfloor heating became popular in the 1980s, it was seen as a super-expensive luxury for the mega-wealthy, with most people saying it wasn’t worth the money. Luckily, times have changed, and underfloor heating is available to everyone.
So, if you’re not sure if it’s the best system for you, here are some things you need to know before you commit.
Even heat distribution
Underfloor heating pipes are evenly spaced out across the entire surface area, making heat distribution even across your entire home. There’s no longer a need to huddle around a radiator that heats the air next to it first. In addition, since heat rises, you’ll get an even distribution throughout a room without hot spots.
Easy to run
Unlike leaky radiators that need cleaning or electrical heaters that need servicing frequently, underfloor heating is easy to use daily. Most systems come with timer and thermostat controls, so you set it up and then carry on with your life. Most designs also come with guaranteed maintenance for several years, so you don’t have to worry about things going wrong.
Energy efficient
Most people assume that underfloor heating isn’t good for the environment. Underfloor heating systems require a lower water flow temperature than a standard radiator system making them more energy efficient. You can heat a room effectively using less heat energy and save the environment and your energy bill.
Design friendly
Underfloor heating is also fantastic if you don’t want to factor large, bulky, and often ugly radiators into your interior design. Underfloor heating frees up floor and wall space so you can live in a beautiful space that isn’t broken up by a traditional radiator.
Other things to consider before committing to underfloor heating
Of course, nothing is perfect, so before you jump in and get your system all set up, here are two things to consider:
- Cost
- Installation time
- Floor height
Underfloor heating systems have a slightly higher set-up cost than more traditional systems. You will need to make sure you can afford the bill upfront. Of course, with a lower energy bill, you’ll quickly get this money back over time.
The system also takes longer to install than radiators and standard heating pipes. If you are building or renovating, you’ll need to allow additional time to get all set up. This isn’t something you want to rush!
Finally, if you are renovating or adding underfloor heating to an existing space, you should be aware of the floor height complication. By adding to your floors, you either need to dig down or build up. Since digging down is usually impossible, people build up. This means that any doors, steps, skirting boards or door frames may be too low. You may be to shave a small amount off the bottom of your door and adjust the dimension of other elements of the room to meet the new door height.
To discuss underfloor heating in more detail and see if it’s an option for our home, don’t hesitate to contact us.