Underfloor Heating... A New Technology?
Many suppliers and installers will have you believe that underfloor heating is a relatively new technology... They couldn't be further from the truth!
The Romans were using underfloor heating THOUSANDS of years ago, to run hot air under their floors, and centrally heat their buildings. Although using different methods, the principle was the same. They used a labyrinth of small ducts to run the hot air from a central furnace, and distribute heat throughout the building. The hot floors generated a warm air convection, heating up the main living space.
Modern Underfloor Heating Systems
Modern underfloor heating systems use either hot water (wet systems) or electric heating units (dry systems). Wet underfloor heating systems, normally installed by trained plumbers use pipes that are buried in screed or run underneath the floor surface. The water running in the pipes are a transferring medium of heat from a central boiler into the floor and onto the living space of the room.
Distributing Heat Evenly Through Underfloor Heating Systems
Keeping the floor warm ensures even distribution of heat across the entire space of the room. Furthermore, hot feet and cooler air at face height is much more comfortable for the body, and also more efficient, than radiated heat from a concentrated point, such as a radiator within a room.
The Efficiency of Modern Underfloor Heating Systems
Over the last few decades, traditional radiators have been specified and installed which run at high temperatures or 80c or over. In contrast, underfloor heating systems, which many modern plumbers install these days, run a much reduced energy requirement, thus saving on heating bills and CO2 emissions. An underfloor heating system uses water at a temperature of 45-65c, which in turn warms the floor to a temperature of 25-28c. This temperature creates a warm and very comfortable surface to walk on and still heats the room to an evenly distributed temperature.
Cost Savings of Underfloor Heating Systems
Underfloor heating systems are incredibly cost effective. When installed by a qualified / competent installer, a good system can result a saving of 15-40% on your heating bills when compared to a traditional radiators system. This is also important to the growing concern about the impact of heating on global warming, as the underfloor heating systems have far reduced CO2 emissions, thus reducing the impact on the environment. Furthermore, underfloor heating systems work very well with ground source heat pumps and solar thermal panels, which further improves their eco-credits and reduce running costs.
