Ultimate Guide to Underfloor Heating
What is Underfloor Heating?
Underfloor Heating transforms your floor into one large radiator by using a system of water-filled pipes, electric pads or wires laid under the surface. The contrasting types are referred to as a dry system (pads & wires) or a wet system (pipes). Underfloor heating (UFH) is increasingly popular in new build homes and homes undergoing renovation. It is both efficient and effective in heating a room. Plus, it is a luxurious feeling to have a warm floor under your feet. Pipes, coils or pads are placed onto underfloor heating pads onto your floor – these will heat the floor. Then they are covered with a self-levelling compound before your flooring is laid on top. Underfloor heating is best suited to tiles, concrete, stone and thinner wood floors, but can be used with carpet. Whilst conventional radiators function by heating the air around them through convection, UFH uses both convection and radiant heat to warm a large space. In using both, UFH provides a more consistent temperature whilst eliminating cold spots as the heat spreads across the whole space. This is more comfortable and can be more cost efficient, as you are not keeping radiators on longer to try and spread warmth.
What are the benefits of Underfloor Heating?
Make Your Home More Comfortable
As the name suggests, underfloor heating is designed to heat your rooms from the ground up. Sometimes, old radiators can struggle to heat a whole room and some areas will feel colder than others, even when the heating has been on for hours. However, underfloor heating cables will cover the entire floor area, enabling them to evenly distribute heat and eliminate cold spots. Not only will your home be much warmer in general, but you will also be able to comfortably walk around your home barefoot when you have underfloor heating.
Efficient Way to Heat Your Home
Due to the advancements in electric heating technology, underfloor heating systems are now considered to be one of the most cost-efficient ways to heat your home. This energy-efficient heating solution will help to reduce energy consumption thanks to the way it heats your home and it will retain heat for longer, so you might not need to have your heating on as high or as frequently. It's very straightforward to control your underfloor heating system with a programmable thermostat too, which can help to reduce energy wastage and running costs. Depending on the underfloor heating system you install, you may also be able to control the heating in each room individually. So, you can ensure that the rooms you use most are kept warm and you're not unnecessarily heating spaces you don't use. This will make a big difference to your energy bills in the long run.
Suitable for Every Interior Design
It's a common misconception that you can only install underfloor heating under solid wood flooring, yet this isn't the case. In addition to wood and tile flooring, you can also install this heating solution under modern flooring options like carpet, laminate and vinyl. No matter what your interior design may be like in your living room, kitchen or bathroom, you won't struggle to find an underfloor heating system that meets your needs. If you have a minimalist, contemporary style, then this type of heating is ideal as it will be completely hidden too.
Space-Saving Heating Solution
Once you have installed underfloor heating, it won't require any extensive maintenance and it will continue working efficiently for years to come. When compared to old central heating systems that need regular servicing and preventive maintenance, underfloor heating is much more convenient and it will cost you less to keep it in good condition. Take the ThermoSphere Heating Foil Kit, for example, this solution is backed by a comprehensive lifetime warranty and you can have peace of mind when installing it.
Minimal Ongoing Maintenance
Once you have installed underfloor heating, it won't require any extensive maintenance and it will continue working efficiently for years to come. When compared to old central heating systems that need regular servicing and preventive maintenance, underfloor heating is much more convenient and it will cost you less to keep it in good condition. Take the ThermoSphere Heating Foil Kit, for example, this solution is backed by a comprehensive lifetime warranty and you can have peace of mind when installing it.
Installing Underfloor Heating
It's fair to say that installing an underfloor heating system can be hugely beneficial and it's worth looking into this heating solution in more detail. Our team at Designer Radiator Showroom will be happy to answer any questions you have about underfloor heating and provide you with the additional information you may need. Our initial business, Croston Plumbing & Heating, can assist you with the installation of an underfloor heating system too, and you won't be disappointed with the level of service we provide from start to finish. If underfloor heating isn't for you and you would like to replace your old radiators with modern, efficient alternatives, we have a huge selection for you to choose from. All of our contemporary radiators are of the highest quality and they have been designed to not just look amazing, but to efficiently heat your home. You can browse a vast range of designer radiators on our website today to find the perfect solutions for every room in your home.
How much does it cost to install?
Expect to spend upwards of £120 per square metre for wet systems and from £50 per square metre for electric. Depending on the size of the space and the labour needed, expect to spend between £600-£8500. Costs will depend on the type of underfloor heating you select, and you should bear in mind that electric systems are far less expensive to install for areas up to 20 square metres. For electric underfloor heating, in a new-build you should expect to spend around £65 per square metre. For a renovation, this increases to around £75 per square metre. For wet underfloor heating, in a new-build you should expect to spend around £125 per square metre. For a renovation, this increases to around £160 per square metre. The overall cost for your underfloor heating installation will depend on a variety of factors, including the size and age of your property, how many rooms require UFH, the size of the spaces requiring UFH, any additional labour required and the UFH system you choose to be installed. Arrange a survey with us today and we will measure your floor space, discuss the different types of UFH system with you, discuss your needs and help you decide the best option for you. We will then quote for the entire process.
How much does it cost to run?
It would cost approximately £28-£35 per month to run underfloor heating on a 10m2 floor area for up to 4 hours per day. However, these underfloor heating running costs will vary depending on the size of your home, the floor space where the underfloor heating is, how well insulated the floor is, how often you have the system running, and your energy provider to name a few of the factors. Although there is a vast array of modern radiators on the market, from horizontal and column radiators to vertical radiators, many homeowners are now choosing to install electric underfloor heating systems. This alternative to traditional radiators offers several advantages and underfloor heating is a great way to heat your home. If you've been considering replacing your old central heating system with an underfloor heating system, keep reading today. Below we have explored some of the biggest benefits associated with heating your home with an underfloor solution.
How to measure for an underfloor heating mat for your home
To install an underfloor heating mat in a room, the example below for a kitchen should hopefully help you measure the room correctly: Measure the length and width of your kitchen. An example would be length 4.5m and width would be 4.25m. Then multiply your measurements to give you the total area. Following from the above example, 4.5 x 4.25 = 19.13m2 To ensure the underfloor heating mat fits correctly and that you are only going to heat the area you require, you now need to remove the total area of any kitchen units or other items which would be on top of the underfloor heating mat. Using the example above, a kitchen unit could be 0.6m wide and if the units were along 4.5m of wall in the kitchen, this would be 0.6m x 4.5m = 2.7m2. You should take this amount and subtract it from your total kitchen floor area. The total area which you need to cover is 19.13m2 – 2.7m2 = 16.43m2. The same principle applies for other rooms, like a bathroom. Calculate the total area of the room and subtract any bathroom furniture like your shower and bath, if you know the sizes. If you don't know the size of your bathroom units, we will help you estimate. Overall, installing UFH in your home maximises comfort and efficiency whilst potentially cutting costs in the long term. Croston Plumbing & Heating are installers of both wet and dry UFH systems and we work throughout the North West. Call us today to discuss installation and book a survey with us. on 01257 452 879 or email info@crostonplumbing.co.uk
