Homes in colder regions normally have some kind of heating system to ensure they are kept warm and comfortable during the chilly winter months. There are various kinds of heating systems today and each has its own advantages.
One system that has become very popular among many homes particularly in the U.K. today is the underfloor heating type. The reasons go beyond just the high comfort level achieved through this appliance. Other factors that make it appealing to homeowners are its low running cost, benefits to the environment and the fact that it’s a space saver.
Comfort
The underfloor heating is considered the most comfortable system due to the fact that it’s primarily radiant. By radiant, it means that the energy emitting from the floor is absorbed by the surrounding surfaces thereby providing even temperature throughout the room.
Environment friendly
When used together with the right flooring materials, this type of heating can provide quality indoor air. Tiles, slate, terrazzo and concrete would be ideal because they have low volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions.
Space saver
This system saves as much as 15 percent of usable space in any room. Since everything is located beneath the floor, there’s no physical structure involved that can be seen and thus, more space for your home.
Low cost
Initially, the installation of this heating system can be expensive compared to the other types of central heating, homeowners can still enjoy savings moving onwards. This is because this type is cheaper to run so any homeowner has an opportunity to recover the cost as times moves on.
How it works
Radiators are usually convective forms of heating. They work by using the air in a room as the transmitter of energy to spread heat in the entire room. From the surface of the floor, the hot air produced by the underfloor system moves around going up. The hottest air then stays on the ceiling level.
Basically, there are two types – the dry and wet. The dry one uses electricity while the wet one uses fluid (water) flowing in pipes. The one that uses water is referred to as a hydronic system. The electrical type, on the other hand, can be used only for heating purposes.
For the hydronic type, water is the main transporter of heat in this type of system. It usually has to be at a temperature of 40 and 60 degrees Celsius in order to reach the desired floor temperature.
A common way to install both types is by casting them in a concrete floor slab. The electric system can be installed under the floor covering or it can be attached directly to a sub floor made of wood.
History
Underfloor heating is not a modern technology as what some people believe. It was originally used by the Romans thousands of years ago as a way to heat their bath houses and villas. As countries in Europe have cold climates, the Romans made sure they were kept warm upon arrival in their homes after long days of travel.
Photo via rehauhome.com
About the author:
Tom is a blogger who specializes in home improvement. He likes the idea of underfloor heating in homes due to its great benefits. Visit UFH1 for more information.
Originally posted on October 15, 2012 @ 1:52 pm
