Hidden Heating
Hundreds of years ago, the Romans built underfloor heating systems known as hypocausts that ran warm air under floors raised on columns. But it is only with the advent of modern pipes and controllers plus high-performance boilers that this method of heating buildings has really been recognised as an energy-efficient way of providing high levels of comfort.
Underfloor heating using electric cables or warmed water has many economic, aesthetic and health advantages. Because the whole floor gently warms the air above it, there are no cold spots. The even distribution of heat also reduces dust circulation, cutting allergy risks.
In hydronic systems, water temperature does not need to be as high as with radiators, so running costs are lower. The systems can be used with heat pumps as well as modern condensing boilers.
With water pipes or electric cables hidden away within concrete or timber suspended floors, there is much more space in a room and flexibility in the arrangement of furniture.
Staff at reputable underfloor heating companies have a wealth of knowledge which enables them to create a package that integrates with the customer’s chosen source of heat in the most efficient way. Systems can be tailored to take into account every aspect of the building that affects heat loss – such as building materials, wall thickness and the amount and type of glazing – as well as the heat source.
Underfloor heating can be installed during a new build or as a retro-fit package. Sophisticated thermostats are now available for maximum control of comfort levels.
Where to buy underfloor heating
- Rayotec Ltd - Unit 3, Brooklands Close, Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, TW16 7DX, 01932 78 48 48
- Solex Energy Ltd - Church Lane, Osmington, Dorset, DT3 6EW, 01305 837223
- BN Thermic Ltd - 34 Stephenson Way, Three Bridges, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 1TN, 01293 547361
- Loheat Ltd - Fordbrook Industrial Estate, Marlborough Road, Pewsey, Wiltshire, SN9 5NT, 1672 564 601
- Warmworld - 8 Hanham Business Park, Bristol, BS15 3JE, 0117 949 8800
- Hewer Facilities Management Ltd - Unit G1, The Aquarius Centre, Edison Close, Waterwells, Quedgeley, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL2 2FN, 01452 525854
- Terra Therma Ltd - Highway, Station Road, Tolleshunt D Arcy, Essex, CM9 8TH, 01621 862 633
- Hotfoot - Unit 58 Block E, Newtown Business & Enterprise Park, County Wicklow, +353 1 287 1172
- Underfloor Heating (UK) Ltd - Norris House, Elton Park Business Centre, Hadleigh Road,, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP2 0HU, 01473 276677
- Pipelife Ireland Limited - P.O. Box 29, White's Cross, Cork, County Cork, 00 353 21 4884 700
- Redring - Morley Way, Woodston, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE2 9JJ, 01733 456789
- Sheths Bathrooms - Sheths Buildings, Unit 2 & 3, Kent Street, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 1DE, 01254 679 432
Could you tell me which is better; wet or electric underfloor heating?
We are looking to install UFH in both our bathroom and kitchen. Both are relatively small floor spaces going to a maximum area of 4 metres squared and 6 metres squared respectively.
Many thanks
Jane
EM11
Wet is the best in terms of cost in use. However, electric systems are chepaer to install. A wet system can connect to an existing conventional central heating system but requires a by-pass arrangement to reduce the temperature to around 30C. This is done with a manifold, mixing valve and thermostic controls. Having only 2 rooms to serve will mean that even the smallest manifold will have spare connections on it. For retro-fit underfloor heating we have specified 35mm grooved extruded polystyrene slabs with foil heat dispersion layer with dry screed boards layed over such as Knauf Brio.
Dan
http://www.mcdonaldarchitects.co.uk