17 March 2011 ~ Comments Off

Three Types of Underfloor Heating compared

Compared to the traditional system of using radiators to heat your home, underfloor heating is now considered to be more cost effective and energy efficient. There are three types of under floor heating systems available, all of which are easy to install in any home.

Electric Under Floor Heating

This method consists of laying electric cables or mats beneath the floor surface which are evenly distributed across the room. Electric current is then passed through the cables warming the floor surface. As the floor area heats up the warm air rises up into the room creating a comfortable level of heat into the atmosphere.

Forced Air Under Floor Heating

This method was of course introduced by the Romans thousands of years ago. A series of ducts are installed beneath the floor surface and are then connected to a boiler. The air is heated and forced through the ducts and out through strategically placed vents which point upwards into the room.

This method delivers the heat quickly, but tends to be less energy efficient.

Hydro Under Floor Heating

Metal water pipes are installed beneath the floor and are connected to a boiler. As the water is heated it passes through the pipes gradually heating the floor surface.

All three methods of under floor heating are suitable for installing in most homes, but a consultation with a specialist will help you to decide which system will be the most economical for your purpose.

There are many advantages to be had from any of these under floor heating systems. The warm air emanating from the floor means that the whole room is being heated from the bottom upwards, rather than heat being circulated from the ceiling down. This means less energy is needed resulting in lower overall costs.

Many new homes are now having under floor heating installed as opposed to the standard radiator system. This doesn’t mean that this form of heating cannot be successfully introduced into an established building. In many cases it is an easy process which can be carried out quickly with little disruption.

Heating your home via an unseen heat source enables you to place your furniture in any part of a room without having to consider whether you’re blocking out valuable heat radiation. Your décor and layout does not have to be determined by unsightly wall hanging radiators.

The cost of heating one’s home is always an important issue. Under floor heating is certainly more cost effective due to the fact that it can provide sufficient heat at a lower temperature. Some types of heating are more cost effective than others, so it’s worth learning about all three methods before making your final decision.

Insulation in your home is another important factor. Whatever type of heating system you employ using the proper insulation will help to ensure that you’re getting the very best out of your installation.

The three types of under floor heating explained above show that this system of keeping your home warm throughout the winter months is without doubt worthy of careful consideration.

 

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