As homeowners increasingly demand energy solutions that will help them save money on gas and electric bills, reduce CO2 emissions and boost convenience, underfloor heating is rising in popularity. As a cost-effective, attractive and practical alternative to bulky radiators, underfloor heating has demonstrated that we do not need to sacrifice aesthetics for functionality. Here are some of the benefits of the system.
What is underfloor heating?
As the name suggests, underfloor heating produces heat from the floor – removing the need for cumbersome radiators. The two main types are ‘dry’ and wet’. Dry underfloor heating operates independently from central heating, and uses electricity generated from a series of coils, while wet underfloor heating is connected to the central heating, and pumps hot water through pipes. The concept of each system is that hot air rises, and so by generating thermal energy from the ground up, the distribution of heat will be more efficient.
Underfloor heating makes it easier to furnish your house
Keeping people as cosy as possible in your home means that your sofas, beds and dining table need to be in the best spots to maximise the warmth they get. This can often result in homeowners sacrificing their ideal aesthetic – for example, if the furniture needs to be grouped close to the room’s only radiator. Underfloor heating removes this dilemma, dispersing heat evenly throughout the room, and ensuring there are no cold spots. This can be a great addition to any house extension you are planning.
Underfloor heating can boost your home’s thermal efficiency
By creating an even distribution of heat, underfloor heating removes many of the issues associated with radiators – e.g. the time they take to heat the entire house, and the speed with which they cool down. As the system is placed in the floor (which is typically insulated), the coils or pipes retain the heat for longer, meaning your home requires less energy to keep it warm. To fully optimise the effects of your underfloor heating, it’s a good idea to ensure that all areas of your home are energy-efficient. For example, you should invest in roof or cavity-wall insulation, smart-home technology and an efficient, condensing boiler.
Underfloor heating is low maintenance
The best thing about both wet and dry underfloor-heating systems is that, once they’re installed, they are practically maintenance-free. They don’t require any cleaning, and any issues can be easily repaired above ground by a professional. One thing to remember is that your boiler and heating system needs to meet British Standards, so be sure to use a trusted, reliable and fully qualified technician to carry out the work.
If you want to install underfloor heating in your home in London or the South East, contact us at MD Bespoke Solutions today. Our team of Gas Safe-registered heating technicians are expertly trained to find you the ideal solution.