An Overview of Electric Underfloor Heating Systems

Underfloor heating is considered a modernisedElectrical Systems
heating concept and is used throughout the world.Electric underfloor heating, also referred to as a
However underfloor heating is not a newdry system, uses electric cables or heating mats
phenomenon as the heating system has beento generate the same results as a warm water
around since the days of the Romans. It issystem. The system is cheaper in terms of
believed that in those days Romans constructedinstallation charges, and it also takes less time to
their buildings with voids, which enabled circulationinstall than the wet system. Electric underfloor
of warm air to flow under the floor and throughheating is ideal for installing into buildings that are
the walls. The air was heated by an outside openalready constructed.
fire and required several people to look after theAdvantages of Underfloor Heating
system. Since then times have changed, howeverThe foremost benefit is the comfort level
one aspect has remained constant and that is theextended. Unlike traditional heating system which
desire to be comfortable in all circumstances.works on heating a room from the top down,
The Case of Underfloor Heatingunderfloor heating emits heat from the floor
Today’s underfloor heating is a sophisticatedupwards, nor are there any cold spots in the
version of the Roman principle, and the system isroom.
not restricted to just domestic dwellings, as manyAnother key advantage of the system is the
businesses have implemented the heating systemsetup aesthetics. The heating structure is in the
into their commercial properties. One of the mainfloor and therefore maximises space in the room
reasons home and business owners have optedas furniture does not need to take into account
for underfloor heating is because of thethe location of any radiators.
environmental benefits – underfloor heating isThe heat control of the system is straight
an efficient way to heat a building. The heatingforward. Some underfloor heating systems are
system operates at lower temperatures andsensitive to the room and floor temperature and
consumes less energy, which means less CO2adjust automatically to any external changes. Or
emissions. The lower operating temperaturesmanual control is an option and individual rooms
maximises the efficiency of the heating pump,can be set at a temperature which is agreeable
and therefore the pump will last longer. Researchto all occupants.
has shown that energy saving is from 15% toUnderfloor heating does not create any extra
40% with underfloor heating.dust and helps to reduce dust mites, which is a
Underfloor heating can either be warm waterbenefit to people with lung problems, such as
based or electricity driven, depending upon theasthma.
precise requirements.Another joy of underfloor heating is the silence.
Warm Water BasedUnlike conventional heating systems there
Warm water underfloor heating, also referred toisn’t any annoying noises coming from the
as a wet system, uses a series of continuousmotor, or the radiators as they heat up.
pipes or tubes that are laid into the floor throughConclusion
which warm water circulates at about 50°C. TheUnderfloor heating has been around since the
entire setup can incur high installation charges,Roman’s time. The heating system fell out of
however due to the energy saving features, costvogue over the ages, but since the 1960’s in
reductions on heating are made in the long run.the UK underfloor heating has seen a revival as
Warm water underfloor heating offers completepeople began to understand the system and
flexibility in terms of pipe types, installationrealised the benefits the system would offer
specifics and control options.them.