As winter sets in and the temperature drops, we’re all looking to stay warm and cosy. While heating systems can warm up an entire home, imagine having constantly warm floors that heat your home from the ground up, keeping your feet feeling toasty all day long. Underfloor heating can do exactly that.
What is Underfloor Heating?
Underfloor heating is heating that is installed under the floor’s surface in the form of heating cables and mats or water-filled pipes. The heating system can be installed under tiles, timber flooring, carpet and polished concrete.
Unlike traditional heaters that heat air and blow it into your home, underfloor heating gently warms the floor which then radiates throughout the home, providing consistent, comfortable heat.
While underfloor heating is traditionally installed in new builds or renovations, some systems have become available on the market enabling homeowners to install them retrospectively. These systems are installed by simply lifting the carpet and installing directly onto the underlay.
As with any type of heating system, there are advantages and disadvantages to underfloor heating.
Advantages
Energy efficiency – The radiant heat emitted from underfloor heating is more energy efficient than traditional heating as the area is heated more evenly and at a lower temperature.
Improved air quality – Underfloor heating warms the room gently without pumping warm air into the space, reducing the amount of dust and germs being blown around the area.
Visual Appeal – The only visual evidence of underfloor heating is the thermostat. There are no heating units in the wall or air vents in the floor or ceiling.
Low maintenance – Underfloor heating doesn’t require regular maintenance. Electric systems don’t require any servicing; water underfloor heating systems may require occasional review.
Disadvantages
Higher Upfront Costs – It can be more expensive to install underfloor heating compared to traditional heating units.
Complex Installation – Underfloor heating requires an installer with specific training and knowledge in completing underfloor heating installs.
Repairs – While unfloor heating is very reliable, if on the odd occasion it requires repair it’s not as easy to access compared to other heating systems.
Underfloor heating provides a luxurious, eco-friendly option when it comes to heating your home. To learn more about heating options for your home, contact the team at Lateral Building Design.
