Underfloor heating
What you need to know.
Underfloor heating is a luxurious and space saving way to provide comfortable heat in just one room or the whole house. There’s a few ways to enjoy cosy, warm floors during cold winter mornings.
Wet systems are much more economical and can easily connect a radiator too.
Dry systems are easy and cheap to install but expensive to run.
"Wet" Systems
Wet refers to systems where hot water is circulated through pipes under the floor, these are usually heated by a boiler, but can also be used with heat pumps.
This type is costly to fit, but much cheaper than electric to use. It can be used as a main heat source if over 80% of a room is covered, and rooms are insulated well.
As fitting or repair can be disruptive, usually this is best fitted as part of a renovation or new build. To lessen the risk of repairs, look for tubing that has a long guarantee.
"Dry" Systems
Dry refers to electric systems that run off the mains. These tend to be cheaper and easier to install. They are much thinner so take up less space underfloor. Although cheaper, electric systems are expensive to run, and are a better option for occasional use in smaller rooms such as bathrooms.
Pros and cons of "wet" underfloor heating
Pros:
Energy efficient.
The pipes evenly spread heat across the room - needing only to to be heated at around 40°C, compared to radiators which usually operate above 70°C.
Saves space.
Used either as the main heating source or as a boost to existing heating, underfloor heating frees up space and walls taken up by radiators and storage heaters.
Comfortably safe.
Child friendly - no boiling hot surfaces, or valves to be turned, just luxurious warm flooring.
Cons:
High installation cost.
It can be expensive to install - to keep costs down consider using it in one room, or install as part of a renovation.
Takes time to heat up.
Underfloor heating takes longer to heat up and cool down - around 30 minutes. To counter this, it’s best to pair with a programmable thermostat.
Increases floor height.
Underfloor heating adds to a floors height, so keep this in consideration in properties with lower ceilings. There may also be other considerations such as altering door height.
