An Introduction to underfloor Heating
Introduction
Underfloor heating is one of the most energy efficient methods of heating any building with its history being traced back at least 2,000 years to Roman times and possibly to the great civilisations of the Indus Valley, before that. The Romans relied on system of ducts and flues, to circulate hot air (heated by an open fire) beneath the floors of buildings, so that heat radiated into the rooms above. Thankfully, modern underfloor heating systems do not require an open fire but they do operate on the same fundamental principle. Unlike a system of central heating radiators or convection heaters (which create a vertical temperature gradient in a room, colder at the bottom and warmer at the top), an underfloor heating system circulates a greater proportion of its heat by radiation, rather than convection. Radiant heat energy is absorbed, or reflected, by the walls, ceiling and furniture in a room, to provide even heating throughout. Furthermore, the absence of convection currents in a room prevents the circulation of dust which can be of benefit to those suffering from respiratory ailments or allergies.
Types of underfloor Heating
The two basic types of underfloor heating are "wet" systems, which, unsurprisingly, involve hot water heated by a boiler, and "dry" systems, which involve electricity (and are not connected to a boiler). Wet underfloor heating systems require a series of pipes (typically forming a continuous loop between two central manifolds) which are laid onto the sub-floor at the time of construction or renovation before the final surface of the floor is laid. Hot water (typically at a temperature of between 40°C and 60°C, and therefore cooler, and more economical, than a traditional radiator) is circulated through the piping system. Wet underfloor heating systems are suitable for new builds or complete renovation projects and extensions. Conservatories for example, which typically have large windows, and limited wall space, can be an ideal location for a wet underfloor heating system. Generally speaking, the larger the area of your home that is heated by wet underfloor heating, the more economical it becomes- as little as £15 per square metre, or less, in some cases, and it is particularly economical as the primary heating source in a home.
Dry, or electric underfloor heating, on the other hand, is available in the form of basic heating cables, woven mats, flat, or "ribbon", cables, and heating films of carbon, or aluminium. The cables, mats, or films are connected together, and linked to a thermostat, possibly a timer, and mains power supply, via a standard electrical supply. This form of underfloor heating is therefore far more suitable for small or single rooms such as a bathroom and where refurbishment needs to be achieved without digging up the existing floor or one room at a time. With a cost, per square metre, typically between £15 and £25, electric underfloor heating is economical as well as convenient to install and its running costs are comparable to wet underfloor heating.
Benefits of underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating is optimally positioned, thermally, to heat a space with maximum efficiency. Heat energy is radiated from the floor upwards so you experience the heat as it rises in the first instance, rather than heating the space immediately below the ceiling and wasting heat. Furthermore, the larger surface area of the floor compared standard radiators, means that the heat output per unit area can be lower, in turn lowering fuel costs and the "carbon footprint" of your home as a whole. The nature of the radiant heat produced means that the surfaces in a room rather than the air surrounding those surfaces are heated, so the air temperature in a room can actually be 2°C lower, whilst still providing the same level of even heating comfort.
Underfloor heating is ofcourse hidden beneath the floor and is therefore unobtrusive as well as invisible. This frees wall and floor space previously occupied by radiators and allows you to design the interior of your home and position you furniture exactly how you want it.
Underfloor heating is especially suitable for cold stone or tiled floors in bathrooms, conservatories or kitchens, but is by no means limited to those applications. Underfloor heating of one form or another, nowadays, can be incorporated beneath almost any flooring type including laminate, or engineered wood, carpet or linoleum and so offers possibilities for any room of the house.
Further underfloor heating Information
Modern Furniture - Spacify.com is an online contemporary furniture shop, selling a wide range of products for the bathroom, bedroom, dining room, living room , kids room, kitchen, office and outdoor. All products can be viewed on the site and purchased online...
Interior Design, Decorating & Furniture - Start to Finish Furniture is your source for complete Interior Design and Interior Decorating services on the Outer Banks of North Carolina and Hampton Roads Virginia. The company offer a range of furniture styles and manufacturers, unique interior products and accessories, interior decorating and design services and much more...
Swimming Pools and Pool Supplies - Swimmingpoolsfacts.com is a website that offers useful tips and facts on building a swimming pool. The site includes a step by step guide with pictures of the progress involved in creating a swimming pool. As well as this, the site has information on pool supplies, resources, general information and much more...
Design inspiration - The contemporary and elegant interior design directory for home. A free and fast resource for interior designers, architects and consumers, as well as contemporary suppliers. Get ideas on how to decorate your home and find the best and finest online retailers.
Blinds - Manufacturers and suppliers of made to measure Window Blinds, Awnings and Canopies in the UK to trade and retail customers. Visit one of our showrooms available in Grantham, Lincoln and Newark on Trent or browse our website for inspiration.
Air Conditioning Service - Offering air conditioning and heating Service since 1986, Right Now Air is concerned about climate control solutions and home indoor comfort. The company provides repair, maintenance and replacement service for homeowners in Clark County...
Shutters, Blinds and Doors - The California Company is the UK’s leading resource for quality wooden plantation shutters, wood blinds and folding sliding doors. Choose from a wide range of window treatments and solutions to fit all budgets and tastes, be it cool, contemporary shutters, wooden blinds finished in a range of crisp whites and elegant wood stains, and superb premium quality aluminium folding sliding doors.
Roller Blinds - The site offers quality made to measure blinds at low prices in the UK. Save heating in the winter with beautifully crafted window blinds, perfectly sized for your windows. A wide choice is available: roller, Roman, vertical or Venetian blinds and more...
Curtains, cushions and blinds - Interior design advice and soft furnishing make up and supply for curtains, blinds,cushions and headboards. Alternatively you can access the shop window for a selection of products that are available on line for immediate order.
Contemporary Furniture - This online furniture store has unique modern contemporary furniture and decor for the bedroom, living room, and dining room. The site includes sofas and chaise sectionals, Japanese inspired modern platform beds, contemporary dining and coffee tables, and unique accessories and much more...
Door Furniture - Buy Door Handles online, chrome door furniture, brass door knobs, architectural hardware, architectural handles, interior handles, internal door pack handles and door furniture hardware from www.diy-doorhandles.com
Contemporary Cane Garden Furniture - Suppliers of contemporary cane garden furniture including top brands such as cane-line & Skyline. We distribute to both the Uk and most of europe. View our full ranges and buy online on our website.
Green Homes - The site gathers a wide range of tips and information about environmentally friendly ways to heat your home or conservatory. Learn more about energy efficient heating systems for green living at home...
Interni design - This design site offers many products and specialises in Venetian plaster, faux finishes, murals, mosaics, gilding. In addition, there are other interior design hints such as painted furniture, Interior decoration, specialist design and decoration as well as polished plaster and more...
Stylish & Portable Kitchen Island - Are you looking for beautiful and functional kitchen furnishings? Find the best portable kitchen islands and carts available in incomparable designs and styles at our online store: KitchenIsandCo.com
Contemporary Tableware - We specialise in contemporary stylish tableware and kitchen lifestyle products to enhance your table and your home. As well as this you can find wedding gifts, presents, and contemporary design products and more...
Office Refurbishment - GDL Interiors provide a full range of office refurbishment services including new office fit outs, office partitioning, office interior design and office space planning. We work with clients locally in Essex and London and throughout the UK.
Interior Designers - Interior Designers Dorset - Interior Designers Wiltshire - Interior Designers U - Deccardy Interior Designers are interior designers based in Dorset specialising in residential interior design, renovation and refurbishment Dorset, Wiltshire, Devon, Somerset, BANES, Hampshire UK
Marguerite Harrison Interior Design - Marquerite Harrison are a Interior Design company based in Tatenhill, Staffordshire. As well as offering Interior Design services they also supply Curtains and Furniture.
Interior House Painting Advice - Interior house painting tips and advice for the DIY homeowner. Learn about every aspect of house painting with this online house painting guide. Including how to choose paint colors, interior surface preparation and many application techniques for your current project. Plus advice on choosing the type of finishes for the best results.
uPVC Conservatories - Oakland Windows & Conservatories has a growing reputation for fine design and exceptional build quality, and is now one of the countrys leading conservatory providers.
Tables - Online retailer of coffee tables as well as kitchen, restaurant, dining room and gaming tables.
Counter Stools - Online retailer exclusively sells kitchen counter, swivel and fountain stools in wood, metal and chrome. Direct home delivery.
Self Storage - Search Self Storage Units at storage facilities all over the USA. Find self or mobile storage, moving info, portable containers & tips on self storage.
Interior Design - Use a professional interior designer to transform your house into a home
Conservatories - Oak conservatories offers a fusion of individual designs, experienced craftsmanship and expert skills from carpenters and installers. Browse the traditional conservatories to complement period properties or contemporary conservatories for modern homes...
Desire Interiors - For interior designs and advice at unbeatable prices, fully tailored to suit your needs. Visit us at desirehomeinteriors.co.uk and explore the full potential your home has to offer.
Top quality blinds at affordable prices! - Domectic and Commercial Blinds supplier. Search the site for wooden, conservatory, pleated and much more...
Limes Park, a new community for Basingstoke - Limes Park, new property in Basingstoke - exciting new property development 2 miles from Basingstoke town centre...
Luxury Natural Rugs - Buy luxury custom made natural rugs from The Natural Rug Store, The UK`s leading Natural Rug Company. Design your own bespoke natural rug or choose from custom rugs including Sisal rugs, Seagrass rugs, Wool rugs, Coir rugs, Jute, Bamboo, Paper and more...
Farnesi Interiors - Farnesi Interiors - Interior and commercial design agency based in London and Hastings. Find information on residential and commercial services...
Interior Design - Taylor Design Studio specializing in interior design based in Mallorca, Spain. Find information on services, portfolio, contact and more...
Battery & Materials Handling Equipment - Multi-Shifter offers a complete line of battery handling and industrial materials handling equipment. Whether you have 1 or 1000 forklifts in your fleet, we have a battery handling system to fit your needs.
Design Interiors - Kitchens Sussex, Design Interiors have an extensive portfolio of interior design projects, sussex kitchen design and satisfied customers. Based in Sussex they provide extensive kitchen interior design services.
Restaurant Refurbishment - Based in Staffordshire, UK, Kribensis Leisure are UK building contractors and fit-out contractors specialising in interior refurbishment and restaurant refurbishment.
Andrea Sholl Interiors - Andrea Sholl Interiors is an affordable Interior Design Service based in Monmouthshire. From consultation to full property project management you can be assured of a first class, personal and professional service that is delivered by a qualified interior designer and the most trusted trades people within the area. We also supply beautiful furniture and home accessories ...