How It Works

A traditional radiator system & Air Handling Units transfer energy into a room or space largely by convection, (i.e. heating the air space).

This convection results in the floor being the coolest part of the room, leaving a mass of warm air at ceiling level, the effect & inefficiencies increase as ceiling height increases.

Convectional Heating systems lift up fine dust particles from the floor and distribute them into the air and over furnishings.

Underfloor Heating is widely recognised as one of the most natural and energy efficient ways of heating buildings.  An Underfloor heating system heats almost entirely by radiation.

Radiant energy (from the underfloor heating pipework or cables) is emitted by the floor, partly reflected by each surface and partly absorbed.  Where it is absorbed, all surfaces and furnishings within a room become secondary heat emitters; warming the room & its occupants.

The system can be installed in a variety of floor constructions, such as:

• Screed;
• Structural concrete;
• Timber joists/batten floors;
• Timber floating floors;

 

Water at temperatures of 35–55°c are circulated through a network of underfloor pipework, heating the floor to temperatures not exceeding 33°c, turning the floor into a low temperature heat emitter. 

Electric underfloor heating works the same way with the cables heating to around 40°c, again turning the floor into a low temperature heat emitter.

Radiant Energy reaches into every corner of the room or space, which means no cold spots, no warm ceilings and no cold feet!

Benefits

• Reduces running costs compared to traditional heating systems by up to 30%
• Comfortable form of heating
• It is safe, unobtrusive, frees wall space and is quiet in operation
• Virtually maintenance free
• Easy to control
• And it’s healthier

Underfloor Heating Systems operate at temperatures much lower than traditional radiator heating systems, underfloor systems typically operate at 35–55°C, ideally matching the systems with Renewable & Condensing Boiler heat sources.

Radiant heating comfort levels are achieved with air temperatures typically 2°C lower than convectional heating systems, as heat is distributed evenly by the entire floor area, not a localised heater.

Underfloor heating components above ground circulate low temperature hot water from a concealed manifold location; directly into the floor structure, thus removing wall heaters within each room preventing bumps and burns for the occupants.

Heating via underfloor pipework within the floor frees wall space allowing freedom of internal room design, whilst also maintaining individual room control via thermostats.  These thermostats range from manual dial to smart automated controllers.

Underfloor Heating reduces humidity within floor coverings, preventing dust mites from surviving or ensuring that they rise to the surface, where regular cleaning removes them.  The reduction in air movement with Underfloor Heating also reduces the ingress of airborne and carpet or floor covering fungi spores, leading to an allergy free environment.