Underfloor heating is an option that more and more people are choosing because it offers comfort levels that cannot be achieved with traditional flooring.
Over the years, constructions have become increasingly efficient and comfortable. Today’s architecture and materials are nothing like the types of construction from thirty or fifty years ago. This is primarily due to the evolution of techniques aimed at achieving maximum comfort for residents.
What is underfloor heating?
In simple terms, underfloor heating is a heating system installed beneath the floor that distributes heat through water pipes, sometimes with additives.
As you can see, the idea is simple but very practical. These systems make much better use of heat, and the house warms up quickly, always depending on the type of flooring above.
Keep in mind that this technology is not new. The Romans used it for their baths, so by introducing heat under a false floor, they were able to maintain the desired temperature in an entire room.
However, current technology is much more advanced, and today’s underfloor heating systems are far more efficient and adjustable than those of the past. Additionally, they can be installed under any type of flooring, such as ceramic tiles, wooden flooring, etc. If you want to know more about this heating system, keep reading.
Main features of underfloor heating
As a climate control system, underfloor heating is straightforward to understand. Despite its widespread use today, many people still do not know about this type of heating, so it’s worth taking a moment to explain its main features:
- Installed Beneath the Floor: This means they are pipes that are not visible and provide heat from below.
- Other Installations: Sometimes, these pipes can also be installed in other areas, resulting in radiant walls or even radiant ceilings, depending on the area that needs to be climatized.
- Various Types: There are several types based on how they heat (with water or electricity) and the system used to heat the water (natural gas boiler, geothermal, or aerothermal) or to distribute electricity (heating wire or radiant foil).
However, the most common is water-based underfloor heating with a gas boiler, as it adapts best to most existing constructions that already have this heating system.
How does underfloor heating work?
The operation of underfloor heating is quite simple, but it’s worth explaining. If you’re considering installing one of these heating systems in your home, it’s essential to understand how it works to ensure it’s what you need.
An underfloor heating system will depend on the type of heating and heat distribution chosen. However, it typically consists of a series of polyethylene pipes that run through an area beneath the floor. A water pump constantly fills them with liquid at the desired temperature (warm in winter and cool in summer) to easily regulate the temperature.
As its name suggests, heat rises to the room through radiation via the floor. The other systems (electric, with mesh, wire, or foil, etc.) behave similarly, except that the method of generating and distributing heat is slightly different.
What are the benefits of installing underfloor heating?
We’ve arrived at perhaps the most interesting point. You might be wondering what the benefits of installing an underfloor heating system in your home are. To evaluate the pros and cons of this decision, it’s necessary to know all the advantages these climate control systems offer. Here are the main ones:
- Installing underfloor heating will enhance your home’s energy rating and increase its value. It also improves energy efficiency, reducing electricity and heating costs.
- Without radiators on the walls, you have more space and a much more modern and minimalist design.
- The temperature in the room remains stable, without sudden changes.
- The indoor air quality improves because there is minimal movement of the particles that make it up.
- Radiant systems not only heat the room but can also cool it in summer, following the same radiation principle.
- Generally speaking, underfloor heating systems are currently the best way to regulate the temperature in a home.
The price of installing underfloor heating
If you’re convinced you need a radiant climate control system, you might be wondering if it’s affordable.
The price per square meter for underfloor heating installation varies depending on several factors. On one hand, electric systems are cheaper than water systems, ranging from €40 or €50 per m² to a range of €50 to €70. However, in the long run, water systems are more cost-effective because they require less electricity.