UNDERFLOOR HEATING AND CENTRAL HEATING - INTRODUCTION

Underfloor heating is a form of central heating. Unlike normal radiators that rely on convection currents of air to heat a whole room, underfloor heating uses radiant energy, which provides a more even heat in the given space.

Underfloor heating systems have many advantages over traditional radiator based systems. The heat comes from foot level as opposed to waist level. This means that the upper body is not overheated while the lower body remains cool as the hot air created by a radiator loses heat as it descends in the room.

Radiator and forced air based systems (air conditioning) can also create problems with moisture as they can drag in moisture from external sources (i.e. leaky vents).

This has an added advantage of reducing dust mites, making underfloor heating an ideal choice for allergy sufferers. The absence of radiators and their related plumbing frees up room and also removes the hazard of children or others burning themselves on a hot radiator.

There are two types of underfloor heating systems commercially available. These are hot water systems and electric based systems. The two different systems are both suited to different environments and have different costs as well as different energy efficiency. Because of this careful consideration needs to be given when choosing the ideal system.

Underfloor heating is more popular now as it is more effective and cheaper.

This will make it the system of choice when looking to reduce energy costs.

See electric based underfloor heating >

See hot water based underfloor heating >