The advantages and disadvantages of underfloor heating

In this article we have written out the pros and cons of underfloor heating for you. When you are considering using underfloor heating in your home, it is good to inform yourself well about the possibilities. Underfloor heating brings many benefits, but there are also some limitations. In this overview, you can see all the ins and outs of underfloor heating, so that you can take the right decision. 

The benefits of underfloor heating

Underfloor heating is not only pleasant, but also energy efficient and environmentally friendly. In this article we limit ourselves to water-based underfloor heating.

Energy saving

Underfloor heating is good for your wallet and the environment as it is very effective and energy efficient. It can reduce your heating costs by up to 20%. This is because the floor surface can be heated with a lower temperature as it is much larger than the rediant surface of radiators. In addition to that, the temperature is emitted in a much more even way, benefitting the energy consumption. High efficiency condensing boilers achieve their intended performance only if the flow temperature of the heating is not above a temperature of ca. 55 ℃. The positive effect of these boilers is therefore largely offset by traditional radiators.

Air quality

Another important benefit of underfloor heating is that the air quality in the area improves. Because the air circulation is minimal by this heating method, there is also much less dust in the air. Which translates into a better air quality. For that reason underfloor heating is also very popular with people that suffer from asthma and COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

Living comfort 

Because of the fact that with an underfloor heating system, the heat is evenly distributed under the floor area, you feel a pleasant warmth at a lower temperature. This even heat distribution does not only make underfloor heating more efficient, but also more pleasant.

Saving space

Underfloor heating is fully incorporated into the floor, making it is unvisible. So no ugly radiators that stick out of your walls and comptise your interior.

Child-friendliness

The absence of radiators makes the environment a lot more child-friendly. A child can not burn or hurt itself to a hard and sometimes sharp radiator.

The disadvantages of underfloor heating

In addition to the many benefits of underfloor heating, it also has its limitations. Please read the following points carefully and decide if they apply to you.

Warm-up time

The heating-up time of underfloor heating is longer than that of radiators. This can be detrimental if you often have an irregular daily schedule and only turn on the heating when you get home.

Not always usable as main heating

When your home is poorly insulated or consists of very high areas, it is not always possible to use underfloor heating as main heating and an additional heat source will be needed. When an additional heat source such as a radiator is necessary to warm up the space, we speak of extra heating. For underfloor heating to work optimally you need 40% of your floor space free.

Investments costs

The installation of underfloor heating Aberdeen can be more expensive than traditional heating with radiators. More material is needed and also the installation takes a lot of time. On the other hand, underfloor heating is more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, making that you recoup this price difference in number of years.

Restrictions in floor finish

Underfloor heating is not suitable for each floorcovering or finish. Underfloor heating is not recommended for painted floors and when using laminate and wood tthere are some complications.

And in the words of the Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine: