Underfloor - Wet
Underfloor heating is probably the most efficient form of heating a building. There are many types of underfloor heating mainly wet or dry. With wet there are different methods of heating the floor, either buried in a screed or laid on insulation or on diffusion plates suspended between joists. The best form being laid in screed.
As warm water passes through the pipes buried in the screed, the screed warms up. As there is such a large thermal mass emitting heat, the water flow temperature is considerably lower, usually 35-450℃ compared to 70-80℃ with conventional radiator heating systems. This gives a huge energy and carbon reduction especially if used with a Heat pump. The overall heat distribution within a room makes for a more comfortable living environment. As the heat rises upwards it warms the whole body making it feel warmer at a lower temperature. Because of this effect thermostats can be set to a lower temperature, say 18℃ as opposed to 21℃, further saving energy. The heating system can also be weather compensated to reduce energy use even further. Every room can have its own independent time and temperature settings, in effect individual zones. These zones can also be network linked to give remote viewing and control via the internet.
A key design factor with underfloor heating is to ensure that there is no oxygen permeability through the walls of the buried pipework, which affects its integrity and longevity. We only use Pex and AluPex pipework to minimise and ensure that this does not happen.
Another key design factor is to ensure correct heat output to the room without overheating the floor surface temperature. This can break up the screed, crack tiles and is uncomfortable on the feet for the occupants. As experienced installers of Underfloor Heating and Registered Heating Professionals (RHP) and Registered Plumbers (RP) with the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineers (CIPHE). We have full Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance and guarantee all our work, parts and labour for 12 months.
We are also able to run Underfloor heating from all fuel sources - gas, oil, wood and even integrate with Solar Thermal via a thermal store.
Underfloor heating reduces fuel consumption, cuts costs and cuts carbon emissions, saving money and the environment. It may give a property a higher score on its energy performance rating (see below) and help achieve a higher level on the code for sustainable homes (see below) on new build properties.
We are experienced installers and we Specify, Design, Install and maintain our domestic underfloor heating systems to best suit your individual situation and requirements.
For further independent consumer advice and information please see:
www.planningportal.gov.uk/buildingregulations/greenerbuildings/sustainablehomes
