Until recently, wall hung radiators and central heating were the standard systems for heating in residential applications. However, underfloor heating is stealing a march on competitor products to become a popular choice among those occupying residential properties such as sheltered accommodation and care homes, according to Neil Young
Underfloor heating is no longer for the affluent on high specification residential properties. It has become much more accessible with many users reaping the benefits the system has to offer. Compared to traditional radiators, underfloor heating requires less energy to heat, reducing energy costs on average between 15 and 40 per cent.
The fact that they are so cost effective to run is the reason many residential occupiers are opting for them.
On the aesthetics front, underfloor heating also facilitates flexibility of design in a room. The position of radiators impacts on where furniture can be placed. Underfloor heating, however, allows greater freedom with room layouts and, consequently, helps free up space.
More importantly, however, underfloor heating is a healthy choice. It hardly raises any dust, and is the perfect heating system for people suffering from allergies and those who are infirm or ill (such as care home residents or those in sheltered accommodation). What's more, the gentle radiant heat provided by underfloor heating systems acts directly on the body without the intermediate stage of first warming the room air.
The result? The same comfort level, but with a 2 deg C lower room temperature. This is beneficial to health because warm feet and a cool head is exactly what the human body requires.
Easy and relatively fast speed of installation are other big advantages.
For example, our own 'Self Attaching System' is equipped with self-attaching technology designed to offer a tool-free and hassle-free approach to underfloor heating.
We claim the system can cut the time taken to install by 50 per cent, while also reducing installers' overheads in the process.
//The author is indoor climate applications manager for Uponor //