Everyone knows that underfloor heating can save energy and space. But, writes Paul Bramhall of Uponor, there are other important and less-talked-about benefits: those of health
Underfloor heating (UFH) is increasingly popular in commercial developments because of its efficiency of space and energy.

Architects are now more likely to include a UFH system in commercial properties, hence more installers are becoming proficient in its installation. Its simplicity of design and system components also means it offers a commercially attractive package - which can be persuasive to those along the supply chain.

Besides financial and environmental benefits, there are less-talked-about reasons for using this technique for climate control.

Mooreland Care Home in Cambridgeshire chose UFH as much for its health benefits as comfort. Malcolm Hewish, mechanical service contracts manager of John Kay Mechanical, says: 'Being open to new ideas and keeping abreast of new technology has always been paramount in my thoughts when considering any project.' The development contains 35 separate living quarters, dealing with a number of varying heat tolerances, especially in the areas of high occupation (communal areas).

There is an increasing importance of health and safety factors when choosing a climate control system, and all installers and specifiers should be aware of these as they will soon affect all of our markets.
Probably the most obvious health benefit of UFH is that it reduces the risk of contact burns and collision damage caused by radiators. This is particularly important with older people and children - although it is not exclusive to them, and they're not just in care facilities such as hospitals.

UFH transfers energy mainly by radiated heat from the floor level. This makes for a comfortable environment: warm feet and cool head. And, as UFH is typically installed across the entire floor area, it gives an even heat distribution.

UFH produces weak air currents at low levels. This means that the volume of air, and the speed it is moving at, is reduced compared with conventional radiators. This reduces the distribution of dust and other airborne particles such as pollen.

UFH also offers benefits at ground level. The fact that a wooden, tile or carpeted floor is being directly heated makes effective cleaning of these surfaces easier and can hinder the development of bacteria. As well as micro-organisms, dust mites are deterred.

UFH also results in quick-drying less-slippery floors, which is
of particular advantage around swimming pools or in changing facilities.

Underfloor heating may not always be the ideal solution, and radiators still have a part to play in the commercial buildings sector - in small consulting rooms or staff facilities for example. Recent developments by heating systems supplier Uponor have meant it is now possible to control radiators thermostatically using manifold technology based on a UFH system.

This gives some key advantages in comfort, controllability and
efficiency. First, it means that the level of heat in a room is kept constant, with no peaks and troughs because of the radiator calling for heat when it's needed. Secondly it allows a set-back setting to be implemented so temperature within the room can be reduced at times of inactivity. Thirdly, the water can be isolated throughout the development. This gives control during maintenance. To use a care home as an example, it is possible now to heat the communal areas with UFH and individual rooms with radiators controlled centrally by one interface.

www.uponor.co.uk