Underfloor heating as an alternative to traditional heating
Underfloor heating is a popular alternative to traditional radiator heating in homes and businesses around the world. It offers numerous benefits, including a more comfortable living environment, greater energy efficiency, and improved air quality. One of the key advantages of underfloor heating is that it emits most of the heat through radiation rather than convection. This means that the temperature of th
underfloor heating is much lower, but the heat affects a much larger surface area. A properly installed underfloor heating plate should have a temperature below 35 degrees Celsius. The effect of underfloor heating through radiation provides a noticeable temperature up to about 2 meters high, which is why it is recommended for heating large spaces such as car showrooms or churches.
Economic aspects of underfloor heating
It’s important to note that the economic advantage of underfloor heating over radiators requires proper planning and installation of the system. It should be cheaper to operate due to lower temperatures of the heating medium. We always recommend contacting an underfloor heating specialist who will help with the design phase and define exactly what to use and how to plan the layout of the system to ensure its most efficient operation. Another benefit of underfloor heating is that a well-made system is maintenance-free and should work without the need for constant adjustment. Currently offered floor heating control systems allow for heating control using a smartphone. With the widespread availability of smartphone apps, today’s floor heating controllers can be set using a WiFi system or smart home systems. Underfloor heating is also recommended for allergy sufferers, as it is healthy and is the best way to evenly and economically heat our homes. The temperature difference between the warm floor and the air does not cause convection, which is the movement of warm air from bottom to top. This means that underfloor heating does not cause dust to rise, contrary to popular belief.
Types of floor heating systems.
There are different types of underfloor heating systems available on the market. The main division is between wet and dry construction systems. Wet underfloor heating systems are those in which the heating pipes are embedded in a concrete or anhydrite screed. This is a more traditional installation method that requires significantly more time and effort than dry underfloor heating systems, but it has its advantages. In wet underfloor heating systems, the heating pipes are laid on thermal insulation. Then a layer of concrete or anhydrite screed is poured. Depending on the requirements, the thickness of the concrete or anhydrite screed layer can range from a few to several centimeters. After pouring the concrete or anhydrite screed, the floor can be covered with tiles, panels, or other types of flooring. In wet underfloor heating systems, water circulates in the heating pipes, heating up the floor and spreading warmth throughout the room. These systems are more energy-efficient than traditional radiators because the heat is evenly distributed throughout the room, rather than accumulating in one place.
Popular dry floor heating systems
The most popular among dry underfloor heating systems is the system based on aluminum plates for underfloor heating called aluplates or aluplate. These are special aluminum plates made using the omega technology, which surrounds the underfloor heating pipe from the inside. The aluminum plates are laid on prepared polystyrene or chipboard sheets. A 18mm thick plasterboard layer is then laid on the installed system, which can be directly covered with tiles or panels intended for underfloor heating. Another system for dry underfloor heating is the use of a special gypsum board for underfloor heating, which has pre-grooved channels for laying the heating pipe. Underfloor heating systems with gypsum boards require the use of a thinner underfloor heating pipe with a diameter of 10 or 12 mm. After laying the dry underfloor heating system, the gypsum boards can be covered with a fiber gypsum board or tiles can be directly laid on them.
Advantages of dry lining of the underfloor heating system
Another alternative in dry installation systems is the use of chipboard sheets for underfloor heating, which have special grooves where the heating pipe is laid. Similarly, on a gypsum board for underfloor heating, a fiber gypsum board, another chipboard sheet, floor panels, tiles, carpeting, or floor coverings can be laid, and the floor is ready.
In conclusion, underfloor heating is a fantastic way to heat your home or business efficiently and comfortably. It emits heat through radiation, providing a more even temperature and improved air quality. Proper planning and installation are key to reaping the economic benefits of underfloor heating, and modern control systems make it easier than ever to manage. If you’re considering a heating upgrade, underfloor heating may be the right choice for you.
