Why Underfloor Heating is the Future of Home Heating

For most houses, the heating system will involve radiators and a boiler.  The boiler will also supply hot water to the taps and shower.  Boiler manuals will tell you how to make the most of them and a regular boiler service in Eastbourne keeps the whole system in top working order.  But now, there is another option – underfloor heating.  And according to those heating contractors in Eastbourne, it has the potential to be the future of home heating.

What is underfloor heating?

Underfloor heating is a system to heat homes that works on the principle that heat rises.  There are two varieties of these systems – wet or dry.  With a wet system, warm water is pumped through pipes under the floor while with a dry system, electric coils are placed under the floor which heats up and generates the warmth.

One of the biggest points in favour of these systems is the comfort that it offers.  Not only does it warm the house, but you can walk around barefoot and have a warm floor under you in winter months.  It is also a very efficient system – heat is distributed evenly around the room in a way that radiators cannot manage.

It can also increase the value of the home by adding a very desirable feature.  Heating engineers in Eastbourne say that even in a single room, underfloor heating has the potential to increase the value of a property.

Main considerations

There are a few things to consider when looking at underfloor heating.  One of the things to consider is the cost – it does cost more than having a traditional heating system installed and there is some upheaval with it.  That’s why people often combine it with other jobs – if you have bathroom fitters in Eastbourne in to do renovation work in the bathroom, for example, that can be a good time to add underfloor heating.

Some room layouts may not be perfect for underfloor heating, so it is always worth working through the project with an expert.  Things like a timer system are important to ensure the room heats up at the right time.

Electric or water?

The big choice, once you know that underfloor heating is right for you, is whether to go for an electric or a water-based system.

An electric underfloor heating system uses wires that heat up and provide the warmth.  You can also get heating mats that cover larger areas or individual wires for smaller spaces.  The wires sit on a layer of insulation and can work under many floor types, although thicker carpets aren’t the best idea.

Water systems use a network of pipes connected to the boiler to pump hot water around the system.  They use water at a low heat than a radiator and makes the boiler more efficient.  They do cost more to install, and you definitely need a professional plumber or heating engineer to do the work for you.

Conclusion

Underfloor heating offers a luxurious and comprehensive way to heat rooms of almost any size.  You can choose from the different systems and get one that works best for your house and start enjoying that warm underfoot feeling.