1. Underfloor heating
1. Underfloor heating (Image 1 of 7)
How does it work?
'In a nutshell, underfloor heating provides the warmth to a room from the floor up, rather than heating the ceiling space first as with radiators' explains Chris Ingram, Managing Director of Continental Underfloor Heating. 'Essentially, all systems work in the same way - a heating element warms a heat-spreading (or radiating) device laid under the floor to achieve an even warmth across it. The heat can be supplied to that element either by warm water or by electricity, hence the two main types of underfloor heating system - wet or electric'.
Where to put it?
When we first heard about underfloor heating, it was mooted as the perfect solution for bathrooms, particularly those with cold stone floors. Conservatories and extensions, especially those containing stone-floored kitchen-diners, are also top locations for underfloor heating, even more so if you can get the system installed as part of some building work.
But as technology progresses, particularly where electric systems are concerned, the uses and applications of underfloor heating are becoming more varied and adventurous. There are systems to match most flooring types, including hardwood, laminate, lino, stone and even carpet, so it's possible to put underfloor heating in virtually any room.
The pros
* Fabulously tiled rooms, such as kitchen-diners and hallways, are transformed from practical to inviting when they're warm underfoot.
* You'll free up your floor space, as well as your walls. Goodbye clunky radiators!
* Wet systems can be easily integrated with your property's hot water arrangements, and can be mixed and matched with radiators if you don't want to use underfloor heating in every room.
* Wet systems are proven to be 30 per cent more energy efficient than a traditional radiator system.
The cons
* Electric systems can be 30 to 40 per cent more expensive to run than wet systems.
* Some cheaper electric systems may be unsuitable for wood floors and, at worst, can even cause some furniture to warp. However, electric technology is becoming more and more sophisticated - some are now compatible with carpets (take a look at the systems from Speedheat and Allbrite and see QuickStep for a range of flooring).
* It can end up being very expensive, not to mention troublesome, to install a wet underfloor heating system within an existing property because the floors will need to be taken up .
* Like any heating system, underfloor heating will not work efficiently in poorly insulated homes, where the heat generated will simply escape. Make sure you take a look at the building regulations at www.communities.gov.uk for more information on how to take measures against heat loss.
More Heating Info
For more about designer radiators, click here >>
Need a new boiler? Find out more here >>
Is your insulation any good? Click here to read up >>
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