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The Benefits of Underfloor Heating for Residential Properties

Despite its inception during the Roman civilisation, underfloor heating has been in a constant state of development over the years.Today, homeowners enjoy a revamped and high-tech variant of this ancient technology in the form of hydronic heating. This type of floor-integrated system features evenly-distributed heating, ensuring a comfortable temperature at all time.

Benefits of Underfloor Heating

Often used in tandem with other energy-efficient devices such as heat pumps, underfloor heating is making gains in the industry owing to its superiority over conventional radiators.

Continuing from our blog last week, we now turn our attention to the benefits these systems provide to residential properties.

Energy efficiency

It is in this section, that underfloor heating really reveals its advanced capabilities.

Hydronic heating systems operate through the use of hot water contained in pipes set beneath a home’s flooring. Depending on the type of flooring used and its inherent conductivity, these systems generally need to reach between 40°C-50°C in order to reach the design floor temperature.

In contrast, radiators require water to reach temperatures of 70°C-80°C in order to be effective.

Further, given that it is the floor that is heated, it retains heat better compared to radiators which tend to cool down quickly when turned off. This causes the heat the device has produced to rapidly evaporate. Given that heat is projected onto the different objects in a room, it is heated more effectively, saving you up to 15% on your heating expenses.

Before you go all-out with this technology, however, it’s a good idea to have an efficiency test performed on site. This allows you to test out the level of insulation in your home, helping you get the most from your new underfloor heating system.

As mentioned above, energy efficiency is also increased when hydronic heating is used together with heat pumps. Here, the workload on your underfloor system is reduced, leading to greater savings on your electricity bills.

Hydronic heating is better for the health of occupants

With traditional heating systems, floors are often neglected. They remain cold and damp, which is not only unpleasant and uncomfortable but also a successful breeding place for dreaded dust mite.

It has been shown that by installing certain underfloor heating systems, homes can slash the number of dust mites by up to 80%. When the floor is heated, it's difficult for almost any type of microorganism to live and breed given that the environment is too dry and warm. This makes it easier for individuals suffering from conditions such as asthma or hay fever to feel both healthier and comfortable.

Further, unlike radiators, these systems do not collect any dust or clutter that can otherwise cause similar respiratory issues.

They're also child-proof, given that there's basically no chance any child can cause damage or hurt themselves, unlike radiator systems, where there is a chance of getting hurt against its sharp edges.

Freedom of design

A key factor that sets underfloor heating apart is the freedom of design with which homeowners can build their houses.

Because it takes zero space in the visible spaces of your home, you no longer have to put up with clunky heating devices that ruin your aesthetic. Architects and builders are extremely familiar with these systems as well and have a little hassle in incorporating it into the design and structure of your home.

The system also works with a wide range of flooring, making it the perfect choice if you have complex design requirements.

Virtually zero maintenance

If installed properly, your underfloor heating system requires little to no maintenance. Once your heater has been set underneath, you can rest assured that it will run smoothly throughout its lifetime.

In the unlikely event that you do need to undertake maintenance, expenses are generally lesser compared to traditional heating and cooling systems. This is because hydronic heating systems use less mechanical components and aren’t high energy users.

Water-based systems are generally well certified in terms of industry standards and are so effective that they often come with a 25-year guarantee.

Key Takeaways

For futuristic homeowners who wish their homes to remain energy-efficient and sustainable, hydronic heating is the perfect pick.

With its enhanced energy-efficiency, comfort, and effectiveness in creating a warm home without incurring added cost, these systems are fast becoming the industry standard for creating the properties of the future.

Find out more about the best hardware for your property! 

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