Enhance the sustainability of your home by replacing traditional radiators with underfloor heating. Find out how you can do it in our complete guide.
Do you want to feel more comfortable during the colder months while making your home more sustainable at the same time? In this guide we share how incorporating sustainable underfloor heating into your home opens you up to a wide range of benefits, from energy efficiency to reduced heat loss.
Our planet is important, which is why it’s crucial for us to play our part in protecting it so it can flourish for our kids and grandkids. We might not be able to save it on our own, but we can take little steps that contribute to the bigger picture. One of these is by making our home as sustainable as possible.
In the colder months, we need heating to keep us warm and comfortable, however traditional methods such as radiators have been shown to have a negative effect on the environment. One way you can make your home more sustainable is, therefore, by switching over to underfloor heating.
Keep reading to find out all about underfloor heating, how it can make your home more sustainable, and the ways you can introduce it into your property.
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What is underfloor heating?
Underfloor heating is basically what the name suggests. It’s a way to heat up your home, but the warmth comes from underneath your floors. As the heat rises from the floor, your entire room is warmed up, making you feel cosy all year round.
There are two main types of sustainable underfloor heating systems:
Electric underfloor heating
How electric underfloor heating works is by installing a series of cables or heating mats directly under your room’s floors. It operates when you turn it on, and a current of electricity passes through the cables and mats, heating them up. This type of system is best used in smaller rooms like bathrooms or kitchens.
Hydronic (water) underfloor heating
A hydronic (or water) underfloor heating system is similar to an electric one; however, instead of cables and mats, pipes and tubes are installed below the floor’s surface. Warm water is then pumped and circulated through these pipes and tubes to heat up and eventually provide warmth to the room above. This type of system is best for whole-house heating and is the more sustainable option.
Sustainable advantages of underfloor heating
Both electric and wet underfloor heating are more sustainable than traditional methods, and they come with a wide range of benefits. Here are the main advantages of underfloor heating:
Energy efficiency
The main advantage of underfloor heating systems is that they are much more energy efficient than traditional radiators. This is because they can spread heat more evenly across a room without having to use too much power or water. This results in lower energy consumption, reduced bills, and a smaller carbon footprint.
Reduced heat loss
When you use a radiator as your main method of heating up your home, you might find it hard to feel warm on the side of the room opposite the radiator. This is because they only heat the area near them, whereas sustainable underfloor heating covers the entire floor space of a room. There is much less heat loss, which means your system is making the most of the energy being used.
Long lifespan
An underfloor heating system that a qualified engineer has installed can last for as long as 50 years, meaning it will be with you for most of your life. They also require very little maintenance, meaning you don’t have to call out for any heavy replacements or repairs that could negatively impact the environment.
Better indoor air quality
Air quality isn’t only important for us and our health, but it’s also important for the environment. When you use a forced-air system that has a furnace or heat pump, more allergens and dust particles circulate around your home. This isn’t the case for underfloor heating systems, providing you with much healthier living conditions.
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How to create a sustainable home with underfloor heating
Ready to make your home more sustainable with underfloor heating? Here’s how you can do it:
Assess your home
The best thing to do before you even contact someone to help with your underfloor heating installation is to assess your home. Look at things such as the type of flooring you have, which type of UFH system will work best in your rooms, and the building structures of your property.
Plan the installation
It’s now time to get in touch with an engineer and find out the best way to install your underfloor heating. They will go through all your options with you, such as the most sustainable methods, and provide you with a quote for how much it’s going to cost.
Choose the materials
Not only do you need to decide on what underfloor heating system you want, but you also need to decide on whether you want a protective layer of screed on top. You should also choose what flooring you want, such as laminate or carpet.
Install the underfloor heating
You’re now all set to install your underfloor heating system. There is a possibility of doing it yourself, but we highly recommend using a professional for the best results and longevity. This can take anything from a few days to weeks, depending on the size of your home.
Maintain your system
Once your underfloor heating system is installed, you have many years ahead of you to enjoy it. However, to ensure it lasts as long as it’s supposed to, ensure you stay up to date on regular maintenance. This will prevent the need for repairs or replacements.
Final thoughts
When we do our part to live more sustainably, we are helping our planet last for years to come. Sustainable underfloor heating systems are only a small adjustment to make to your home, but they come with a wide range of eco-friendly and energy-efficient benefits. Not only do you save on costs in the long run, but you also feel the effects of higher-quality heat.
If you choose to install an underfloor heating system in your home, ensure you hire a trained professional to help for the best results.
