Refurbishing, Renovating Or Extending?

Choosing The Right Underfloor Heating

As more consumers enjoy the benefits of Underfloor Heating (UFH), builders are finding they need to provide customers with smart, up-to-date advice on a variety of UFH systems. Bill McConnel, Technical Director of Continental Underfloor Heating provides an insight into the differences between electric and warm water (wet) systems, and considers how to choose the most appropriate floor heating solution for installation in renovation, refurbishment or extension projects.

The Growing Popularity of underfloor heating

Over the past year there has been a steady increase in the demand for UFH from commercial and private clients. Customers no longer need to be persuaded of the benefits of underfloor heating and are making the choice independently. There is an increased understanding of the aesthetic and lifestyle benefits of installing UFH, as well as a recognition that it saves time, is a cost efficient alternative to radiators and reduces heating maintenance costs. Additionally, UFH is now compatible with standard floor construction regulations, which means that there are no extra costs involved for builders when installing it.

Essentially warm water and electrical UFH systems work in the same way: a heating ‘element’ warms a heat spreading device to achieve an even spread of heat across the floor. However, each type of system has its advantages and disadvantages.

Both types of system will heat a building within certain parameters. However, a number of considerations need to be taken into account when choosing between them. A key factor is the type of building work being undertaken; new build, extension, refurbishment or renovation. Additionally, when installing underfloor heating, consider any existing heating systems, the customer’s budget and degree of disruption, type of floor finish and the heat output required.

Generally, installing electric UFH is less disruptive than a warm water system and often more suitable for refurbishment projects where a property has already been furnished. The Continental Electric UFH system can be installed under virtually any floor finish with minimum disruption to floor heights. However, an electric system tends to be more expensive to run when compared with warm water UFH, and the initial purchase cost can be more expensive when dealing with areas greater than 20m2.

For complete renovation projects where a new boiler is being installed, then a wet under floor heating system is the obvious choice. Purchase and running costs are cheaper than electrical systems and far more economical than operating a radiator system. In addition, boiler-run systems are extremely energy efficient so can help to address the concerns of an environmentally conscious consumer.

UFH can also be highly effective for extension projects. The Continental systems have been designed to fit in virtually any circumstance, even if it means connecting up to an existing heating system. For example, where a boiler controlled radiator system is already in place, the Continental wet system can simply be ‘bolted’ on, providing that there is spare boiler capacity available.

What Does It Cost?

As previously mentioned, a key consideration when deciding on which type of underfloor heating system to choose is the cost of installation and running. Costs are quite difficult to quantify because people run their systems in different ways. As a general rule, the running cost of an electric system is probably about 30 to 40% more expensive than a warm water UFH system. However capital costs also have a part to play and the outlay for a warm water system may be considerably more than an electric one for small areas or single rooms.

How Are Customers Applying Their Knowledge of underfloor heating?

Since UFH has become more commonplace in the household, customers are selecting their flooring based on their chosen UFH system. Builders therefore need to be aware of complimentary products that suit the type of UFH being installed. For example, using the correct adhesive when tiling a floor with UFH, or ensuring that the timber flooring moisture content is suitable for the selected UFH system.

Whichever product is chosen, insulation should always be provided beneath the UFH system. This will have a greater impact on the success of the system than the type of cable or pipe chosen. Insulation prevents downward heat loss and reduces heat-up times, making the system more efficient.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision to select electric or warm water underfloor heating is likely to be based on the customer’s personal preference, choice of floor covering and the type of building work being undertaken. The costs also have to be balanced to determine which system, in the long term, is the most cost effective option. Although the decision process is not clear-cut, it is vital that UFH installers are aware of the variety of systems available and the differences between each product. This knowledge is essential to ensure the most suitable and effective solution is found to meet customer requirements.

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