Find out how using an Under Floor Heating system could save you money on your energy bills.

When designed and installed correctly, UFH is one of the most energy-efficient ways of heating your home, costing anywhere between 15-40% less than conventional radiator systems to run.

How does underfloor heating work?

Underfloor heating works differently to a typical radiator heating system. Underfloor heating systems come in two different forms – water and electric. Both heat the room from the ground up through a series of pipes (water) or cables (electric), with the floor acting as the radiator. Heat is often distributed more evenly through UFH compared to traditional radiators which heat the air in their immediate vicinity. Traditional radiators heat the cold air around them which then rises and relies on air circulation to warm the rest of the space. Often this means the ceiling is the warmest part of the room or there are noticeable cold areas.

Electrical underfloor heating works by having an ultra-thin heating wire installed under the floor. Cables can be bought pre-spaced on mats or in foil, or loose, to be fitted onto decoupling membrane. Electrical systems are ideal if you are renovating your home as they do not raise the floor levels when they’re laid.

Using insulation board with your UFH

People often wonder if it is worth insulating underneath floorboards; yes it definitely is. Insulation board can help increase the efficiency of an electrical underfloor heating system by 50% or more. By using insulation boards, you’ll significantly reduce heat being lost downwards towards the subfloor by forcing the heat upwards onto the floor surface (where you want it to be). Insulation boards reduce the time it takes for the system to reach optimum temperature and can help cut heat-up times by up to 90%.

There are other benefits to including insulation board too:

Adds strength to the floor build-up
Helps to reduce the impact of sound
Very lightweight so it won’t overload your floor design
Strong but flexible – can withstand heavy loads and can be cut to size to suit any room shape

Available in a variety of sizes and thicknesses, Vipa Tilebacker boards from PCS provide an effective thermal and moisture barrier perfect for insulating beneath electrical underfloor heating.

Underfloor Heating Vipa Boards — Underfloor Heating Insulation Vipa Boards

Which heating system is right for you?

There are pros and cons for both radiators and underfloor heating. You don’t have to just choose one either. It is also possible to combine both systems together to heat your home. Underfloor heating and radiators can be installed in different areas of the house, working together to efficiently and effectively heat your home, and save you money!

Underfloor heating pros and cons

Radiator pros and cons

Wet Underfloor Heating

Wet underfloor heating is a type of heating system that uses pipes filled with hot water to warm up a room from the ground up. The pipes are installed within the flooring and are connected to a central boiler or heat pump. As hot water is pumped through the pipes, it radiates heat upwards, warming the entire floor surface and creating a comfortable, even heat throughout the room.

Wet underfloor heating is an efficient and cost-effective way to heat a building, as it distributes heat more evenly than traditional radiators and operates at lower temperatures, resulting in lower energy bills. Additionally, because the system is hidden under the floor, it eliminates the need for bulky radiators or other heating equipment, creating more space and a cleaner aesthetic in the room.

Q&A

What floor finish is suitable for wet underfloor heating?

Underfloor heating is compatible with most types of floor finishes, but in order to maximize its effectiveness, it is advisable to select flooring with minimal thermal resistance. When it comes to carpets, it is recommended that the combined rating of the carpet and underlay should be below 1.5 TOG. For wood flooring, it is recommended to use engineered wood instead of solid wood whenever possible. To avoid any concerns regarding maximum floor temperatures, it is best to consult with the flooring manufacturer to ensure that there are no temperature limitations. In situations where there are temperature limits, the heating can be controlled by adjusting the flow rate or by installing a floor sensor.

What output can I expect to get from wet underfloor heating?

The output of an underfloor heating system is influenced by various factors, including outdoor temperature and the desired indoor temperature. In the case of a screed system and according to standard guidelines, the heat output typically ranges around 70W/m², assuming flow and return temperatures of 50/40°C, a room temperature of 20°C, an external temperature of -3°C, and a floor thermal resistance not exceeding 0.1W/m²K (or a 1 TOG carpet).

What heat sources can I use for wet underfloor heating?

Underfloor heating is highly efficient when used in conjunction with low-temperature heat sources, such as Ground Source and Air Source Heat Pumps. However, almost any heat source can be utilised, provided that a mixing valve is used to lower the water temperature to the necessary range (typically 35-55°C). It is necessary to determine the heat source before designing the system, as lower flow temperatures will necessitate installing the pipework in closer proximity to one another.

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