The Benefits

There are only two principal types of underfloor heating;

1. Water pipes set into the floor. Water flows through these pipes at a temperature of around 40°C. As the water flows through the pipe it gives up its heat to the surrounding floor raising the floor temperature. A typical floor temperature will be around 22°C - 26°C.
2. Electric heating cables or mats. The heat is generated by electric current flow through a high-precision resistance cable. Electric systems are thinner than water based so have a lower build up height.

Key features of a water pipe system:

• The pipes are manufactured from a special polymer material and are typically 17mm diameter with a wall thickness of 2mm. The pipe is constructed from several specific layers to ensure absolute integrity and a very long service life. The multi layered pipe guarantees that the pipes will not leak under the floor.
  

• The pipes are laid onto a high grade insulation material and are cut to length then fitted into the manifold above floor level.

• The floor construction (floor build up height) is much greater with water systems when compared to electric systems. The floor insulation is typically 50 to 100mm thick and is covered with a floor screed of between 50mm - 100mm.
  

• Water systems are ideal for new-build homes. With current levels of insulation underfloor heating integrates very well in domestic constructions.
  

• Water systems are ideal for larger areas, for example schools, sports complexes, hospitals and larger commercial and municipal buildings where the heat requirement is quite high.
  

• Water systems are very compatible with renewable energy system such as heat pumps and solar panels. A heat pump operates at its peak efficiency when generating water at low temperature. This makes them ideal for underfloor heating.
  

• Condensing boilers also operate at peak efficiency when the return water is at a low temperature (ideally less than 50°C). With water based underfloor heating you get this low return water temperature meaning that the boiler is always working in condensing mode. This means lower fuel usage; lower running costs.
  

Key features of an electric system:

• Very suitable for a single room retro-fit. For example: a one room makeover. Particularly good in conservatories where low walls make it difficult to fit radiators.
  

• The heating cables are very thin, typically 3 - 5 mm, making the increase in floor height minimal. This makes them particularly suitable in renovations.
  

• Simple to fit. Electric systems are no more complicated than a ring-main to fit.

• Electric systems are virtually silent and are maintenance free.

• Electric systems are an excellent solution for apartments, particularly smaller, multiple units. The capital cost is low and the installation is simple. In addition the cost of installing gas boilers is eliminated.
  

• Electric underfloor heating is very much safer than a gas system in apartments and there is no requirement for servicing, unlike gas boilers.
  

• Electric systems in new build apartments with high levels of insulation will be very economical and efficient to run.

• Electric underfloor heating gives the optimum levels of flexibility as each room has its own individual heating systems that operate totally independently. Each room will have its own fully programmable, digital thermostat for precise setting of room temperature and heating times.
  

In Summary

Water systems heat the floor using warm water circulating in pipes under the floor. They are particularly suitable in new-build applications where the floor construction can be integrated into the design. They can easily be linked to energy-saving technologies such as heat pumps and solar collectors.

Electric systems use a resistance heating cable to supply heat to the floor. They are typically very thin and easy to fit. This makes them ideal for use in renovations.