Blog | Underfloor Heating

The Pros and Cons of Underfloor Heating

Underfloor heating is an energy efficient way of heating up a building. This system uses radiant heat emitted from the floor to create a consistent temperature and comfortable environment.

As this system operates at a lower temperature than traditional radiators, less strain is placed on your boiler. This system can also be paired with renewable heating sources for a more efficient heating solution.

What is Underfloor Heating?

Underfloor heating (UFH) is a method of heating a room or building using a system of pipes or wires which are embedded in the floor. Covering the length of a room, heat radiates upwards. There are two main types of UFH:

1. Electric underfloor heating

2. Wet underfloor heating

Electric Underfloor Heating

Electric underfloor heating uses cables to heat a room from the ground up. These systems offer easy and inexpensive installation. Electric underfloor heating works best for small, single spaces such as bathrooms, where it can be challenging to install water-based systems.

While initial costs are low, as running costs can be as much as 3 times higher than wet underfloor heating, this option will likely cost you more in the long run.

Wet Underfloor Heating

On the other hand, a wet underfloor heating system uses strong, flexible tubing filled with warm water. This heating system is suitable for a wide range of projects including new builds and renovations.

Though installation costs are large, these are offset by low running costs. Investing in a water-based system ensures your heating system is reliable, long-lasting and energy efficient.

This system operates particularly well when coupled with renewable technologies such as air source heat pumps, which have a low flow rate. When powered by a boiler, wet underfloor heating is approximately 25% more efficient than traditional radiator systems. When paired with a heat pump, this system can be up to 40% more efficient.

How Does UFH Work?

Essentially, the floor of a room acts as a radiator and emits heat. The pipes or cables under the floor heat up and warm the room from the ground up. This provides a consistent heat throughout a room and eradicates cold spots, creating a more comfortable environment.

UFH is able to operate at much lower temperatures than radiators given this system covers such a large area, serving to improve energy efficiency.

It is no surprise UFH is widely adopted given the large number of benefits it offers.

The Pros of UFH

1. Energy Efficient

Since UFH operates at lower temperatures, this heating system consumes less energy than traditional radiator systems. Compared to radiators, UFH offers a 15% reduction in energy usage. Consequently, your energy bills will be reduced.

2. Low Maintenance

Though initial costs can be large, the low maintenance involved with UFH counteracts this. Not only are running costs lower than radiators, but they also last longer. While the average lifespan of a radiator is between 8-12 years, UFH systems can last for up to 50+ years.

UFH systems are managed by an on-the-wall thermostat which offer full control over heating. Electrical systems do not require regular servicing while water-based systems require infrequent reviews but all in all, neither electric nor wet systems require much maintenance at all. The hassle-free nature of UFH is particularly attractive for many.

3. Flexibility

UFH is compatible with a range of flooring styles including wood, laminate, some carpets and more. Each room in a building has separate pipes, providing greater control. Moreover, UFH removes the need for radiators. This frees up space to design your building as you wish.

4. Comfort

Above all, UFH creates a comfortable environment. While radiators can create uneven temperatures and cold spots within a room, UFH allows for a consistent temperature decided by you. Furthermore, UFH also serves to improve a room’s air quality.

The Cons of UFH

1. Large Installation Costs

In comparison to a traditional radiator system, the initial costs involved in UFH are greater. This is particularly true of wet underfloor heating which have more complicated installations. However, the low running costs counterbalance these over time.

2. Floor Height Issues

UFH can have an impact on floor heights. Water-based systems require a deeper installation technique so are most suitable for new build projects.

3. Length of Installation

UFH systems take longer to install than radiator systems, sometimes up to several days, and this should be accounted for. Nonetheless, the longevity of these systems makes initial delays worthwhile.

Summary

Underfloor heating is an energy efficient and cost-effective way to heat a building. While initial costs are large and installation time can be longer than traditional radiator systems, the low maintenance nature of this system combined with the level of comfort they provide make this a great heating system. Furthermore, their long lifespan and low running costs make UFH particularly attractive.

At DARe-me Consulting Engineers, we are experts at designing heating solutions for your project. If you are interested in designing a UFH system for your project, contact the team at DARe-me today.

Current Job Vacancies

Our Current Vacancies ... to apply email your CV to jobs@dare-me.co.uk

Position: Senior / Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Location: Glasgow

Employment Type: Full time / Permanent

Experience: Minimum 5 years relevant design experience

Start Date: ASAP

Salary: Excellent / Dependant on experience

Qualifications: Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) degree in Building Services or Mechanical Engineering.

Chartered status: IMECHE/CIBSE is preferred or progression towards chartership.

Skills and Abilities:

1. Proficiency in AutoCAD with a working knowledge of Revit.

2. Technical proficiency, strong communication skills, effective time management, and a collaborative team approach.

3. Demonstrated ability to exercise financial control and project management skills would be advantageous.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Conduct mechanical design and consulting tasks encompassing systems design, production, specifications, and scheduling.

2. Provide comprehensive reports and guidance to clients.

3. Coordinate with internal and external design team members, representing the company in meetings.

4. Serve as the primary contact for clients, ensuring their needs are met efficiently by leading or assisting consultants.

5. Foster effective collaboration with all stakeholders impacted by your work.

6. Demonstrate accountability in project management and actively mentor junior staff through training initiatives.

7. Monitor and adjust personal and team workload schedules regularly. Establish and update task priority lists accordingly.

8. Review the accuracy and completeness of documentation produced by colleagues.

9. Uphold adherence to all Quality System protocols.

10. Fulfill administrative duties including tracking project-related man-hour commitments and providing monthly reports on project fee details.

11. Oversee project management activities, including the coordination of junior staff and ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.

12. Adhere to security protocols and maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive commercial information.

13. Fulfill any additional responsibilities required to support the company's core objectives as directed by the Directors.

14. Contribute to compliance with relevant ISO standards and national regulations in all operational activities.

Our Current Vacancies ... to apply email your CV to jobs@dare-me.co.uk

Position: Associate Electrical Design Engineer

Location: Glasgow

Employment Type: Full time / Permanent

Experience: 10+ years relevant design experience

Start Date: ASAP

Salary: Excellent / Dependant on experience

Qualifications: Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) degree in Building Services or Electrical Engineering.

Chartered status: IET/CIBSE is preferred or progression towards chartership.

Skills and Abilities:

1. Generate electrical design drawings, conduct calculations using software such as Amtech, Hevacomp, IES, Relux, and Dialux, and prepare reports, specifications, and schedules.

2. Play a role in achieving BREEAM or equivalent regulatory compliance.

3. Contribute to compliance with Building Regulations Part F, Part L, or Section 6 through modeling efforts.

4. Participate in witnessing tests for the proving and commissioning of final installations.

5. Aid in the training and development of junior engineers.

6. Adhere to internal and external project timelines efficiently.

7. Adhere to the company's Quality Assurance management systems.

8. Provide support to Directors.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Conduct mechanical design and consulting tasks encompassing systems design, production, specifications, and scheduling.

2. Provide comprehensive reports and guidance to clients.

3. Coordinate with internal and external design team members, representing the company in meetings.

4. Serve as the primary contact for clients, ensuring their needs are met efficiently by leading or assisting consultants.

5. Foster effective collaboration with all stakeholders impacted by your work.

6. Demonstrate accountability in project management and actively mentor junior staff through training initiatives.

7. Monitor and adjust personal and team workload schedules regularly. Establish and update task priority lists accordingly.

8. Review the accuracy and completeness of documentation produced by colleagues.

9. Uphold adherence to all Quality System protocols.

10. Fulfill administrative duties including tracking project-related man-hour commitments and providing monthly reports on project fee details.

11. Oversee project management activities, including the coordination of junior staff and ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.

12. Adhere to security protocols and maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive commercial information.

13. Fulfill any additional responsibilities required to support the company's core objectives as directed by the Directors.

14. Contribute to compliance with relevant ISO standards and national regulations in all operational activities.

DARe-me Consulting Engineers

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