Underfloor Heating, also known as UFH, can be a great addition to your home but it’s important to consider both electric and wet options before making your final decision. Both methods have their own unique advantages that will vary depending on your home’s particular needs. Most Underfloor Heating can be purchased as a kit that will work with most floor surfaces including concrete, tile, hardwood, and vinyl.
Electric Underfloor Heating
Electric Underfloor Heating works by using a heating element that allows heat to be evenly dispersed across the floor’s entire surface. A great advantage to Electric Underfloor Heating is that you are not required to remove the existing floor in order to complete the installation. The heating elements, which consist of heating cables woven into specific patterns, can be easily fitted underneath an existing floor covering. Because of this, it is suitable for anyone that would like to avoid an extensive installation while also gaining incredible savings by keeping their current flooring. If Electric Underfloor Heating is only being used in certain rooms, it offers a cost effective solution to the homeowner since it can be used on an as needed basis. Your flooring will heat up much quicker, and also more evenly, with Electric Underfloor Heating because its heating elements are uniform and temperature controlled.
Wet Underfloor Heating
Wet Underfloor Heating works by continuously pumping temperate water throughout a series of pipes located underneath the floor’s surface. If you’ve considered installing Wet Underfloor Heating throughout a large area of your home, you’ll save the most money in the long haul using this method. One important factor that must be considered with Wet Underfloor Heating, is that you will have to replace your existing floor in order properly install the system. A great feature that the wet system exclusively provides is the ability to cool your home’s floors during the warmer months. This will help cut down on air conditioning costs in the future while also providing a cool floor surface in the summer. Using a wet system will also free up both wall and floor space by eliminating the need for outdated radiators. Many different types of boilers can be used in combination with Wet Underfloor Heating such as gas, oil, and solid fuels. A condensed boiler works best by integrating your wet system your existing plumbing. It is very important to ensure that your floors, and subfloors, are insulated when using a wet system because heat loss will occur rapidly if not properly installed. The water temperature remains at about 50°C, and essentially pumps warm water rather than hot water throughout your flooring. The system will take slightly longer to heat your floors than the electric version, but offers you substantial savings and a greener alternative.
Choosing The Best Underfloor Heating For Your Home
When choosing between Wet or Electric Underfloor Heating, it can greatly depend upon the needs of your home. Usage, square footage, energy efficiency, and cost should all be considered when debating these systems to ensure that you make the proper choice. It’s a good idea to speak with a professional, to discuss your ideal Underfloor Heating system, so that you can be confident in your final decision.
