A lot of people think of underfloor heating as something super modern and trendy. In fact, underfloor heating is not a modern advantage at all! It has actually been around for thousands of years in different forms, from Ancient Korea to Ancient Rome! They are a great way to keep places like the bathroom warm rather than using radiators and they are more efficient too. So why do people invest in underfloor heating systems? Let’s take a look at the advantages, the different types available and why you might want to have one installed.
Four great reasons to invest in underfloor heating
- With underfloor heating you do not need radiators in the bathroom – There are times when a radiator really does not fit into the design of your bathroom. You might need the space on the walls for something else like additional storage for example. In some homes having space for bathroom furniture is a must, and storage options are premium. Small bathrooms too can look a little larger when you do not need a radiator. When you have underfloor heating there is no need for a radiator and that solves that problem.
- No more walking around with frozen feet – One of the worst feelings is walking into your bathroom and feeling freezing tiles on your feet. If you have feet that feel like blocks of ice, having underfloor heating is a great solution. Just have it timed so that when you wake up and walk in it is toasty warm and you can walk around comfortable and happy.
- Installations with a professional are easy in most cases – when you call in professional installers the process is a fairly easy one, especially if you opt for the electrical option. The process essentially means lifting up the flooring you have, rolling out the whichever of the underfloor heating systems you have chosen, then putting back in the flooring. (As long as it is okay to go over the heating system). There is not any need to raise the floor level and some systems do not even need specialist tools. However, each system is different so the ease and speed of installation will depend on which you have chosen!
- Much more efficient way to heat – Having underfloor heating in the bathrooms is a more efficient means of heating them than using radiators. The heat emits gently and has a more enveloping and welcoming effect on a person too. There is less energy waste so it is cheap and more energy-efficient means better for the environment. Radiators leave cold spots and that is not an issue with underfloor heating systems. Some studies also show that when people have feet that are warm, they need less heat in general for the rest of their body so may even use less energy to heat the home overall! It does not heat the whole room the same way a radiator does but that might not be a problem.
Types of underfloor heating systems
There are two types of systems to choose from, those that work using a wet system with warm water, and dry systems where electricity powers them. Both offer a wonderful feeling of gentle heat on the feet but there are differences in terms of installation and cost.
Wet systems – Pipes have to go under the floor or in the foundation itself and through them, warm water will pass. This heats the floor surface. The pipes are usually a half an inch in diameter or larger and they are fine with any type of bathroom flooring material. It is easier to place this system in when the house is being built, or when big renovations are being made.
This is a more complicated option for heating under the floors and is not something that DIY people should attempt. The work is for professionals with the knowledge, the right skills and the right equipment. Wet underfloor heating is something you can use with wooden flooring. Channels have to be cut to hold the pipes needed and you also need to make sure you have a boiler that can handle that extra task of pumping warm water through the pipes.
Dry systems – Underfloor heating systems that operate via electricity are called dry systems, as there is no water involved. They are easier and quicker to install, no need for channels to be cut into the floor but they are not appropriate for wooden flooring. While simpler to put in, and they can be put in at any time, they are more expensive to operate than the wet system. Even as much as 40% more to run. An electrician would need to set up a separate circuit for the floor to be powered.
Conclusion
Whether you choose a wet or dry system for your underfloor heating needs, you should keep in mind that they do not heat the same way a radiator does. The room will not be as warm, the heat has to warm the whole floor then it slowly rises from there. Both systems would need you to set it up so the thermostat switches on sometime before you get up. How long exactly varies depending on your system, the type of bathroom flooring you have and how large the bathroom is. There is also a longer period of cool down.
Have a look at the different underfloor heating systems and see which would best suit your needs and budget. There are a few things to think about before you make this decision. More and more new builds are putting in underfloor heating when it is more convenient and easier to do so. If you are looking for installers, be sure to look for ones who have a few years of experience and have knowledge with the kind of system you want to put in.
Mr Verandah in Melbourne
If you are looking for help with a house extension on top of updating your bathroom heating you might want to consider Mr Verandah in Melbourne. They offer a free design service with an experienced specialist to help get your plans just right! You can get the extra room you want, perhaps even a new bathroom with underfloor heating! Add space, value and achieve the kind of home you have always dreamed of. For most people, their home is their most important asset so let Mr Verandah in Melbourne get you the addition or extension of your dreams.
