How Does UnderFloor Heating Work?
Most underfloor heating systems are either wet systems or dry systems. How does under floor heating work?
Wet System
With this type of heating hot water from your boiler passes through the pipes which are buried under the floor surface. In some cases this may mean the floor level will have to be raised to accommodate the pipes. The heated water transfers the warmth into the floor area heating the whole of the floor surface evenly. As the whole floor area is being heated it’s not necessary for the water to be heated to such a high temperature as would be necessary say for radiators. The heat generated is absorbed by anything or anyone standing on the floor surface, resulting in very little heat escaping into the atmosphere. This creates an almost perfect temperature between floor and ceiling. It takes longer for the water in this system to heat up, and is slower to cool down, but the end result is always a cleaner and healthier atmosphere within the home.
Dry System
The dry, or electrical system, comes in the form of heating cables and because of the direct heat response will normally heat up to the required temperature quickly. The flexible cables distribute the heat into the whole of the floor area evenly, allowing for the same temperature to be felt from every position within a room. This particular type of under floor heating is especially suitable for installation in old houses, or in renovation work. The cables can be laid onto the existing sub-floor and will not necessitate the need for the floor to be raised to any degree.
With either system of under floor heating the principle is basically the same. The purpose is to promote evenly distributed heat throughout the room, or whole house, without it escaping through the windows, ceilings or roof. Under floor heating systems also give the added advantage of aiding in the elimination of dust mites and other bacteria from the atmosphere. This is particularly advantageous for those suffering from asthma or allergies.
For a qualified technician either method of under floor heating is not difficult to install. It is important however, that you ensure sufficient insulation is used in order to get the very best out of your installation.
The question of how does under floor heating work is quite simple. Instead of having radiators on the wall which basically heat the ceiling and wall before distributing the warmth into the room, the under floor heating fills the whole room. The heat moves up through your body giving a comfortable degree of warmth without creating an atmosphere that can become stuffy and overbearing. When every part of a room is heated at the same time, the necessity for high temperature heating is eliminated. This in turn means the heating bills will inevitably become lower, although your heating efficiency will remain high.
How does under floor heating work? It works efficiently, economically and with little or no maintenance.