Installing a Floor Heating System
Introduction
Energy efficiency in the home obviously plays an important role in reducing domestic
fuel consumption and as a consequence fuel bills. It also has the effect of reducing
harmful emissions into the atmosphere. Indeed, this latter ecological fact has been
recognised by the British government and Part L of the Building Regulations now
stipulates minimum requirements for energy efficiency in floors, walls, etc. for
newly built and even during refurbishment projects.
Floor Heating System Considerations
Underfloor heating systems radiate heat into the subfloor and floor covering and
hence into the room above. In doing so, they not only create a more natural
"temperature gradient" in a room than conventional radiator systems would as these
tend to heat up the space immediately below the ceiling first. The other obvious
advantage is that they are also much more efficient and can operate at lower
temperatures. Lower temperatures mean lower fuel consumption, and with the advantage
of precise temperature control, underfloor heating systems typically use in the
region of 15% less energy than conventional heating systems. They are also
economical to install, costing as little as between ?10 and ?20 per square metre,
depending on the total area to be heated, and the output wattage of the heating
elements required.
Floor heating
can, of course, be installed
beneath almost any floor covering, in any room in your house, but you do need to
consider the characteristics of the floor covering and the total area that you want
to heat when choosing an appropriate system. Thick carpet, for example, is a good
thermal insulator and may impede the passage of heat from your underfloor heating
system to the room above. Timber flooring, whether hardwood or laminate, can be a
trickier overlay. If they contain too high a moisture percentage (above 10%), they
may shrink or warp as it dries out under the influence of the heat. Such problems
are not insurmountable and a reputable manufacturer or retailer will be able to
advise you on how to proceed. Heating elements ranging from 200W/m2 down to 100W/m2
and below in output power are available on the market.