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Uncovering the common myths that surround underfloor heating systems
D
espite the clear advantages of fl oor heating, trade professionals and property owners have traditionally been resistant to it. This is the result of myths that have been spread about the technology and a lack of knowledge about what modern electric underfl oor heating systems are capable of. The rising cost of supply, combined with global warming, makes energy-effi cient technologies essential today. As a result, electric underfl oor heating is rapidly becoming the heating solution of choice giving property owners the fl exibility to heat the rooms they want, when they want. Another key advantage is with no radiators to spoil the clean lines of a room(s), space can be saved by freeing up walls which are usually dedicated to radiators. Not only is it an economical way to heat a property, but once you have experienced it, you will never be without it again! This article discusses some of the myths surrounding electric
underfl oor heating and sets the record straight. It also provides a compelling argument that when it comes to underfl oor heating, electric is best!
Myth 1 – Underfl oor heating is only for bathrooms or kitchens Wrong – Electric underfl oor heating can be used to heat the whole house, or alternatively certain rooms – for example, just the ground fl oor, or a single room, say, a conservatory. It can also be used to provide warming in small areas, for instance, to take the chill off tiles in bathrooms. Warmup’s electric underfl oor systems use BEAB approved ultra-thin heating elements – the wire is only 2mm thick and won’t raise fl oor levels. This also makes it much easier to install particularly in upper fl oor rooms (e.g., bedrooms). Myth 2 – Electric underfl oor heating is not energy effi cient Wrong – The use of electric underfl oor heating marks the next phase in our transition to low energy usage. It provides high effi ciency heating whilst requiring signifi cantly less energy to heat a room(s) than traditional radiator heating systems. Radiant heat is energy effi cient, as the air temperature is lower than conventionally heated rooms to achieve the same level of body comfort. Energy usage is also reduced as you are not heating the ceiling area.
Myth 3 – Floors are uncomfortably hot Wrong – With its low operating temperature, Warmup electric underfl oor heating delivers a comforting and even radiant heat across the whole fl oor area, with no cold spots, heating from the fl oor upwards. Electric underfl oor heating allows you to refl ect the way your home is used, never overheating or wasting energy. In fact it can be set fi ve degrees lower to achieve the same comfort levels as water based systems, according to the respected US study from ASHRAE. Myth 4 – Underfl oor heating is diffi cult to control Wrong – Warmup electric underfl oor heating offers fl exibility and energy management. This is achieved by using the Warmup 3iE energy-monitor thermostat, which offers unrivalled accurate fl oor temperature control. Its active energy management prompts users to choose the best and most effi cient temperature for each room with an instant calculation of the energy saved. Its built-in Proportional
24 ECA Today September 2012
Adaptive Function calculates when the system is activated to ensure the selected room temperature is reached at the required time – and remains on for the exact time required, meaning no energy is wasted.
Myth 5 – Electric underfl oor heating is more expensive than other systems Wrong – Many people assume that installing, running and maintaining a whole house electrical heating system will be more expensive than a water based or gas boiler system. but this is not the case. Electric underfl oor heating can use much less energy than warm water heating when properly zoned and controlled, not least because it offers heat-up time in minutes rather than hours. A typical bathroom costs just 10p per day to run. Electric systems are maintenance free, and Warmup systems are guaranteed for life, so they do not need replacing. Myth 6 – Electric underfl oor heating has no impact on allergy sufferers Wrong – The impact of traditional heating on the UK’s 21 million allergy suffers is becoming more widely known, with convection currents moving dust and particles around and the resulting air movement causing and aggravating allergies, causing distress to asthma sufferers. It can also cause the humidity to drop and the room to become ‘stuffy.’ Since electric underfl oor heating is emitted at a low temperature (19-25°C), and evenly distributed throughout the room from the fl oor level up, it helps provide a warm and comfortable atmosphere with a healthy level of humidity. This means no ‘dry air’ effect or convection, preventing dust mites to thrive or it ensures that they rise to the surface, where regular cleaning removes them, thus reducing allergy attacks. Myth 7 – You can only use electric underfl oor heating under tiles Wrong – Warmup underfl oor heating offers versatility – most fl oor fi nishes can be used. These include stone, ceramic, wood, laminate, vinyl and carpet. H ow do you know this is true? Warmup is the world’s best-selling electric underfl oor heating brand. The Warmup research and development facilities in Germany, and various houses in the UK that have full monitoring and measurement systems, have created an all-encompassing product performance research database for your use, to ensure that full knowledge of how a system will operate and function – along with the energy usage and running costs – is available at design stage. Warmup goes one step further – it guarantees its products for
life. Warmup’s heating wire carries a lifetime warranty plus a unique SafetyNet installation guarantee (if the wire is accidentally damaged, the pre tiled heater is replaced free of charge – this is unique to Warmup).
Why don’t you try Warmup for yourself?
Warmup products are available in all leading electrical wholesalers and building merchants.If you would like to receive further information on Warmup or to obtain a quotation, please call 0845 345 2288, email
uk@warmup.com or visit
www.warmup.co.uk
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