HEATING, VENTILATION & SERVICES 65


BUILDING INDOOR AIR QUALITY INTO DWELLINGS FROM THE GROUND UP


On behalf of BEAMA Underfl oor Heating Group, Ashley Cooper discusses how hydronic (water-based) underfl oor heating can support the industry to build healthier indoor air quality into the very fabric of a home.


D


elivering homes which provide residents with good indoor air quality is essential to ensure the property can offer both thermal comfort and a healthy indoor environment. One key aspect is airborne particles, as the movement of dust, dander and allergens can exacerbate or trigger respiratory disease symptoms. With 5.4 million people in the UK living with asthma, it’s crucial to the public’s health and wellbeing to improve indoor environments and reduce triggers. There are many aspects within a property and individual rooms which can improve or deteriorate indoor air quality, but one major culprit is the movement of problematic particles, such as dust and allergens. These particles can’t be easily avoided, but when airborne, they begin to cause more issues, especially for those who suffer from respiratory problems. s underfl oor heating emits radiant heat, the system doesn’t require any forced air to create thermal comfort – instead, radiant heat warms the very fabric of a room. Plus, as underfl oor systems are entirely hidden within the fl oor, there aren’t any hard-to-reach components, such as coils or panels, where particles can gather and become propelled into the living space when the system is active.


EVEN HEAT DISTRIBUTION Ensuring even distribution of heat throughout a space is imperative. nderfl oor heating achieves this important aspect thanks to a series of continuous loops fi tted under the fl oor – either within the screed or within specialist panels – which creates a large radiant surface that heats a room from the fl oor up.


In situations where parts of a room are much cooler than others, when the warm, moist air comes into contact with


cooler surfaces such as walls or windows, condensation may gather. This moisture then provides an ideal environment for mould growth and, therefore, poor air quality, due to the mould spores. Pollutants such as dust and allergens can also get ‘trapped’ in poorly heated areas of a property. While ventilation plays an essential part in good indoor air quality, from an energy conservation and security perspective having windows open during the cooler months isn’t always an option. The only heating system which can heat all surfaces in the room evenly is radiant heating  specifi cally hydronic water-based underfl oor heating. s underfl oor heating transforms the whole fl oor surface into a large heat emitter, it ensures even heat distribution and maintains even temperatures, keeping the air free from pollutant build-up. Importantly, it helps to minimise condensation, reducing the likelihood of mould forming.


In addition, thanks to the stable and consistent temperatures created by underfl oor heating, it also maintains and balances humidity levels, further improving indoor air quality, and the delivery of comfortable living environments.


SEAMLESS SEQUENCING The reassurance of good indoor air quality can be built directly into the fabric of a property when a screeded underfl oor heating system is specifi ed. ost systems integrate seamlessly into the construction process, with fl eible options available at both oversite and weathertight stages, depending on build preferences. This adaptability makes it a practical solution for managing project schedules and site logistics. here is also an array of fl eible systems available for every sub-fl oor construction  from fl oating options, laid directly onto a sub-base of concrete or chipboard, or in between timber battens,


The common method for including UFH in a new build home is to include pipework in the fl oor screed


An underfl oor heating pipework design


ideal for upper fl oors, to fully bespoke systems for solid wall or listed properties undergoing renovation. ue to the fl eibility of underfl oor heating, most types of fl oor coverings can be used with the system – including carpet. However, it’s essential to consider the fl oor fi nish during the initial system design, along with other critical factors.


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