UNDERFLOOR HEATING
How to choose the right underfloor heating system
U
Richard Bateman, product marketing manager at RWC, explores the rise of underfloor heating and how getting specification right is key to success
nderfloor heating (UFH) has surged in popularity over recent years, as homeowners and housebuilders alike look to improve the efficiency of home heating.
Of the emissions generated by homes across the UK, home heating is the greatest contributor. As the government commits to its net zero strategy, regulatory updates such as Part L of the Building Regulations and the forthcoming Future Homes Standard, are redefining the expectations of today’s homes. Where energy efficiency is concerned, for example, new build homes are now required to produce 31% less carbon emissions.
Heating systems can make a notable contribution towards the efficiency of homes – something which has given rise to alternative heating systems like UFH. Compared to traditional radiator systems, UFH operates at considerably lower temperatures, putting less pressure on the heat source and, ultimately, creating fewer emissions. This is just one factor that is making UFH a familiar feature in modern homes, both in new builds and homes undergoing renovation. To choose the most appropriate UFH system and deliver the best results for individual homes, having a good understanding of the systems that are available, together with their suitability, is essential.
Understanding underfloor heating
While there are multiple types of underfloor heating available, including electric, it is wet systems that are the most common type of underfloor heating, where water follows a circuit of pipes beneath the floor surface to effectively heat a room. To deliver maximum efficiency and deliver long-term reliability and performance, these systems require pipework to span the entire floorspace, utilising pipe that is both strong, to underscore durability, and flexible, to ensure the intricacies of a room can be navigated successfully.
By running pipes beneath the floors of a
property, the heating system covers a much greater surface area than traditional radiator systems. This means that the water circulating around the system at the government recommended 55°C flow temperature is less than that required for radiators to effectively operate, enabling more consistent temperatures to be achieved across a space – avoiding the creation of cold spots, and long warm up times, which are common with radiators as they emit heat in a specific area of a room rather than
evenly. This lower operating temperature makes UFH an ideal pairing with air-source and ground- source heat pumps, which themselves are becoming more commonplace on both new build properties and existing homes.
Planning makes perfect
Before progressing any UFH installation, there are certain factors that installers will need to consider – including the property’s floor type, heat source and even the best location for the system manifold. These characteristics will determine the suitability of systems for individual projects, be it a new build property or an existing home undergoing refurbishment. When it comes to UFH, there are generally two types available – those that are installed beneath the floor and those that are surface mounted. Properties having UFH installed as part of the first-fix will generally be better suited to screeded systems, whereas those undergoing refurbishment will benefit most from surface mounted systems such as JG LowFit. As well as minimising installation complexity and disruption, the low profile build-up of these systems means floor height isn’t compromised, providing a viable solution to retrofit underfloor heating. Even where timber floors are concerned, overlay panels, panels that sit within the floor joists and spreader plates can be used to deliver effective results. Aside from flooring considerations, underfloor heating systems need to be compatible with a home’s heat source. Thanks to its versatility, UFH can be used in conjunction with traditional boilers just as easily as heat pumps, making it a futureproof option for homes. But whichever heat source is used, installers will need to ensure correct system sizing – and provide evidence as part of the updated Part L requirements. Alongside these considerations sits the planning of the system itself, including the location of the manifold. Acting as the heart of the UFH system that connects the underfloor pipework to the heat source, the manifold also ensures accurate water temperature, pressure and flow, informing the distribution of water to each zone. This makes a central location essential to the efficiency of the system from the outset.
Delivering comfort and efficiency
With the correct underfloor heating system, homes can unlock the potential for greater efficiency, alongside practicality and comfort for occupants.
26 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER JULY 2024
Where efficiency is concerned, UFH helps to
futureproof homes by introducing a reliable and high-performing heating system that operates at lower temperatures, ultimately creating fewer emissions. By working seamlessly with all types of heat sources, UFH can also support the transition to low carbon heat sources, such as heat pumps – particularly as traditional gas boilers are phased out in both new build and existing properties. There are also the user benefits to keep in mind when choosing underfloor heating. More comfortable spaces are really just the starting point, with UFH also influencing the practicality and functionality of rooms. With heating hidden beneath the floor, occupants have complete freedom over the layout of rooms – which is no longer dictated by the placement of wall- mounted radiators. When paired with smart thermostats, users also remain in complete control of their home heating. To unlock the full potential of underfloor heating, it is essential to choose the most appropriate system for the property in question, selecting tried and trusted systems that are built on the foundations of quality. This winning combination is something prioritised by JG LowFit, a low profile UFH system that supports multiple pipe layouts, minimises floor height increases and provides the versatility to suit every project.
Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42
