Underfloor Heating

The UK has seen a surge of interest in underfloor heating and it will revolutionise the way our homes are heated and will mark the end of wall mounted radiators.

Warm water underfloor heating systems are more energy efficient than conventional radiators, this also means lower running costs and reduced CO².

Underfloor heating turns floor into one large radiant surface and the heat rises evenly from the floor up. This even heat distribution is more energy efficient than traditional radiators and typically the room thermostat can be turned down by 2°C.

The heat produced from underfloor heating is a different type of heat to that of radiators. Underfloor heating emits mostly radiant rather than convected heat. Radiant heat is considered to be more comfortable and more hygienic as it does not support dust mites which is a real benefit to allergy sufferers.

Water Underfloor Heating
Warm water underfloor heating has looped pipe-work laid under the floor. Heated water is circulated through these pipes to heat the property. The pipe-work can be linked into a condensing boiler or heat pump.

The pipe-work is laid in continuous loops to reduce the number of joints in the floor. The pipe-work is connected to brass manifolds which are manufactured and tested to have a 50 year working life.

Warm water underfloor heating is well suited for large areas. A property can be divided into ‘zones’. These zones are usually dictated by rooms within the property. Each zone, or room, can be controlled individually so the heating in each room can be different and even turned off in rooms that are not in use.

Warm water underfloor heating is compatible with virtually all types of floor finish including carpets and wood floors and can be easily combined with towel rails or radiators if needed.

Is Underfloor heating energy efficient?

• Warm water underfloor heating requires lower temperatures than conventional radiators (typically 50°C rather than 60°C plus) and uses less fuel. Therefore it is more energy efficient, more economical and better for the environment.
• Underfloor heating emits even heat, unlike radiators where there can be pockets of heat. This makes underfloor heating more efficient at heating an area and as a result the thermostat temperature can be reduced by a couple of degrees.
• Underfloor heating can easily be divided into zones and these can be controlled so energy can be saved in rooms where it is not needed.

What are the advantages of Underfloor heating?

• The obvious advantage to underfloor heating is the feeling of warmth and comfort underfoot and the removal of the ‘chill’ from hard flooring.
• The elimination of unsightly radiators which collect dust and dictate the layout of a room as they shouldn’t be blocked by furniture.
• The heat emitted by underfloor heating is mostly radiant heat which is considered a more comfortable type of heat.
• More hygienic than conventional radiators as the moisture content is too low to support dust mites, a real benefit to allergy sufferers.

So, what can you expect from Green Choice Heating?

Expert advice and installation.
We will conduct a site survey to assess the size of system required, the number of zones needed, your lifestyle requirements, location options, floor construction and existing system compatibility. Our assessment will enable us to install a bespoke underfloor heating system to meet your needs.

Advice on your existing heating system.
In most cases existing boilers are suitable for a warm water underfloor heating system. However, the lower flow temperatures make underfloor heating ideal for use with high efficiency condensing boilers and heat pumps and we will provide advice accordingly.

Accredited BPEC Underfloor Heating Installers.
We are fully qualified through BPEC to install underfloor heating and we renew our training every five years to stay current with the latest developments.

Approved Continental Underfloor Heating Installers.
We are also an approved installer for Continental Underfloor Heating. This does not mean we will recommend Continental Underfloor Heating when another brand is more suitable but it does mean we are fully trained on Continental Underfloor Heating products.