Underfloor heating: The more energy efficient option for your home

When living in a cooler area, having underfloor heating is the most economical and environmentally friendly way to heat your home. As an alternative to electrical underfloor heating, water-based underfloor heating presents those who want to live a Greener lifestyle the option of having a Green heating method. Seeing as we spend most of our time in artificial climates, both during the winter and during the summer, comfort is the most important thing to consider. Both businesses and homes can benefit from having water-based underfloor heating.

Floor heating that relies on heated water rather than electricity is not only a wonderfully healthy option but it is also a safer option for both homes and businesses. Underfloor heating systems are designed to be used in modern homes, with smart homes, in particular, benefitting from this additional smart system.

What is water underfloor heating?

The concept of providing heating to a home through the floor is not new but the latest developments have made way for environmentally friendlier options. In general, underfloor heating is the most economical way to heat your home simply because it reaches every part of your home. Unlike using individual heaters, underfloor heating provides heating beneath every floor within the home or office.

Using water to heat the floors, the method is also known as hydronic heating, only differs from electrical heating in that water is used. With water heating, a series of pipes beneath the floor boards or tiles are connected to your water heater (geyser) which then circulates warm water throughout the structure. It’s simply and easy to use, ensuring your home or office enjoys a warm winter.

The components used for water underfloor heating

• The pipes

As mentioned, pipes are used to circulate heated water beneath your floor. Generally, the pipes will need to be laid during the construction phase of your home or office. As a part of smart, Green building, the pipes are made from environmentally safe materials and are designed to have a long lifespan. When installed, the pipes are secured to the floor to prevent movement when the water is being circulated.

• The manifold and valves

Within the manifold, a series of valves are installed. This where the pipes will be connected and it is also the area where the temperature for each room can be controlled.

• The thermostat

This helps to regulate the temperature automatically by opening the water circuit to release the heated water into the pipes when the temperature in the room drops below a set temperature.

• The pump

To get the water flowing through the piping system, a pump is installed as a part of the water based underfloor heating system.

• The heat source

The water can be heated using a number of sources including solar systems, gas geysers, electrical elements or a heat pump.

The advantages of having radiant floor heating

When building, one of the best decisions you will ever make is installing underfloor heating. Here are a few of the benefits that you can enjoy when installing this method of heating:

1. Low maintenance

Considering that the piping is beneath your floorboards or tiles, it is important that the system will require as little maintenance as possible. Once the system has been fitted, it will stay in a good working condition for many years, with damage being very rare.

2. The system is energy efficient

This means that your floor heating is not going to cost you much to run. This is a great advantage for two reasons; firstly it means that your energy bill will be kept low (that is if you are not running the system from a solar energy source) and secondly, the energy efficiency is very good for the environment. In floor heating is great at retaining heat, so your home or office is likely to stay warmer for longer even once the heating has been turned off.

While electric underfloor heating systems are also energy efficient, if you are serious about saving on your energy then the water heating system is your best option.

3. More comfort

When your home is given consistent heating, with the temperature evenly spread throughout the building, the temperature will feel more natural and will be more comfortable.

4. Floor heating is hygienic

No appliances to cause dampness and no place to collect dust, underfloor heating is ideal for people who suffer from allergies and who are susceptible to asthma. Radiant floor heating is beneficial in the removal of dust mites in the home.

5. It is suitable for all kinds of floors

Whether it is under tile heating or wooden floors that you want to have, heated floors can be installed in all homes. As long as the system is properly installed, you should have no trouble and all of the benefits. Solid surfaces, however, have been proven to be more effective at equally spreading the radiant heat.

The underfloor heating price

We, at Green Leaf Alternative Solutions, aim to keep the cost of underfloor heating lower so that more people can afford the underfloor heating price. The price of the system will depend greatly on the size of the construction project. Regardless of the cost to install the system, you will be saving in the long run as your energy costs are reduced.

The team at Green Leaf Alternative Solutions is committed to helping people to live a Greener lifestyle, and we start by supplying construction companies with energy efficient water underfloor heating as well as another cost effective Green solutions.