Underfloor heating maintenance

Which underfloor heating is the cheapest to run?

Between the two major types of heating system, radiant and conventional heating, the Department of Energy confirms that radiant heating is more efficient and cost effective. Using radiant heating will reduce the amount of energy bills. Taking all factors into consideration, radiant heating could be considered better than the conventional heating, namely due to its safety elements, especially for people who are prone to asthma and may want to avoid airborne infections.

Radiant heating is basically a system that uses radiation to heat the surfaces that are able to retain heat over duration of time. One advantage of radiant heating system over conventional system is that it is not affected by the surrounding air.

Making the right decision on the type of underfloor heating that you should install needs a lot of consideration, such as installation costs, the amount needed to maintain the system and also the overall budget. Ovo energy notes that if you get a right size of an underfloor heating, it is capable of warming a larger area that may be having lower temperatures thus the monthly energy bills are reduced.

There are two types of underfloor heating kits capable of providing you with the heat that you may need. However, each of these kits has a share of advantages and disadvantages.

  1. The wet underfloor heating system

This system involves installing a series of pipes just below the top level of the floor, allowing heated water to pass through the pipes. This system is easy to maintain and is often the preferred choice of underfloor heating in the construction of new buildings. However, for existing properties, installing wet underfloor systems can prove a little more complex, as it involves digging down the floor to ensure that the whole system is fitted correctly.

  1. The dry underfloor heating system

In contrast to the wet underfloor kit that relies on heated water circulating in the pipes, this system involves rolling of mats just underneath the floor. Electricity heats the mats which in turn heat the floor and the heat is then radiated to the whole of the room. This system is easier to install and you can actually install it yourself, with no need of extensive structural works.

Which is the better kit?

Both underfloor heating kits could be considered as being better than the conventional heating systems. Though in terms of costs, these two heating kits differ. The difference is caused by several factors such as:

  1. The electricity supply; the price of the electricity needed to run the dry underfloor kit is higher than the wet underfloor kit.

 

  1. The insulation; the quality of insulation will determine the efficiency of each type of these kits. Your property should basically hold as much heat as possible in order to achieve the maximum benefits of the systems. Properly insulating your system will mean living spaces maintain as much heat as possible.

 

  • What is the alternative energy supply available? There are some alternative forms of energy supply that are fit for either type and they have gained popularity over the recent years. For instance, use of solar power has been embraced by many homes and this translates to reduction in the energy bills needed to run a dry underfloor heating system. Also, wet underfloor heating systems are compatible with the ground source heat pumps.

Each of these heating systems has many advantages over other types and they are ideal if you intend to generate your own power. As the Energy Department advises, the wet heating system saves more cash on the energy bills but the amount of savings is dependent on the amount of insulation that you have put in place and also the main source of energy.

Once the system is installed, you don’t get to see the piping or the mats because they are carefully installed in a way that there is a manifold that pushes water through the pipes and collects it again. Subsequently, there is often no need to worry about the maintenance because it is often part of the installment package covered by the reputable underfloor suppliers, such as Underfloor Heating Trade Supplies.

Underfloor heating systems are a favourable choice for many home owners because there are no radiators required, thus clutter in small rooms, such as bathrooms, is reduced.

Underfloor Heating Trade Supplies are top-notch suppliers and installers of underfloor heating kits as well as other innovating heating-related products. Get a competitive quote for all your underfloor heating requirements by contacting Underfloor Heating Trade Supplies today.

I am an underfloor heating expert and have been writing articles for our blog for over eight years. During this time I have discovered new and inventive ways to introduce underfloor heating to contemporary homes, and I am more than happy to offer advice on saving on energy, maintenance, installation, and much more!

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