Looking To Upgrade Your Home? Underfloor Heating Can Make A Difference

As a homeowner, you will obviously want to improve the enjoyment and energy efficiency of your home. In this world of increasing energy costs and a developing passion for green, sustainable living, underfloor heating is proving to be both a luxurious and practical way to heat your home.

The good news is that whether you are upgrading a room in your house or renovating the whole property, underfloor heating (UFH) can be easily installed. It provides an efficient, unobtrusive way to heat your home and ensures that each inch gets heated evenly.

This post explains how underfloor heating can transform your home, how it is an ideal heating solution, and why it should also be a top-notch investment in your house.

Underfloor heating is a heating system installed beneath the floor surface, offering an efficient and discreet way to warm a home. Unlike traditional radiators, which heat the air from a single point, underfloor heating work provides even heat distribution throughout the room, creating a more comfortable living environment.

There are two main types of underfloor heating:

Electric underfloor heating systems

Electric underfloor heating systems involves the installation of electrical heating cables or mats underneath the floor. As a rule of thumb, because of their ease and installation speed, you will find this form more common for smaller spaces (bathrooms or single rooms) where fast heating is needed.

Water underfloor heating systems

Warm water underfloor heating systems circulate warm water through pipes located beneath the ground. Although this underfloor heating installation is costlier and more involved, the benefits of water-based systems far outweigh this inconvenience in large areas or regular homes where energy bills would end up saving you money over time.

So why would you want to upgrade to underfloor heating, and could the benefits make it worth the cost for better comfort and efficiency in your home? Let’s have a look:

• Energy efficient: Even distribution of heat around a room can help keep bills down, as it reduces the amount of energy wasted. Underfloor heating operates at a lower temperature and heats evenly across the whole room, unlike radiators which are one heat source in individual rooms so they often heat very unevenly and require higher temperatures to achieve the desired warmth.
• Greater comfort: You get to enjoy warm floors when you walk in your home, which can be a revelation during the cooler months. Warm air rises from the heat of the floor to fill your home with even, comfortable heat wherever you are in the room, eliminating cold spots and drafts.
• Design flexibility: Due to its lack of radiators, underfloor heating provides a lot more flexibility with design. Wall space is no longer lost, and you can plan an interior that best fits your taste. With this, you can place your furniture, paintings or home décor here and there without worrying where the radiators go.
• Allergen free: Underfloor heating is kinder for those with allergies. Conventional radiators can circulate gunk, dust and allergens in the air. By comparison, there is much less air circulation with underfloor heating without the airborne spread of dust and allergens that come with it— meaning a cleaner house to breathe in.
• Increases home resell value: Since underfloor heating is a premium addition to the home, it means that you will be able to add up more money in your home when it comes to resell value. Underfloor heating is a beneficial long-term investment, as it attracts buyers with its energy efficiency and modern finish, which adds value to the property.

Underfloor heating can be a perfect addition to lots of homes, especially in climates that experience colder seasons. In Scottish cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen, where winters can be particularly harsh, underfloor heating is an ideal solution for maintaining a comfortable, energy-efficient home.

Some factors need to be considered regarding how sustainable UFH actually is. First, think about the floor type. Tile, stone, engineered wood, and laminate flooring are all materials that can be combined with underfloor heating as they have a high thermal mass, making them excellent heat conductors. Thicker carpets or natural wood can impede the performance; therefore, these are not ideal materials.

The rooms where warm floors tend to work best are bathrooms, kitchens and light-filled, open-plan living spaces. Underfloor heating is ideal in these areas as the even heat distribution and design flexibility really shine here.

The role of home insulation is also crucial. Better working underfloor heating depends on how well the space is insulated; retaining the heat for long periods meaning increased efficiency and lower costs. Homes with low insulation can operate less effectively as heat is lost. Replacing worn-out insulation before installing an underfloor heating system could increase performance and energy efficiency.

It is important to understand the cost element to install and run underfloor heating. An electric underfloor heating system tend to be more cost-effective and quicker to install, so are better suited for smaller areas such as bathrooms. Wet underfloor heating is the more expensive solution for larger and new-build systems yet will offer better payback in the long term.

Running expenses are generally lower than those of common heating systems. The heat is spread at lower temperatures under the floor, ensuring that the warmth remains constant and enabling energy savings. With the system’s increased efficiency, your energy sources are less in demand, so ultimately, it becomes more comfortable on heating bills.

Over the long-term savings, electric or water underfloor heating also costs lower operationally because of its efficient energy usage. Although coming with a high investment for installation, in the long term you will save money by reducing your energy consumption and heating bills.

Underfloor heating kits offer unparalleled comfort, energy efficiency, and design flexibility, making it a valuable home upgrade. It enhances both your living experience and property value. If you’re looking to upgrade your home, explore the wide range of underfloor heating options and consult with underfloor heating specialists or a qualified electrician to find the perfect solution for your space.