Underfloor heating, both electric and hot water, is fast becoming the preferred home heating option in the UK and it’s easy to see why. Firstly, heat rises, so it makes a lot of sense to have your heating system below the floor instead of up against a wall or under a window. Secondly, it works out cheaper than radiators, which is a major benefit for all homeowners, as energy costs will almost certainly be a key consideration well into the future.
In this underfloor heating guide, we look at how you can save money on your energy bills by effectively controlling the temperature of your underfloor heating. Maximum energy efficiency is determined by understanding the full benefits of a state-of-the-art temperature control system, including the most modern thermostats.
Underfloor Heating Heat Output
One of the most important considerations for people who might be contemplating underfloor heating is being able to maximise the underfloor heating temperature output. When installing radiators, to calculate heat output in British Thermal Units (BTUs) for any particular room, you simply calculate the room area. A similar calculation is required for an underfloor heating system, based on floor size.
However, for underfloor heating, the heat output can be significantly increased by insulating the area directly beneath the underfloor heating system. To keep running costs and heat output to a minimum, insulation offers the best possible solution. Heat output can also be affected by the type of floor surface covering but first, let’s explore the subject of floor size in more detail.
Floor Size
When calculating floor size, you simply measure and multiply the length by the breadth of the floor space. For example, 20’x15’ (6.1 metres x 4.6 metres). However, this may not necessarily be the total heated floor space. For example, in a typical bathroom you will have a toilet, bath and hand basin which are taking up floor space, and for which heating is not required. In this case, you would measure up these spaces where underfloor heating isn’t necessary and subtract them from the total area.
Floor size and shape will very often determine whether you choose electric mats, flexible electric cables, or even a wet installation. An electric UFH system is often the best choice for a smaller room as it’s easier to install and heats up quicker. Also, electric is the best choice when installing to an existing property as this will involve much less upheaval.