Borders
Underfloor Heating
How It's Done
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21st
Century Technology From A 1st Century Inspiration
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Heat
Movement
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 Underfloor heating system |
 Radiator system |
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How Does Today's Underfloor Heating Work? Warm water is circulated through a network of reinforced polyethylene pipes (Pex-A) laid in the floor at the time of construction. Each room has its own circuit and is individually controlled by a room thermostat. When the room reaches its pre-set temperature the thermostat sends a signal to an electrically operated valve on the manifold closing that particular circuit. The water is distributed to the pipes through solid one-piece brass manifolds at between 35-60°C and heats the floor surface to a temperature in the range of 18-24°C. The floor effectively becomes one large heat store giving off a gentle, even, radiant heat to the whole room. |
Unlike a radiator system, which you can programme to come on twice a day, underfloor heating operates throughout the heating season maintaining a comfortable even heat all the time. This actually saves energy and costs less to operate because once the floor has become warm it takes a very small amount of energy to keep it warm; whereas with a radiator system, the radiators have to be warmed up from cold each time the system comes on. |
We can all enjoy the benefits of underfloor heating in our new homes and renovation projects. Discerning house buyers and builders know that underfloor heating is a more efficient and economical method of heating their new homes. It is widely accepted as the most efficient form of heating across mainland Europe. Many architects and designers in the UK now specify underfloor heating as their preferred method of heating a new property.
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Updated:
16 January 2002
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