Stepping onto a cold floor can be something of an unpleasant experience, especially in the colder months. To combat this, many homeowners and owners of commercial properties have turned to underfloor heating, something which is often seen as a luxury reserved for people with certain financial leeway. In this article, we are going to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the system.
How does underfloor heating work?
A simple way to describe underfloor heating is essentially that it turns your floor into a giant radiator. There are usually two methods used – either warm water running through pipes, or an electric cable running under the floor.
Can I have underfloor heating under my carpet?
Yes. Underfloor heating is very versatile, and it can be used in conjunction with a wide range of floor coverings, including:
- Laminate
- Carpet
- Engineered wood
- Tiles
- Stone
- Marmoleum
- Karndean
- Amtico
How much does underfloor heating cost to run?
The cost of running your underfloor heating depends on what kind of system you use. Water-based systems are usually around 20% cheaper than a radiator powered by a gas boiler, while electric underfloor heating is cheaper than LPG, oil and electric storage heaters.
Does underfloor heating need maintenance?
Generally, underfloor heating doesn’t require too much maintenance, especially the water-based systems. With the water-based heating, the only maintenance you may need is the repair of any leaks that appear, but as a lot of systems now use joint-free plastic pipes, the chance of a leak is minimal.
How much does it cost to install underfloor heating?
Due to the components required, and the labour needed for installing the system, it can be initially more expensive, but the savings that are made due to the efficiency of the heating will outweigh the initial expenditure over time.
How warm does it get? Is it enough for a large space?
Underfloor heating is particularly effective in large spaces, as the floor radiates the heat upwards. As well as ensuring your feet are warm, these radiating temperatures also help eliminate draughts, reduce allergens in the air and help bring moisture levels down.
Should I insulate underneath my underfloor heating?
It always pays to put insulation under your underfloor heating, as it prevents downward heat loss, instead forcing the heat upwards into the room.
Underfloor heating is a popular choice for properties of all types, thanks to its low-maintenance, high-efficiency performance. If you feel like it is the right system for you, then you need a team of skilled, accredited professionals to install it for you – that’s VHL. We are proud to install energy efficient underfloor heating for customers across London, doing so with a commitment to excellent results and customer satisfaction. To find out more about our heating services, please get in touch with us today and we’ll be more than happy to help.