Heating & Hot Water Systems > Underfloor
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Underfloor![]() How Does Underfloor Heating Work?Underfloor Heating is not new, the principles go back to Roman times. In Europe it is the system of choice and in some countries accounts for 70% of new heating installations. An underfloor heating system heats mainly by radiation. This is the most natural and comfortable form of heating - just like the sun. Radiant energy emitted by the floor is partly reflected by each surface and partly absorbed. Where it is absorbed, that surface becomes a secondary emitter. The majority of modern UFH systems are warm water systems, which integrate high tech barrier pipe either within or just below the floor. With a radiator system the heat generated is transferred from a small surface area far hotter than the space it is heating. By comparison, UFH transfers heat from a very large surface area, which is only slightly warmer than the room. Modern UFH systems are economical to run, virtually maintenance free and utilise effective controls. They provide the most comfortable all round warmth of any heating system. In concrete floors, the heating pipe is laid on top of insulation before the screed covers the pipe and completes the floor construction. ![]() ![]() ![]() As the pipes are embedded into the solid screeded floor they can be covered with almost any finish. ![]() ![]() ![]()
Whilst UFH has many advantages over traditional systems they are not quite as responsive. As they are most efficient in constant operation, it is good practice to provide controls which can "set-back" the temperature in an area by 4 - 5°C during periods of low demand such as night time rather than turning the system completely off. Features & BenefitsUnderfloor Heating Systems offer many benefits to the consumer. Some of these are shown below.
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