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Underfloor Heating

Here at Cheshire Plumbers, we are experts when it comes to underfloor heating leak detection and installation. We have been providing customers throughout South Cheshire with underfloor heating systems for many years now and we pride ourselves on delivering high standards of workmanship & a reliable service consistently. If you are considering underfloor heating but need more information, you’ve come to the right place! Although not a new heating solution, we understand that not every household is familiar with underfloor heating systems, so to help make the decision easier, we have put together some basic information about how underfloor heating systems work and the benefits that they can provide.

Underfloor Heating System Basics

  • The majority of modern underfloor heating systems are warm water systems, which integrate high tech plastic pipe either within or just below the floor (see the image below).
  • Normally, water at a temperature of 47-62°C is circulated through this pipe and this warms the floor to a surface temperature of 25-28°C, about the same temperature as the palm of your hand.
  • The heat generated by radiators is transferred from a small surface area far hotter than the space it is heating. By comparison, Underfloor heating transfers heat from a very large surface area, which is only slightly warmer than the room.
  • Modern underfloor heating 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, it is usual to set out the heating pipe or cable on top of insulation before the screed covers the pipe and completes the floor construction.
  • Hot water is pumped from the boiler to the Speedfit Pump Pack, where the water is mixed to approximately 50°C via the unique mixing valve before being pumped to the manifold.
  • The Speedfit PEX pipe is connected to the manifold from where it runs out to the heating circuits.
  • The pipes are embedded into the solid screeded floor, which can be covered with almost any finish.
  • The system is controlled by one or more thermostats, which signal the Pump Pack when heat is required.

underfloor heating

 

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 it accounts for 70% of new heating installations!

A radiator system transfers energy into the room largely by convection. This convection results in the floor being the coolest part of the room and leaves a mass of warm air at ceiling level. It also picks up fine dust from the floor and distributes it into the air and over the furnishings. This can mean that much of the energy, which had been put into the room, is wasted and not in the area you want it to be.

Underfloor heating however 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. After a while, all surfaces become secondary emitters. Furnishings themselves radiate energy and the room becomes evenly and uniformly warmed. The energy reaches into every corner of the room and is concentrated where it is needed most for human comfort and energy efficiency – this means no cold spots, no hot ceilings and no cold feet!

Features & Benefits of Underfloor Heating Systems

Here at Cheshire Plumbers, our Speedfit Underfloor Heating System offers many benefits to consumers, some of which are listed below:

  • Installation: It is simple to install, requiring minimum effort and little maintenance.
  • Comfort: The system uses radiant heat, which is the most comfortable form of heating.
  • Space: The system is unobtrusive and space saving which means that every square metre of floor and wall space can be fully utilised giving freedom of interior design.
  • Noise: Compared to radiator systems, underfloor heating is virtually silent.
  • Health: Dust is minimised which reduces house dust mites. Reduced numbers of hot surfaces and sharp edges reduce the risk of burns or injury.
  • Economy: The system reduces energy consumption and the loss of heat from the building surface is reduced.
  • Control: The system is easy to control and the small temperature difference between the floor and the air means that the system is virtually self-regulating.
  • Environment: Underfloor heating is suitable for use with the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly heating systems including condensing boilers, solar power and heat pumps.

Contact Us Today For Underfloor Heating:

If you would like to find out more about underfloor heating from Cheshire Plumbers then please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of our expert team, we will be more than happy to answer any questions that you may have.