Over the years, home heating has evolved dramatically. No longer do people have to rely on a simple fireplace to keep them warm in their homes. From there, we saw radiators, both fixed and stationary, heating up any room you want, in both commercial and residential buildings.
Today, we see even more innovative methods, and one is underfloor heating. This isn’t only just a more luxurious way of warming up a property, but it also comes with many practical and efficient benefits.
Continue reading to find out more about how underfloor heating can influence the architecture of your home for the better.
Types of Underfloor Heating Systems
Before we dive into the benefits, let’s take a closer look at what types of underfloor heating systems are available.
Electric underfloor heating
Electric underfloor heating is basically what is says in the name. It involves a series of cables or heating mats being installed below your floor’s surface. When turned on, electricity will surge through the circuit of cables and start sending heat above. This option is cheaper to install but still contributes to your monthly energy bills quite a bit. That’s why it’s often a better option for individual rooms rather than the entire home.
Hydronic underfloor heating
Hydronic, or water, underfloor heating works in basically the same way as its electric counterpart. However, instead of using cables and mats it uses a series of pipes and tubes attached to a manifold. Once turned on, warm water flows through the system to offer comfort upwards. It is slightly more costly for initial installation but saves more on energy in the long run. That’s why more people will choose water underfloor heating when they wish to add the system to their whole property or home.
Efficiency and Energy Savings
One of the main benefits of underfloor heating, especially when you’ve opted for the water option, is that it is highly energy efficient. This is not only because it doesn’t use as much electricity or gas as traditional methods such as radiators. It’s also because the system offers much better heat distribution than these other options too. You’re feeling warmth no matter where you are in the room, and much less of it is lost.
Similarly, many underfloor heating systems are paired with smart thermostats. These allow you to better control when your heating is on. For example, you can set it so that the heating only turns on when you get home from work, so you aren’t wasting energy.
Comfort and Health Benefits
When winter hits and it gets colder, the last thing you want to worry about is your comfort. Luckily, with underfloor heating, you are guaranteed a much more consistent warmth. You don’t have to find a seat next to the radiator and hope to get some heat. Instead, it’s evenly distributed throughout the property so everyone is comfortable.
Similarly, there are a few health benefits associated with underfloor heating. There is a reduction in dust circulation compared to forced-air systems with improved the air quality around you. This doesn’t know make the system good for architecture, but also for those who suffer from allergies and respiratory issues.
Aesthetic and Design Flexibility
When you’re making a home for yourself, you want it to look as good as possible. That’s why bulky radiators and vents are starting to make homeowners feel like they can’t achieve their aesthetic goals. They take up too much room, which also stops you from adding additional furniture or accessories. With underfloor heating, it is completely invisible, meaning you have a lot more flexibility.
Another great thing about underfloor heating when it comes to designing your home is that it is compatible with a wide range of different flooring materials. While carpet isn’t the best option as it can block some of the heat, you can choose anything like tile, wood, laminate, stone, and vinyl. Whatever best suits your own personal style!
Environmental Impact
Our planet is sacred to us, and it deserves to be looked after as much as possible. Unfortunately, too many people are opting for the easiest and most common heating systems for their homes. Not only do they increase their energy bills every month, but it also increases their carbon footprint. Underfloor heating is a sustainable option that is helping homeowners and those in commercial buildings reduce their environmental impact worldwide.
If you’re looking to practice sustainable living, you’ll never go wrong with choosing underfloor heating for keeping you warm during the winter. If you’re adding it to a whole property, these systems also contribute towards LEED and other green building certifications.
Installation and Maintenance
We’ve discussed the benefits of underfloor heating in your home, but in terms of architecture, you’re always going to need to consider the installation process and maintenance. While the installation isn’t necessarily hard and takes too long, it is better for those with stronger knowledge of heating to complete it. Always rely on a reputable contractor in your area to get the job done, and ensure they offer a decent guarantee.
One thing you will need to consider too is whether you’re having the system installed in a new building or if it’s being retrofitted. If in a new build, there should be no problem at all and the process is usually seamless. However, it’s much more difficult to retrofit an underfloor heating system so discuss the implications on your property with a professional before getting started.
Last of all, the longevity of underfloor heating is very good, and it usually requires little to no upkeep. This also helps save costs in the long run compared to traditional systems that are always breaking down and needing replacing.
Conclusion
Overall, there isn’t much bad we can say about underfloor heating. It may not be the option for everyone from an architectural point of view, but it comes with so many advantages that it seems like a no brainer to add it to your home.
When choosing the contractor to install your system, ensure they are certified and have the right experience, like the team at Next Level. This will ensure you have warmth and comfort in your property for as long as possible.
