How Does Underfloor Heating Work?

How Underfloor Heating Works

Floor heating systems are becoming increasingly popular in Australia. They are a suitable alternative to conventional radiator heating systems. Although slightly more expensive to install, under floor heating systems pay for themselves many times over during their operational lifetime. Here we outline how floor heating systems work and how to get the most out of your installation.

Understanding Hydronic Floor Heating Systems

Hydronic heating systems use water as the medium for heat transfer. The system is made up of the following components:

Loops of pipes laid under the floor in concrete, screed or raised wooden floors.
A manifold which is a central point for connecting all pipes together.
A heat source: commonly conventional gas boiler, but solar thermal, heat pumps and other renewable heat sources are becoming increasingly popular.
A system comprising sensors and controllers to regulate the temperature and alter settings to suit seasonal needs.

Achieving Floor Heating Success

This amazingly efficient and effective pipe system delivers heat evenly to the conditioned space. A heat source generates low temperature hot water (it needs to be low due to the size of the emitting surface) and this is where the biggest savings come from.

Solar thermal and heat pumps are the ideal energy sources, but their are other options. These two are preferable because they are both renewable and efficiently produce heat at the suitable temperatures.

Adequate insulation and accounting appropriately for the relevant floor space are critical factors. Though insulation is not typically a problem for concrete laid pipework and new buildings, it can be a problem for suspended wooden floors where the potential for heat loss through poor insulation is greater. This is why it is wise to go with a professional and caring supplier that gives you the full facts and designs with the professionalism and honesty.

Careful floor preparation is essential which makes retrospective installation of underfloor heating a challenge, but you can rely on us for an honest and accurate assessment.

To find out more about floor heating systems, how they work and how we can help design and indeed install one for you, give us a call on 1300 790 636 today.