Why Underfloor heating should be installed to European Standards

Whether you are talking commercial or residential, it can be costly to heat any structure. We are continually looking for the next evolution in heating, and that has arrived in the form of underfloor heat . From a design perspective, though, what should you be looking for regarding underfloor heating? As there are no current Australian standards for the design and installation of hydronic systems, the European standards are a great barometer and if you are having underfloor heating installed. Ensuring that it meets those standards is pivotal.

The Process of Choosing a System

You want to take your time when choosing an underfloor heating system. If you choose correctly, you will find that you’ll save tens of thousands of dollars over some years. You will have a home that is more “green,” reducing your carbon footprint. You will also see an increase in your property value. Finally, comfort level! Educate yourself on the European standards and be sure you settle for nothing less!

How Underfloor Heating Works

The concept of an underfloor heating system may be utterly foreign to you. Just how do these types of systems work? With an underfloor heating system, what you will have is a network of pipes. The network of pipes gets run underneath the floor. Heat pump installations go along with A heat pump is going to be installed along with the pipes that will work to move low-temperature water through them. The idea here is that heat will be evenly distributed throughout the floor, as needed.

Underfloor heating is an ideal solution for many commercial and residential consumers. Homes that have open floor plans can enjoy heat that is evenly distributed to cut down on energy costs and also increase comfort. Even homes with high ceilings will enjoy gains from underfloor heating systems.

Major Benefits of Underfloor Heating

There are plenty of significant benefits to underfloor heating that is probably worth highlighting. Energy efficiency is one of them. You get comfortable heat delivered in the most efficient way possible. The design of the underfloor heating is also noteworthy. Underfloor heating is not going to be intrusive at all. It is entirely invisible to the human eye! You can use every square inch if your home or commercial structure for design, not for heating.

Health and Safety also have to be mentioned. With an underfloor heating system, you are not going to be having hot radiators, sharp corners, any of them. No airflow with potential bacteria and allergen build-up will exist either. There are no air ducts, no space for mold and such to build up over time! All in all, with underfloor heating you end up with a safer home from the perspective of hazard reduction and air quality improvement.

Types of Underfloor Heating

There are several different types of underfloor heating. Professional guidance can help you make the proper determination. Let us take a closer look at few of them offered by Radiant Heating and Cooling.

“New Plus” Panel – This option has both a residential and commercial application. It is one of the thinnest low profile insulated paneling systems available. The thickness of the insulating base is just 12.5mm, with a standard thickness of 33mm.
Cover 20/30/40/50/60 Panel – Also for both residential and commercial buildings, this is an excellent choice when you can go with a floor height that it is a bit higher. The thermal properties for this one are off of the charts. The thickness of the insulating base is going to vary based on what you choose. As evidenced by the name, the thickness can range from 20 all of the ways up to 60mm. Standard thickness is between 48 and 89.5mm.
Zero Ad – Level Panel – The zero add level panel option is great for new installations, as well as refurbishments of both residential and commercial properties. The system required a unique leveling compound screw to be installed. The thickness of the insulating base, though, comes in at just 1mm, with a standard thickness of 23mm.
Industrial Shaped Panel 20 – This panel is more for the commercial application, with a thickness of the insulating base coming in at 20mm and a standard thickness of 47mm.
Dry-Tech Panel – If you have timber joist floors, this is the panel that will go right over them. The thickness is 10mm, with a standard thickness of 25mm.
In-Slab – No Insulation – When you have no height available for a screed, this is likely going to be the solution for you. Though it is still recommended to insulate below the slab, it is not required. There is no thickness here because it goes right in the slab.

The European Standard

The European standard is the measuring stick for what underfloor heating systems should adhere to. The European standard is all about making sure that the system is installed safely, with a high level of effectiveness and efficiency. During the hiring of a professional to handle an underfloor heating systems installation, ask about the European standard!

Not all of the professionals in the market are going to go by the European standard. Some may not even know that the standard exists. It is out there though, and a bit of research on Google will help you shed even more light on the topic. The European standard is set out in a document that is known as BS EN 1264. This is for the standard wet underfloor heating systems. The whole design of the system is detailed out in the document. Guidance and adherence to it is a must to ensure the highest quality installation.

Underfloor heating systems are an important investment. Choosing this type of installation with a new home is a smart choice. It is going to save you a lot over the years from an energy efficiency perspective. You will also end up with a safer heating system, one that does not have you stressing about hazards or air quality. Check out everything that underfloor heating systems have to offer. If you decide to go that route, be sure that the European standards are being followed by the professional you hire!