Have you considered underfloor heating?

Continuing from our previous blog, we thought we'd discuss how underfloor heating could be an alternative to heating your home this winter.

Electric vs water-based underfloor heating 

A decision for many people is whether electric or water-based underfloor heating is best for their home. A water-based underfloor system requires more space for pipes and is usually more expensive and trickier to install, whereas electric underfloor heating is often easier and cheaper to install. However, it is usually more expensive to run than water-based underfloor heating and is normally suited to smaller rooms such as bathrooms. Considering the type of underfloor heating to install depends on many factors:

  • Size and shape of the room you intend to install underfloor heating in 
  • Whether you have insulation 
  • Whether the heating system will be installed on the existing floor or whether it will be removed
  • Whether it is being installed as part of a whole refurbishment, renovation, new-build project or as part of just installing a new bathroom for example. 

Similarly, these factors will also affect the wattage of the underfloor heating system you will use. However, on balance, most homes have electric underfloor heating (65%) compared to water-based underfloor heating (35%). 

Energy efficiency 

Both water-based and electric underfloor heating systems provide heating from the floor up, providing consistent and efficient warmth throughout your home. Compared to traditional radiators that need to be heated to high temperatures, underfloor heating systems only need to be heated to 29 Celsius to heat your home effectively. This, therefore, helps you to consume less energy in your home and significantly reduces your household heating bills, particularly in the winter months.  

No cold spots 

As underfloor heating systems provide heat from the floor up through radiant heat, they don't overheat the room as radiators can, so there's no need to open windows. Consequently, you're not throwing money down the drain through energy wastage. Similarly, underfloor heating means that there are no ‘cold spots’ in your home, unlike with radiator systems where lack of actual radiation leaves areas that they simply cannot reach. Underfloor heating allows you to achieve a desired and personalised temperature set by you throughout your whole home, therefore, providing optimum comfort and energy savings. 

More space and design freedom 

Underfloor heating systems also allow you to enjoy your whole room without having radiators taking up valuable wall space. Instead, you have complete design freedom so you can design and decorate your home as you wish. This is especially important in bathrooms and in kitchens, where wall space can be at a premium.

At Arc Design Services, we specialise in architectural design, dedicated to offering a fresh and exciting approach to every project. With this in mind, Arc Design Services could help you create a warm, cosy living space with underfloor heating, whether this is in your existing home, renovation, or extension plans. Contact our experts today at Arc Design Services at www.arcdesignservices.net or 0161 928 4443.


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Altrincham, Cheshire, WA15 9AD
United Kingdom