Benefits of Underfloor Heating

Intro

How it works

Why modern underfloor heating is changing home comfort.

Underfloor heating belongs to the so-called surface heating systems: Unlike radiators, which are mounted on the wall or free-standing, underfloor heating works with the entire floor surface. Due to the large heating surface, the flow temperature of the heating water can be lower than with conventional radiators, which makes it ideal for energy sources such as heat pumps and solar thermal energy. The hot water pipes laid under the heating screed heat evenly and transfers the warmth to the floor covering.

Advantages

What makes underfloor heating so great?

Gentle and well-dosed warmth.
Underfloor heating is a surface heating system and therefore, heats every room evenly. Your floor heating can even be used for refreshing in hot summer, when connected to reversible heat-pump.
Tested and reliable.
Benefit from a heating system that has been established for more than 50 years and is constantly being improved, and which you can rely on at all times.
Aesthetics.
There are no longer any visible radiators, the room can be aesthetically designed in a more holistic way, since the walls and window fronts are free.
Indoor climate.
A good room climate is promoted, dust turbulence is reduced, which is healthier especially for allergy sufferers and asthmatics. The dry warm air on the floor is also the enemy of mites and fungi.

Types of underfloor heating

Different types of underfloor heating.

Water-led underfloor heating
Electric underfloor heating

The operating principle of underfloor heating with water is straightforward: pipes are laid out under the floor covering in which water circulates. The water radiates heat into the room via the pipes and the floor, thus ensuring a comfortable temperature. Of course, it is also possible to refresh a room with the water-powered underfloor heating if a heat pump is connected. However, the cooling capacity of water-driven underfloor heating is limited to avoid moisture.

Individual room temperature as needed
Low operating costs
Both heating and cooling (to a certain degree) possible
Almost no maintenance required (the first service is due after 10 years)

Electric underfloor heating uses heating mats or heating foils that are laid under the floor and heated by an electric current. It is not possible to cool a room down with an electric underfloor heating.

Particularly suitable for the renovation of individual rooms, such as bathrooms. The heating should not run continuously, but should be limited in time, like during the morning shower. The electricity costs for operation can be quite high.

Individual room temperature as needed
Cheap and fast installation
Virtually maintenance-free system
Short heat up time

Three different ways to install underfloor heating systems.

For years, underfloor heating offered two choices: wet or dry installation. Wet installation recesses pipes into fresh screed, while dry installation places pipes on top, covered by boards. Recently, a third method emerged for existing buildings, milling grooves into dry screed for pipe placement. Suitability varies, so it makes sense to consult your installer first. Electric systems can be installed as mats or foils on wet screed or adhered to dry screed.

Installation in a wet system.

This method is suitable for new buildings or if you want or need to do a complete floor renovation in an existing building. Firstly, an insulating insulation layer is applied to the bare floor, on which the water-bearing heating pipes are attached. Then the screed is poured. Once the screed has dried, the desired floor covering, such as laminate, carpet, parquet, etc., can be laid.

Installation in a dry system.

When retrofitting underfloor heating systems in existing buildings and when renovating old buildings, installation in a dry system plays a key role. Here the water-bearing pipes are laid on an insulating layer. In order to ensure a better distribution of the heat, additional heat conducting plates can be installed. The pipes are covered by a layer of boards, which can be made from a variety of materials, e.g., plaster, wood or natural stone. Finally, the desired floor covering is installed.

Installation using the milling system.

This relatively new method is most commonly used when renovating older buildings, when the floor should not be raised by the addition of new layers. The first step is to remove all residues (e.g. carpet adhesive) from the screed surface. This is followed by milling grooves in the screed using a special milling machine, which immediately vacuums up the drilling dust using a powerful vacuum cleaner. The water-carrying pipes are then placed in these grooves. The floor covering can then be installed.

The laying methods

The two patterns used for laying underfloor heating.

Two patterns have established themselves when it comes to laying the water-carrying pipes: The meandering pattern, also known as the snake pattern, and the loop pattern, also known as the snail pattern.

The meander/snake pattern
The bifilar/ loop pattern
The modular pattern

Here the pipe is laid back and forth in a snake-like pattern. It’s easy to install, but because the water cools along its path, the floor tends to be warmer on the supply side and cooler on the return side.

Costs of an underfloor heating

How much does it cost to install underfloor heating?

This question is quite difficult to answer, because several factors have an impact on the total costs:

Type of heat generator,
type of energy source,
a new or old building,
size of heated area, etc.

An electric underfloor heating system is somewhat less expensive to purchase and install. But keep in mind that the running cost for an electric underfloor heating are much higher and only fitting for smaller rooms where underfloor heating is to be installed later. This heating is only suitable for temporary use, such as taking a shower in the morning.

Underfloor heating combinations.

Mother and daughter playing with soap foam in the kitchen

Installer and customer in a consultation

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Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? We have the answers.

How does an underfloor heating work?

Which benefits does an underfloor heating have?

Underfloor heating provides gentle, even heat and can even be used to cool in hot summers when connected to a reversible heat pump. It uses less energy than radiators, saving you money every month. With no radiators, you have more space and design flexibility, and the system is proven and reliable. Underfloor heating also promotes a good indoor climate, reducing dust turbulence and benefiting allergy sufferers and asthmatics.

What types of underfloor heating exist?

There are two types of underfloor heating: water-based and electric. Water-based underfloor heating circulates water through pipes laid under the flooring, radiating heat into the room and allowing both heating and cooling. Electric underfloor heating uses heating mats or foils and is suitable for individual room renovation, but cannot cool a room. Both types allow individual room temperature control and have low maintenance requirements, but electric heating can have high electricity costs and water-based cooling is limited to avoid moisture.

What are the disadvantages of underfloor heating?

Long heat-up time:
Underfloor heating systems have to heat large surfaces and are therefore slow to heat up. It may therefore take some hours for the room temperature to reach the desired level following a complete switch-off of the system.
Repairs:
Repairs are rarely necessary, but if they are required, it can be quite an undertaking.
Investment costs:
While underfloor heating system in new buildings is virtually no more expensive than conventional heating, retrofitting old/established buildings or modernising can become expensive.

What are the requirements for retrofitting underfloor heating in mid-century homes?

The installation of a water-driven underfloor heating system in a wet system is not recommended for established buildings, because it would be far too costly and time-consuming. One exception: You want to completely renovate the floors of your house anyway for other reasons.

For older buildings, the most sensible solution is to install water underfloor heating in a dry system. However, it should be noted that due to the installation of an underfloor heating system, the height of the floor will increase, and the doors may have to be shortened accordingly.

What needs to be considered for underfloor heating in new builds?

Although theoretically all options are feasible for a new building, water-driven underfloor heating in a wet system is, of course, the best choice. The heating pipes can be laid out during the construction phase. There is no need for subsequent work that costs time and money. When selecting the floor covering, you are free to choose anything you want to: parquet, laminate, tiles, carpet - everything is possible. But may affect the heating performance.

Under certain circumstances, electric underfloor heating can also be useful in new buildings if, for example, you are looking for a way to quickly heat up only the bathroom in winter. The cost of electricity is negligible in a room that is only heated up in the morning during just one season of the year.

Is it cheaper to run underfloor heating or radiators?

Underfloor heating typically has higher installation costs but can be more energy-efficient, distributing heat evenly at lower temperatures, which may reduce energy bills over time. Radiators are cheaper to install and offer flexible, zoned heating, but may lead to uneven warmth and potentially higher energy consumption. Running costs for underfloor heating vary, with electric systems often being pricier than water-based ones, while radiators connected to efficient boilers can be economical. Consider your home's insulation, flooring type, and heating needs when deciding, as well as consulting a specialist for tailored advice.

Is it cheaper to leave underfloor heating on constantly?

Leaving underfloor heating on constantly can be more cost-effective in certain situations, particularly if the system is well-insulated and operates at a low, consistent temperature. Underfloor heating is designed to maintain a stable temperature, and turning it off and on frequently can be less efficient due to the time it takes to heat up and cool down. However, the cost-effectiveness depends on factors such as the type of system (electric vs. water-based), energy prices, and the insulation quality of your home. In well-insulated spaces, maintaining a constant low temperature can prevent heat loss and reduce energy consumption, potentially leading to lower overall costs.

Dive deeper into efficient heating.

Air-to-water heat pump behind a woman and a dog

Father and daughter watch installer servicing a heat pump

Installing a new underfloor heating system.