Wet Underfloor Heating Systems
More energy efficient than radiators and less expensive to run
Over the last decade, MJ Build and Management Ltd has been installing wet underfloor heating for a variety of clients and found it to be an effective, efficient heating medium, which we heartily recommend to anyone thinking about upgrading their heating system. Wet underfloor heating works by circulating warm water through a series of continuous piping loops laid under the floor and connected, via a chamber called a manifold, to your existing heating system. The manifold distributes water to the various control zones of the underfloor heating system, each of which is controlled by its own room thermostat.
Wet underfloor heating works primarily by heat radiation but, because heat radiates slowly from the entire surface of the floor, rather than an isolated area, or areas, the system can use water at a lower temperature than traditional radiators. Consequently, wet underfloor heating is typically more energy efficient – between 15% and 25% more energy efficient, according to the Energy Saving Trust – than radiators and correspondingly less expensive to run. Overall, wet underfloor heating creates a comfortable, even heat with no hot or cold spots anywhere in the room. Of course, underfloor heating is laid under the floor, so also frees up wall space when compared with traditional radiators and can be a boon where such space is at a premium.
Wet underfloor heating can be installed on solid concrete or suspended timber floors. In the case of solid floors, pipes are buried in the finishing layer of mortar, known as screed, on top of floor insulation and faced with a flooring product such as wood, tiles or vinyl. In the case of suspended timber floors, the insulation and heating pipe are laid between the joists and covered with dry screed for better thermal conductivity.
If you would like further information on the suitability of wet underfloor heating for your property, or a free, no obligation quote, please contact us today.