Comparison of Conventional Heating and Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating provides the most comfortable, even warmth of any heating system. It is economical to run and virtually maintenance free. Speedfit underfloor heating uses mainly radiant heat, the most comfortable form of heating, giving an even distribution of warmth over the whole room.
By contrast, radiators transfer energy using convection, heating the air above and around the radiator at a much higher temperature, causing the warm air to rise. This results in the floor being the coolest place in the room, with the mass of warm air at ceiling level. Underfloor heating resolves this issue by ensuring there are no more cold spots and that heat is distributed evenly where it is needed most.
A conventional radiator can be as hot as 75°C, whilst an underfloor heating system has a much lower and safer surface temperature between 25-27°C.
Radiators
The above image shows how warm air from radiators rises making the floor the coolest place in the room and the ceiling the warmest.
Underfloor Heating
The above image shows how radiant heat from UFH distributes a more even temperature for your body.
Understanding How Underfloor Heating Systems Work
Underfloor heating works by distributing a lower temperature of warm water through a circuit of pipes beneath the finished floor. Heat is monitored and controlled by intelligent thermostats to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the property or individual zones.
Any heat source can be used for underfloor heating such as standard, combination, condensing or biomass boilers, heat pumps and stoves.
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Underfloor Heating Control Pack & Manifold
Warm water is pumped from the heat source (e.g. boiler) to the control pack where it is mixed to approx. 50ºC. The control pack is fitted to the manifold that connects to the UFH pipe circuits.
Underfloor Heating Thermostats
One or more thermostats control the time and temperature that heated water is distributed through the pipe circuit.
Wiring Centre for Underfloor Heating
Performs central switching of zone actuators, control pack and boiler as signalled by the thermostats.
Pipe Circuit for Underfloor Heating
When heat is switched on the entire floor area is warmed to between 25ºC – 28ºC, providing even distribution of heat at slightly higher than room temperature.