| Underfloor heating (UFH) is already the most popular form of heating in Europe, and is gaining popularity here in the UK. Rex Ingram, managing director at OSMA Underfloor Heating discusses the cost benefits and advantages of installing a UFH system. Homeowners, once happy with radiators are now demanding much more from their central heating systems and have become more style conscious than ever before. However, while style and design are key issues for the homeowner, cost, health and safety remain high on the agenda. It is important to assess all of these factors to gain an appreciation of the real benefits of using UFH. Initial Costs Some homeowners may be put off by the initial costs of installing a UFH system. Although the materials can at first, appear more expensive than the cost of mass produced steel radiators, the cost premium can be reduced significantly when compared to Low Surface Temperature or designer radiators. Independent research has shown that UFH is, in fact, less expensive and quicker to install than radiators, with the overall time on site reduced by a week or more, largely because UFH is a first-fix item. On practical completion, an additional benefit is the reduction in snagging costs, as well as a lower cost for the post-completion warranty. With all things considered, and even on a simplistic level, the cost of UFH is often much lower than radiators. Running Costs The majority of radiators are positioned beneath the window, in order to counteract the effect of down-draught from the glass. Radiators lose much more energy through windows than UFH, and the heat loss through ceilings is also higher. UFH uses much cooler water than radiators ensuring that the condensing boiler operates at its most efficient condensing mode. UFH also limits the loss of heat from pipes, distributing the heat around the building when compared to radiators. Generally, UFH is 10-25% more efficient than radiator heating, although in tall spaces such as industrial units, the savings can increase to 60-70%. Maintenance Costs Additional savings can also be made in the form of maintenance costs. With UFH there are no radiators that need to be cleaned or re-painted, and it is much less expensive to clean and redecorate a room that does not have any obstructions on the walls. Aesthetic Appeal Underfloor heating has the additional advantage of unhindered room layout. Greater flexibility is achievable as there are no constraints of having to plan around a radiator – ideal for those 42 inch widescreen televisions! Comfort Comfort is a major factor within any heating installation. Whereas radiators distribute their heat by convection, resulting in a higher temperature at ceiling level, UFH works by means of radiant heating, distributing it evenly through the room with no floor draughts. This is a huge comfort factor, providing homeowners and users with warm feet, as well as low running costs and maintenance. Convenience, Safety and Health It is estimated that by not having heaters on the walls, there is 15% more space within a room, enabling homeowners to place furniture in the most convenient or desired place. However safety and health factors are also crucial as radiators can contain water at 70oc and carry a risk of contact burns and collision damage. UFH by comparison however reaches no hotter than 29oc, approximately the temperature of the palm of your hand - much safer for young children and the elderly. For allergy sufferers, there are further benefits. UFH does not produce a strong convective air movement so the transfer of fine dust into the air within a room is minimized - a significant benefit for asthmatics. Property Value Some property advisors have advised that a shift in the market has already occurred as a result of changes in regulations and environmental constraints. If a property is equipped with environmental facilities, such as UFH, the value of the property can increase by up to 10-15%. Sustainability UFH requires 40-60oc heated water, which can be easily generated by solar panels or heat pumps, if necessary. In comparison radiators generally need 60-80oc water that can only be obtained by burning gas or oil. Most new build or refurbishment properties have a design life of approximately 60-80 years and many people now doubt whether gas or oil will be readily available and affordable throughout this period. It therefore seems inevitable that at some point within a building’s life, large surface heat emitters will have to be fitted. Retro-fitting a UFH system is possible and can be designed to fit with the constraint existing within the building, but if installed in the first instance it is both cost efficient and energy efficient. In the future, new trends or technology may emerge, such as ceiling heating. For now, however, UFH is proving to be the desired choice for homeowners and Installers should take advantage of this growing trend. |