2 minute read
UNDERFLOOR HEATING TRENDS
UNDERFLOOR Heating
In this article, we discover the best underfl oor heating options for you. Underfl oor heating is low maintenance and suitable for any type of fl oor. S OUTH AFRICA IS LUCKY TO HAVE FAIRLY MILD WINTERS IN COMPARISON TO SNOWIER PARTS OF THE WORLD. HOWEVER, THE CHILLIER SNAPS, ESPECIALLY IN THE EVENINGS, MAY HAVE YOU PILING BLANKETS ON TO TRY TO KEEP WARM. UNDERFLOOR HEATING HAS BEEN AROUND FOR A FEW DECADES BUT RISING ELECTRICITY PRICES HAVE KEPT MANY AWAY FROM INVESTING IN IT AS A HOME OR BUSINESS HEATING SYSTEM.
WET AND DRYHydronic underfl oor heating (wet) uses water to heat the fl oors. With water heating, a series of pipes beneath the fl oorboards or tiles are connected to your water heater (geyser) which then circulates warm water throughout the structure. Developments in hydronic underfl oor heating systems offer an alternative to electrical systems. The hot water alternative will keep your entire home warm at a reduced long-term cost.
Electric underfl oor heating (dry) uses a large system of wires placed under the fl oor in the room you wish to heat. Some people opt for heating mats that can be laid to cover a large portion of the room, whereas others go with a system of individual wires
that can reach all parts of a room. The heating mats tend to be a bit more affordable as they can be mass-produced in a variety of shapes and sizes.
LONG-TERM SAVINGS OR
NOT? The initial cost of installing hydronic underfl oor heating is higher than its electrical counterpart. However, in the long run, it is cheaper and more effi cient to run than other heat sources. Hydronic heating systems also have an extremely long lifespan and require little maintenance once installed correctly. The system should last a minimum of 50 years.
Electrical underfl oor heating, on the other hand, is generally more costly to run than hydronic underfl oor heating. It may be wise to restrict it to smaller living areas.
EFFICIENT HEATING
As a radiant heating source, underfl oor heating is able to evenly heat entire rooms from the ground up. That means there are no cold spots and the room can easily be kept at a constant, comfortable temperature. Different heat sources are available to suit your needs and preferences. Heat pumps, boiler pellets and solar heating are the most popular. Installing a buffer tank to store heated water for when it is needed can prolong your heat pump’s lifespan.
Electric underfl oor heating is a lot easier to install compared to the pipes required for hydronic systems. It is not expensive to install and can most probably be done by you.
THINK BIG To make it a cost-effective investment, hydronic heating is best suited to spaces that are bigger than 100m². Therefore, it is best to have water underfl oor heating installed across your entire home or as an integrated part of your home’s water heating system. Single rooms such as bathrooms are best suited for electric underfl oor heating as it will most likely only be used during the winter months.
