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Building Services Engineering l September/October 2021
Underfloor heating
System design critical to successful installation
W
ith the push towards low-temperature heating systems in both new-build and retrofit, heating system design needs to be considered carefully to make best use of this low carbon heat, writes Kevin Ray (right), Head of Heating & Ventilation, BEAMA and Manager of the BEAMA Underfloor Heating Group. Ray has worked directly with this industry group for the last three years and, prior to that, spent 11 years as Sales Engineering Manager responsible for technical support of the heating controls and valves of a major manufacturer. In this article he aims to remove some of the myths surrounding underfloor heating installation, and to make the choice of underfloor heating an easier one for customer and installer alike.
Heat pumps make an obvious choice, especially given the drive to electrification and zero carbon targets. Heat pumps are more efficient, ie, the Coefficient Of Performance (COP) improves with lower flow temperatures. Due to the large emitter surface of an underfloor system,
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it is also at its best with low flow temperatures, and as low as 35ºC is possible. Underfloor heating, therefore, makes a seamless partner for these lower temperature heating systems. Underfloor heating is also an attractive proposition for the consumer, offering improved comfort levels without hot or cold spots, more space without intrusive radiators, improved air quality with lower dust circulation, and a safer environment without the high temperatures of radiators. Underfloor
Above: Without radiators on key walls, the freedom to plan a room to suit the occupants means other features can be designed in, such as bi-fold doors and a complete freedom to place furniture where it is required.
heating is also regarded as a desirable luxury and can often increase house valuations. Underfloor heating has many myths, often a poor installation experience can cloud the decision to use it and installers and specifiers should feel supported from initial design through construction to deliver the best possible system and efficiency. Underfloor heating has been successfully in use for many years and installers should be confident that installations can be hassle-free if the correct guidance is followed and reliable and trusted suppliers are used. The BEAMA Underfloor Heating Group is the trade association for underfloor heating manufacturers and designers. It represents all the major manufactures and aims to improve the training and quality of installs across the industry. Members undertake to provide the highest levels of technical support to customers, including providing bespoke system designs and installation guidance with many also offering product training.
20/08/2021 08:27
