Underfloor Heating Underfloor keeps heating under control

With new Building Regulations pointing to wider use of low temperature heating systems, underfloor heating is looking to become the default emitter – so says Ambiente’s Sheldon Cooper who says UFH is the ultimate energy saving solution.

Underfloor heating is the most energyefficient way of transferring heat into any room since it works by radiating heat from the floor surface onto other surfaces in the room and from there heating the airspace. This radiant form of heating is much more comfortable than the convected heat provided by radiators, which draws cold air across the floor, heating it and then convecting it upwards towards the ceiling.

In contrast to traditional systems, which are either on or off and run at high water temperatures, underfloor heating will run at lower water temperatures with programmable controls to suit the usage of the room. With naturally less heat being used, underfloor heating can be 15-40% more efficient than an equivalent radiator system.

Right for the Regs

Low-temperature heating systems are now a must for any newly built home, and also for some refurbishment projects, following the regulatory updates last summer (June 2022). The low water temperature update to the Building Regulations and Part L demand that systems for such properties must run at a maximum flow temperature of 55°C. The system must also provide the ability to zone the system, further increasing efficiency.

Underfloor heating can meet every demand of the new regulations and, due to its large surface area, is designed to run at lower temperatures (35-40°C rather than 80°C). This also means underfloor heating is the ideal partner for renewable heat sources, such as air source heat pumps – together, these two technologies create a zero-carbon emissions heating system.

Cut To The Chase

 UFH is well suited for new build homes that must meet the latest Building Regulations for low temperature heating

 When combined with heat pumps, UFH can easily run at temperatures in the 35-40ºC range

 Most sub-floor types can be fitted with an UFH system

 Customers need to be advised on how to use their UFH system, as it requires a new mindset compared to radiator systems

 Every part of the system must be well considered, such as where to site the manifold

 Controls are crucial to performance because UFH systems require more careful management than traditional systems

When paired with a heat pump, this statistic increases up to 50%, reassuring for homeowners who are closely monitoring their energy usage.

Flexible specification

When it comes to product selection, the sub-floor construction will dictate which underfloor heating system is best suited to the project. Screeded systems are the most popular and effective option in a new build project. For this system, pipes are clipped or stapled onto an insulation layer, then the screed is laid on top. The warm pipes heat the slab effectively, giving even and consistent heat output. However, for retrofit scenarios, whatever the sub-floor, there is a system to suit – from suspended floors, floating floors and lowprofile systems for minimal floor build-up in refurbishments. Specialist systems are also available to meet specific requirements, such as structural floor areas, or incorporating acoustic layers into UFH for soundproofing, raised access floors, and fully bespoke systems for unusual and demanding requirements. Thanks to these advances in product design, any

In the zone

As well as meeting the new regulatory needs for new builds, the fact that underfloor heating can be zoned and carefully controlled allows homeowners to monitor their energy usage effectively.

home can reap the benefits of underfloor heating.

System design is critical to ensure the customer experiences the maximum benefits from their underfloor heating system, from thermal comfort to energy savings. Once the correct product has been selected for the site, perfecting the system design is crucial to ensure maximum performance.

Every part counts

From where to site the underfloor heating manifold, type of pipe, heat losses and pipe spacing, each factor can make a massive difference to system performance once in place. Additional aspects, such as the room layout and floor covering, require careful consideration.

Working closely with an underfloor heating specialist to expertly design the system removes any guesswork. It reassures that the final design will be sufficient to heat each space. This partnership also offers customers peace of mind that the system will achieve its maximum efficiency and provide the affordable warmth promised.

Controls are a crucial part of any underfloor heating system due to the behaviour of this technology, which requires more careful management than a traditional radiator system. For maximum flexibility to meet the regulations, each separate room or zone must have its own controls, allowing the homeowner to heat each room as required.

Two of the most popular controls, which can be hardwired or wireless, are 7-day programmable and smartphonecontrolled thermostats. Both options allow users to create programmes to maximise comfort and efficiency. More traditional dial thermostats are also available for those looking for a more straightforward solution, but these must be hard-wired.

Counselling customers

As well as selecting the right controls, it’s important to support customers so they feel confident to programme their system effectively to ensure maximum efficiency. This is especially key for users upgrading from a traditional radiator system, as underfloor heating requires a new mindset –the ‘on/off’ approach will move aside and be replaced by a more efficient programme for their underfloor heating system.

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