Can You Install Underfloor Heating In An Old House?
Underfloor heating provides a convenient, cost-effective and energy efficient method for heating your home. Therefore, it’s not surprising that more and more homeowners of old buildings are looking to install an underfloor heating system to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Installing underfloor heating in new builds is quick and easy, whilst installing underfloor heating in an old house can be a little more complicated. However, that’s not to say it’s not possible. Underfloor heating in an old house is most definitely an option, it simply requires a little more preparation and planning.
How Do You Install Underfloor Heating In An Old House?
Underfloor heating in an old house will need to be retrofitted. Retrofitting is the process of installing a product, component or system after the initial manufacture stage. So, retrofitting an underfloor heating system involves adding underfloor heating to an existing property, after the building phase has been completed.
The challenge with retrofitting underfloor heating in an old house is planning the fitting of the pipes, insulation and floor finish, without compromising the integrity of the existing structure. Our design engineers at Pipelife Eco will be able to guide you through the planning stage, advising on the best approach for installing your heating system.
If you live in a protected building, you will need to check with your local planning department to get permission to go ahead with the installation.
What Are The Benefits Of Installing Underfloor Heating In An Old House?
Whilst retrofitting underfloor heating in an old house can be more challenging than incorporating the system at the building stage, the benefits of having underfloor heating in an old house are huge. These include:
Making the house more energy efficient: Traditionally, old houses are renowned for being inefficient in terms of energy usage, making them expensive to run, particularly during the winter. Combining underfloor heating in an old house reduces energy wastage, as the system creates an even distribution of heat, and requires a lower water temperature than radiators. Whilst radiators create hot and cold spots, and fail to heat large rooms in old properties effectively, underfloor heating creates an even distribution of heat that comes from the ground up.
Helping the environment: Less energy is wasted when you have underfloor heating in an old house, making it a much better option for the environment. In fact, by choosing to install an underfloor heating system with Pipelife Eco, you could potentially reduce CO2 emissions in your home by 50%.
Saving money: As we’ve mentioned, old properties are renowned for being expensive to run. That’s why switching out an ineffective heating system could have a huge impact on your energy bills. The energy efficiency of underfloor heating that we’ve discussed, makes it a highly cost-effective option for the home.
Protecting period charm: Radiators require wall space in the home, meaning they can look obtrusive and distract from the gorgeous period features in an old property. As underfloor heating is completely hidden, it provides a great way of heating your home without blocking any period features or disrupting the charm of the place.
If you are the owner of an old property and would like to discuss the options for installing underfloor heating in your home, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.