PipelifeEco FAQ: How Does Underfloor Heating Work?

Underfloor heating is a clean and simple method for heating your home efficiently. Whilst you can probably guess the benefits of installing this type of heating in your home, what you might not be so sure of is how does underfloor heating work?

Luckily, that’s exactly what this blog is here to explain. The following jargon-free guide is here to answer in simple terms the question of ‘how does underfloor heating work?”. So, without further ado let’s take a look at how one of the most popular home heating methods actually works.

Underfloor heating works by distributing warm water throughout a circuit of pipes beneath the floor. Oil/Gas Boilers or an Air to Water Heat Pump are used to heat the water that is then dispersed across the flooring, supplying an even circulation of heat to your home. The essential difference between wall radiators and floor heating when discussing ‘how does underfloor heating work’, is the temperature of the water. Whilst a conventional radiator can be as hot as 75°C (PipelifeEco’s low-temperature radiators being an exception of course), the water pipes in underfloor heating only need to be heated to a safe surface temperature, usually between 25- 40°C.

Whilst radiators make warm air rise and gather to create hot spots near the ceiling, underfloor heating distributes the heat evenly throughout the property ensuring there are no cold spots. Low-temperature radiators can be used alongside an underfloor heating system, however, underfloor heating is required as a ground base for creating an even circulation of heat throughout your whole home. So, by discussing the question of ‘how does underfloor heating work’, you can see why it is such an efficient and cost-effective way of keeping your entire home heated evenly.

That’s the basic answer to the question of, ‘how does underfloor heating work’, however, there are a few different systems that can be used to install underfloor heating in your home.

Underfloor heat sources may include standard, combination, condensing or biomass boilers, or, heat pumps and stoves. However, the most energy and cost-efficient way to generate the low-temperature supply of water required for underfloor heating is via an air to water heat pump. Transforming energy from the outside air into heat, Pipelife’s air to water pump can reduce heating bills by up to 60% and help cut CO2 emissions by 50% compared to other traditional boiler-led heating systems. So when looking at ‘how does underfloor heating work’, it’s also important to consider which methods of installation are better for both your pocket and the environment.

You may also hear of underfloor heating being installed via electric application. How does electric underfloor heating work? Well, this is when electric heating wires or heating mats are connected to the mains electricity supply in order to generate heat. Although electric underfloor heating offers rapid installation, running costs are more expensive than water-circulated underfloor heating and it is not as efficient in heating new builds and larger spaces.

So, to round off our answer to the question, ‘how does underfloor heating work’, we’d say this method of heating effectively turns the floor into a giant (albeit, far more efficient) radiator. There are different methods of installation, however, underfloor heating that is water-circulated via an air to water heat pump is the most energy-efficient and cost-effective method for heating your home sustainably.

If you’d like more information on any of Pipelife’s underfloor heating services please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team who will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.