INC

MKM Home Page

No Branch Selected
How To
Creating a Cosy Home: Your Ultimate Guide to Underfloor Heating!

Creating a Cosy Home: Your Ultimate Guide to Underfloor Heating!

Published on November 8, 2023

Posted in How To

by MKM

3.5 min read

Have you ever wondered if underfloor heating is the right choice for your home? It’s a great alternative to bulky radiators, let the heat warm your house from the floor up and eliminate those annoying cold spots, Ultimately, once installed, underfloor heating is wonderfully low maintenance, no more worrying about bleeding radiators or yearly maintenance.

Find out why we think underfloor heating is the ‘bees-knees’!

What Is Underfloor Heating?

Ready to feel toasty all winter long? Imagine stepping out of bed on a frosty morning and instead of being greeted by the usual ice-cold floor, you feel heat.

Underfloor heating provides even and consistent heat throughout your home without the need for space-taking radiators or vents. As well as aesthetics, underfloor heating can help to reduce your energy consumption compared to traditional heating systems. It utilises lower temperature settings and evenly distributes heat. This provides cost savings on your energy bills as well as helping to future-proof your property by providing a greener heating solution.

 

 

Types of Underfloor Heating Systems

There are two types of underfloor heating systems—Electric and Hydronic.  Each type of underfloor heating system provides different benefits depending on room and current heating set up.

Electric underfloor heating

  • Easy to install in one room
  • Warms up quickly
  • Ideal for existing small spaces

Electric underfloor heating is easy to fit and offers rapid installation times, particularly for smaller areas such as in bathrooms or an en-suite. There are a variety of types of electric underfloor heating systems available, catering for all budgets.

Just like a heating blanket, electric underfloor heating involves laying thin heating wires, often embedded in mats, beneath your floor surface. These wires generate heat when electricity passes through them, and this heat is then transferred to the flooring and subsequently the room.

 

 

Hydronic underfloor heating

  • Lower cost to run
  • Low temperatures making it an ideal partner to an air source heat pump
  • Good for allergy sufferers

Hydronic underfloor heating, also known as water-based or wet underfloor heating, works by circulating water through a network of sealed pipes. The heat radiates through the floor, warming the room to an ambient temperature.

Hydronic underfloor heating systems are highly cost-effective and efficient in larger spaces as they are designed to run at much lower temperatures than traditional heating systems. This means you can save money on your energy bills. It also makes it particularly suitable for use with low-temperature heating systems such as air source heat pumps.

 

 

Benefits of underfloor heating:

Comfort and efficiency

Underfloor heating provides consistent and even warmth, ensuring every corner of your room is comfortably heated.

Moreover, underfloor heating operates more efficiently than traditional radiators. By radiating heat from beneath, it works at lower temperatures while effectively heating your home. This helps reduce energy consumption, leading to cost savings on your energy bills.

Health benefits

Did you know that underfloor heating can also contribute to your well-being? Underfloor heating eliminates the need for forced air circulation, reducing the amount of dust and allergens that can be circulated throughout your home. This makes it an excellent choice for those with allergies.

 


Design flexibility

Underfloor heating offers more than just comfort. Without the need for radiators, vents or visible heating units, you have the freedom to arrange your home without constraints.

Silent operation

Underfloor heating operates silently, creating a peaceful living environment. You can relax and enjoy the comfortable warmth without any distracting sounds from radiators or fans.

 

 

Uniform heat distribution

No more cold spots or temperature variations within a room. Underfloor heating ensures uniform heat distribution from floor to ceiling. Every corner of your home will be comfortably warm, creating a cosy and pleasant temperature throughout the space.

Durability and Longevity

Underfloor heating systems are designed to be highly durable and long-lasting. With proper maintenance, they can provide reliable warmth for many years to come. This longevity reduces the need for frequent replacements or repairs, saving you time and money in the long run. Invest in a heating solution built to withstand the test of time.

 

 

Increased Property Value

Increase the value of your property with underfloor heating. It is a sought-after feature among homebuyers, Installing underfloor heating can make your property more appealing and potentially increase its market value, providing you with a return on investment.

Maintenance

Once installed, underfloor heating systems require minimal maintenance. Regular check-ups are recommended to ensure your heating continues to run efficiently. The running costs depend on various factors including the type of system, the insulation of your home, and the overall climate.

 

 

Get in touch with your local MKM branch today to find out more about underfloor heating for your home.