Why is
underfloor heating better than a radiator system?
One of the main advantages for having underfloor
heating is that it eliminates the design drawbacks of radiators. Once they are
fixed to the walls they cannot be moved, therefore limiting where you can place
furniture around a room.
Can I still
have an underfloor heating system installed if my build is at an advanced
construction stage?
Yes, this can be done, depending on your floor
construction. For suspended timber floors where your floor levels are already
set (preventing you from laying the pipes on top of your joists), you can
install the pipes in between. Our design team will design the underfloor
heating system specifically for each individual project.
Can I have underfloor heating installed in my
existing home?
The issues here are insulation levels and floor
height build-up. If the building is well insulated with double-glazing and is
close to current building regulations standards then underfloor heating will
perform well. If not, it is possible that the generally accepted
floor temperature limit would have to be exceeded to maintain room temperatures
on very cold days, or supplementary heating used. If an extensive refurbishment or conversion is
being undertaken, it is usually straightforward to incorporate underfloor
heating, but care must be taken to ensure that, particularly on ground floors,
the floor insulation is adequate.
Can I have
underfloor heating in my conservatory or extension?
Conservatories are an ideal situation for an
underfloor heating system since the nature of construction usually leaves very
little wall space to install a radiator. Likewise, most conservatories have
large glass windows that, even when double-glazed, can lead to very cold rooms.
Underfloor heating warms the conservatory gradually from beneath, making them
useable rooms all year round.
How much
will it cost?
Due to the fact that each project is unique we cannot
offer a set price. Instead we will provide you will a full quotation free of
charge for your requirements.
Does
underfloor heating work through a carpet?
Normal good quality domestic carpet and underlays
present no problem, but felt underlays and very thick carpet should be avoided.
Will the
underfloor heating damage my floor or carpets?
The low surface temperature that an underfloor
heating system generates should never reach a temperature that could cause
damage to your floor surfaces.
What fuel
does an underfloor heating system run on?
You can use any kind of fuel to warm the water that
circulates through the underfloor heating system pipes.
Is it
economical to run?
Yes, users enjoy savings of up to 20% for domestic
and as high as 50% for commercial.
Is it
controllable?
Yes, floorwarming works on a different principle to
convection systems, but is still easily controlled.
Is
underfloor heating effective upstairs?
Yes. Bedroom floors become comfortable places and
wall space is freed for wardrobes and beds. Warm bathroom floors feel luxurious
underfoot and dry within minutes.
Can the
floor get too warm?
One of the fundamental objectives of a proper
system design is to ensure that the floor remains below the limits specified by
the design standard BS EN 1264. For most situations, this is 29°C. The purpose
of these limits is specifically to ensure comfort at all times.
Does the
floor need extra insulation?
In a new build complying with current building
regulations, in all except the largest domestic buildings, no. The ground floor
insulation already specified will be perfectly adequate but it should not go
below 40mm polyeurethane or 50mm expanded polystyrene. The recently introduced provisions of Part L of the
building regulations require a similar level of insulation for acoustic
purposes. This is perfectly adequate for underfloor heating.
What if it
leaks?
Because leaks would be a problem, this is why all
reputable underfloor heating companies go to great lengths to make sure it does
not leak. We supply pipe that is certified to British and
European standards for this application, as are all plumbing fittings. There
are no joints in the tubing coils under the floor. All components are designed and tested to withstand
several times the pressures they will meet in service. Finally, as part of the
installation process, a full pressure test is carried out to ensure that there
are no residual problems.
Will it work
with my choice of boiler?
Your underfloor heating system will have its own pump,
temperature blending valve and flow controls. All it needs is a supply of warm
water which can be produced by most normal domestic boilers.
Does it need
a special hot water cylinder?
No. The system works perfectly well with all normal
cylinder types as well as with combination boilers having no storage.
Can the
underfloor systems use solar power or a heat pump?
Yes. Usually by pre-heating the water supply.
How easy is
it to install and how long does it take?
The time it takes will vary according to the
construction of the floor.
Why not contact Conservenergy
today to discuss how you can dramatically reduce your energy bills.
We provide you with a no obligation quotation together with a free
energy efficiency check.