North Leeds Plumbing & Heating – Home Improvement and DIY Advice

Underfloor heating has become very popular in the UK, and is now used in the majority of new homes built.  There are three main types of underfloor heating systems available, and each has benefits and drawbacks. 

The first is a forced-air system, where hot air moves through a series of ducts or pipes laid beneath the floor.  This is a variation on the centuries-old Roman system of blowing heat from a fire or furnace, below the raised floor of a residence.  Forced air systems are still in use, but are not as energy efficient as other methods, and are not found in many modern residences.

More common is the hydronic, or water underfloor heating.  In this method hot water is forced through pipes laid beneath the floor.  Often in a new construction these pipes are embedded within the cement foundation, which not only insulates the pipes very well, but provides a heat sink, collecting and slowly releasing the heat.  However, this is a heavy installation, with or without the cement pad, and is not practical as a remodelling project.

The more commonly-found method today is the electric underfloor heating system. This is a series of thin electrical wires woven into a lightweight mat.  Several mats can fit together to cover any size space. They are simply laid over the sub-floor of the area you wish to heat, anchored with Thinset, and then the desired flooring material is laid over the top.

This type of installation is easy enough for a do-it-yourself homeowner to accomplish, though generally the electrical connections require a licensed electrician to ensure you’re not overloading your circuits.