Underfloor Heating

Underfloor Heating systems are getting more popular in new built houses in Ireland. There are mainly two types of underfloor heating systems. The electric and the radiant water.

The electric is usually used in areas that might need a quicker floor heating like a bathroom and can be installed in existing houses as well. This type of system is usually placed on top of the floors and under tiles or carpet. In some circumstances, it can also be installed in walls.

Radiant water systems work on the principle of hot water being passed through pipes which are placed on top of proper floor insulation approximately 75 mm under the screed on the floor or under wooden floors.

The water is heated from a source like a boiler , heat pump or even solar panels and then is circulated around the room through the pipes. As the heat rises, it is then spread evenly through the room.

There are a lot of advantages for having an underfloor heating system some of which are:

No unsightly radiators which usually take a lot of space and also causes problems with the decoration.

More even heat as it is spread evenly across the room and does not have to travel from one side to the other.

Longer duration of heat (specially in concrete) as it absorbs the heat and warms up the floor which then releases it over a longer term.

Low maintenance as the pipes are usually built to last

More control over heating certain areas of the house as all areas can be zoned and controlled with individual thermostats.

And so on.