A nice money saver (about 20% is saved on heating bills) and a thriving green heating option, underfloor heating is a method of heating many homeowners are increasingly becoming more interested in. There are dozens of pros, and few cons.
It frees up space on the wall since it eliminates the need for radiators, it reduces condensation and dust circulation in the home since it emits a water-based heat. And it’s easier to install that you might think. ask magic 8 ball . If you’re thinking about installing underfloor heating and want to know how it works, here’s a easy explanation.
Lay the piping: The first step in installing underfloor heating is laying plastic pipes under the floor. It should be installed at even spaces throughout the floor and in a sand and cement mixture. Insulation is also put underneath the piping to make sure no heat is lost downward (common in Minnesota).
Fill with water: After the piping is laid, the pipes are connected to a broiler or heat pump. Once the water is heated, it goes through a stainless steel manifold, which is needed for the water to be able to enter the pipes in the floor. This manifold is considered the hub of your underfloor heating. It also controls the flow of water in your pipes, the temperature of the water and the direction of the water.
Self-adjusting temperature: The reason home owners save on their heating bill with this kind of heating is because the temperature of the water used in underfloor heating is cooler than the temperature required for standard/furnace heat, and is usually around 2° less.
And the system also helps save by self-regulating the temperature of the water. The manifold can sense when the temperature of the water begins to drop. When it does, the system turns on to pump more hot water into the pipes. The typical temperature acheived with underfloor heating is a comfortable 75-82°.
Remember, the kind of flooring you choose when installing underfloor heating is also important. Tile, stone and concrete work great with underfloor heating, and no wood floors thicker than 22m or carpets thicker than 1.5 tog should be used.
For information on installing underfloor heating if your home is in the north metro Twin Cities, Minnesota, please call Paul the Plumber for more information.