Seeing the Advantages of the Underfloor

Underfloor heating may seem like a relatively new technology winning hearts around the UK in recent years. However, you may be surprised to learn that it dates back to Roman times, where under floor ducts used to pump hot air (from a central furnace) around the house. Clearly the technology has gone a long way since then, and moder systems offer excellent performance and good value for money.

Britain is full of homes that are heated by "traditional" sources like wall hung radiator units, forced air systems and gas and oil boilers.  More and more, however, underfloor heating systems are being installed.  These system makes use of radiant heat conduit dovetailed together with mechanisms that conduct heat.  Forced air systems use a convection mechanism to warm up air and then blow it out into the various rooms of a home.  Underfloor systems output can be spread throughout a house through a variety of mediums such as water.

Though underfloor heating feels like a modern convenience it was first implemented by the Romans more than two centuries ago.  When the system was first used, the heat was produced in a furnace that was usually kept in a cellar-type room underneath the rest of the house.  Someone would light the furnace and the heat from the furnace fire would fill the cellar room and then move upward, warming the rest of the house as it went.  Sometimes, if the furnace was contained on the first floor of a house, there would be channels connected to the furnace that would be used as a conduit for the heated air to be transported to the other rooms in the house. 

The underfloor heating that is used today is based upon a method introduced in the 1960s.  Electric resistance cables were run through concrete foundations of rooms and then heated with an electric current during the night.  Most people did not like this method of underfloor heating because the temperature of the cables and floors could not be controlled, but this method did serve as the inspiration for underfloor heating mechanisms in place today.

The biggest benefit of underfloor heating is the amount of money it saves on a home's utility bill.  Underfloor heating regulates a room's temperature.  Forced air systems are not able to do this efficiently as the heated air quickly dissipates leaving the room cold. 

Underfloor heating also saves space, unlike the radiators and wall units which can take up quite a bit of space in a room.  Radiators and wall units are also known for stirring up dust which can be detrimental to people with allergies.
Installing underfloor heating is best left to a professional heating expert because the installation process involves working with your house's plumbing, foundation and insulation systems.  There are some companies who have put together do-it-yourself underfloor heating installation packages. 

These are good for home owners familiar with construction and wiring.  If you are inexperienced in these areas, it is better to hire a professional to install the system for you.  This way you will make sure that the system is installed correctly and you will not have to worry about mistakes threatening the structural integrity of your home.

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