Underfloor heating is an innovative heating option that not only provides comfortable warmth in the room but also saves space and ensures uniform heat distribution. In this comprehensive blog post, we will delve into the installation methods, structure, and functioning of underfloor heating to provide you with a thorough understanding of this heating technology.
How does underfloor heating work?
Underfloor heating operates based on the natural physical principles of convection and radiant heat. As warm water circulates through the heating pipes, the heat is transferred to the floor. This heated floor then radiates the heat evenly into the room, creating a pleasant and cozy indoor environment. The advantage of this system lies in the fact that heat rises from the floor upwards, leading to uniform distribution and avoiding cold spots commonly found with traditional radiators.
Installation methods of underfloor heating
The installation method of underfloor heating is crucial for its performance and efficiency. Here are the most common installation methods:
Meandering installation: In this method, the pipes are laid in meandering loops, resulting in even heat distribution throughout the room. This installation method is particularly suitable for larger rooms or areas with irregular shapes.
Double meandering installation: The double meandering installation is an advancement of the classic meandering method. In this approach, the heating pipes are laid in two meandering loops, leading to an even more uniform heat distribution. This method is ideal for rooms where precise temperature control is required.
Bifilar installation: In this technique, the pipes are spirally laid out from the distributor. This allows for exceptionally uniform heat distribution and is perfect for rooms with many corners and angles.
Modular installation: The modular installation offers a flexible solution for underfloor heating installation. The heating pipes are laid in individual modules that can be adjusted and expanded as needed. This installation method allows for precise customization to fit the requirements of the room and is particularly suitable for spaces with unusual layouts or specific needs.
Structure of underfloor heating
A underfloor heating system typically consists of heating pipes embedded in the floor and a distribution system that evenly disperses the heat throughout the room. The structure of a underfloor heating system may vary depending on the installation method, but generally includes the following layers:
Insulation: This layer prevents heat from escaping downwards and ensures efficient heat transfer upwards.
Heating pipes: The heating pipes are laid within the insulation and serve as the medium for heat transfer.
Screed: The screed is poured over the heating pipes to protect them and provide a level surface for the floor covering.
Parameters for determining the heating capacity of underfloor heating
The heating capacity of underfloor heating is influenced by several factors. Here are some key parameters to consider:
Pipe type and diameter: The choice of pipe material and diameter is crucial. For example, a 17mm copper pipe offers a larger heat transfer surface per meter than a 12mm polyethylene pipe.
Pipe spacing: The spacing between the pipes on the floor, also known as pipe spacing, influences the uniform distribution of heat. Closer spacing results in higher performance but also requires more pipe material and increases costs.
Floor covering: The type of floor covering affects heat transfer. Materials with low thermal resistance, such as thin tiles, enable more efficient heat transfer compared to thick carpets.
Room size and usage: The size and usage of the room determine the required heating capacity. Larger or heavily used rooms may require more heating capacity.
Insulation: The quality of building insulation affects heat loss and, consequently, the required heating capacity of underfloor heating. Well-insulated rooms require less heating capacity.
Desired room temperature: The desired room temperature also influences the required heating capacity. Higher temperatures require more heating capacity, while lower temperatures require less.
Benefits of the underfloor heating
Can a floor heating system be combined with other systems?
Modern floor heating systems are on par with other heating systems and can easily be combined with gas heaters and oil boilers. Thanks to their low flow temperatures, they are ideal for use with heat pumps or condensing boilers.
Floor Heating with Heat Pump:
Floor heating systems do not require high flow temperatures, making them well-suited for combination with heat pumps. The small temperature difference between the heat source (ground, air, water) and the flow temperature is crucial for the efficiency of heat pumps. The combination of a heat pump and floor heating offers an energy-efficient and cost-effective system that pays off not only in the cold season. In summer, floor heating in conjunction with a reversible heat pump can actively or passively cool the room:
Passive Cooling: The heating water is cooled via a heat exchanger with the low temperature of the ground or groundwater, allowing the room to be cooled by up to three degrees.
Active Cooling: The heating water is actively cooled by a reversible heat pump, although this incurs higher electricity costs.
Floor Heating and Photovoltaics:
Floor heating systems can be well combined with solar panels, with the use of a buffer tank being necessary for hot water floor heating systems. Electric floor heating systems can be partially powered by electricity generated by photovoltaic panels, providing homeowners with some independence from the electricity prices of energy suppliers.
Differences between Radiant Heating and Radiators:
With radiators, warm air rises above the radiator into the room and circulates, while some of the heat is emitted via radiation. Radiant heating systems mainly emit their heat via radiation over a large surface area, such as the floor or the wall. Some people may find the even distribution of heat in the room without circulation to be more comfortable, and lower temperatures can already create a pleasant room climate.
Combining Floor Heating and Radiators:
Floor heating systems and radiators do not need to compete with each other but can be well combined in the house. For example, radiators can be installed in the bathroom for short-term heating in the morning or evening. Since radiators operate with higher flow temperatures than floor heating systems, two separate heating circuits are required for this configuration.
Floor Heating renovation or refurbishment:
A floor heating system can also be installed retrospectively, although this is associated with considerable effort. Both in wet and dry systems, the flooring and old screed must be removed. Alternatively, the heating pipes can be routed into the existing screed by installers or heating engineers, provided it is suitable and there is soundproofing or thermal insulation present.
To sum up, floor convectors offer an efficient heating solution with uniform heat distribution in the room. The selection of installation methods, pipe materials, and diameters, along with consideration of parameters such as floor covering and room size, is crucial for optimal performance. Despite higher initial investments, floor convectors offer long-term space-saving and comfort benefits. Overall, they represent a modern and efficient option for creating a comfortable indoor environment. Learn more about our free-standing convectors: https://www.jevitech.de/en/konvektoren/freistehende-konvektoren Learn more about our special convectors: https://www.jevitech.de/en/konvektoren/spezielle-konvektoren Learn more about our trench heaters: https://www.jevitech.de/en/konvektoren/unterluftkonvektoren
Learn more about our chilled beams: https://www.jevitech.de/en/konvektoren/induktionseinheit Learn more about our wall-mounted convectors: https://www.jevitech.de/en/konvektoren/wandkonvektoren Learn more about our custom solutions: https://www.jevitech.de/en/individuelle-lösungen