A perfectly warm home is the best comfort there is, especially during winter. Fortunately, heating systems have come a long way. Nowadays, all you need to do is turn on the thermostat and the heater does all the work for you. Another popular innovation which we focus on in this article is radiant or underfloor heating. It is considered one of the most energy-efficient ways to keep your home warm.
Like any heating appliance, there are still factors involved to ensure you get maximum benefits from your investment. Otherwise, doing it wrong will becoming an unnecessary expense. Here is a list of some dos and don’ts of underfloor heating installation.
Do consider the heat source capacity
Water radiant heating systems are powered using your home’s boiler. Depending on the floor area you wish to add heating to, it is essential to determine whether the boiler has enough power to pump the water sufficient and regularly. If not, you may need to have a pump augment the source so that the water can circulate properly.
Do consider the type of screed and flooring finish
There are different ways to complete underfloor heating installation depending on your desired flooring. But according to liquidscreed.co.uk, one of the most efficient ways is to use a thin layer of screed over the heating system before adding the flooring. Liquid screed lays flush on the tubing, hence optimising thermal conductivity.
Do check if you need to put a control for each room
In most radiant heating installations, the homeowner opts to have a control for each separate room. The advantage here is that you can turn off, turn on, and adjust temperature settings depending on the need for each room. If you prefer to have separate room controls, then you also need to include separate electrical wiring in the design.
Do find the best place to install the manifold
Finding the right place to install the manifold is crucial because you want it to look neat but at the same time give enough space to move and pass around the pipes. Often the best location would be under a flight of stairs, a storage room, or hidden in a wall close to the meter.
Do calculate heat loss
Calculating heat loss may require a small investment, but it offers significant benefits. For example, knowing how much heat you need for a room is essential to come up with an efficient underfloor heating design.
Do not drill directly on the floor
You need to avoid drilling at all costs. That is why it is critical to ensure that you have factored in all aspects during the design stage to avoid doing any corrective steps later. If all else fails and you have to resort to drilling, make sure not to go too deep.
Do not raise the floor temperature higher than 29 degrees
When the floor temperature goes over 29 degrees, it will be uncomfortable and too warm. It is the installer’s responsibility to set the right maximum temperature for the heating system.
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