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Cables colgantes

Underfloor Heating

Underfloor heating is a heating system that distributes heat through pipes or electric cables installed under the floor. This system leverages the conduction of heat from the floor to the air, creating a uniform temperature distribution throughout the room. It can be used for both heating and cooling, and is compatible with renewable energy sources such as air-source heat pumps or solar panels.

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Types of Underfloor Heating: 

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  • Hydronic underfloor heating: Uses water heated by a boiler, heat pump, or solar energy, which circulates through a series of pipes installed under the floor. 

  • Electric underfloor heating: Consists of electric heating cables installed in the floor, which heat up when an electric current passes through them.

Advantages
of Underfloor Heating

  • Comfort and Even Heat Distribution:

    • As a radiant heating system, it distributes heat evenly throughout the room, avoiding hot and cold spots.

    • It generates a more pleasant feeling of comfort than traditional radiators, as heat rises naturally from the bottom up.

  • Energy Efficiency:

    • Underfloor heating allows you to heat a space using lower temperatures than conventional radiators. This is because heat is distributed efficiently and evenly throughout the room.

    • Thanks to its low operating temperature (usually between 30 and 40°C), underfloor heating can be especially efficient when combined with renewable energy sources such as air-source heat pumps or solar panels.

  • Aesthetics and Free Space: 

    • It does not require visible radiators, which allows for better use of space in rooms and improves the aesthetics of the home.

    • Being installed under the floor, it does not interfere with the decoration and offers greater flexibility in interior design.

  • Noise Reduction: 

    • The underfloor heating system is very quiet, as it does not rely on fans or noisy mechanical components like other heating systems.

  • Compatibility with Renewable Energies:

    • It can work perfectly with renewable energy systems such as air-source heat pumps, making it an even more efficient and sustainable option for homes seeking to optimize their energy consumption.

Disadvantages
of underfloor heating

  • High Initial Investment:

    • Installing underfloor heating is more expensive than traditional systems due to the need for construction work to install pipes or cables under the floor.

    • This initial cost can be an obstacle, especially in renovations, as it requires significant intervention in the floor.

  • Slow Response Time: 

    • Underfloor heating is not suitable for instant heating. Its response time is slower compared to traditional radiators, meaning it takes longer to heat a room.

    • It is ideal for maintaining a constant temperature, but not so much for rapid temperature adjustments.

  • Maintenance and Repairs:

    • Although the system has few moving parts and requires little maintenance, repairs can be complicated and expensive if the pipes or cables under the floor are damaged.

  • Floor Thickness: 

    • In already constructed houses, installing an underfloor heating system can increase the thickness of the floor, which could affect doors, thresholds, or furniture in certain rooms.

Instalación de alfombra nueva

Energy Saving Efficiency

Underfloor heating is highly efficient in terms of energy savings for several reasons:

  • Low Operating Temperature: 

    • By operating at lower temperatures than conventional radiators, the system does not require large amounts of energy to reach the desired temperature. This translates into lower energy consumption.

  • Uniform Heat Distribution: 

    • The homogeneous distribution of heat in the dwelling allows for a more efficient maintenance of a constant temperature, avoiding energy losses that occur with other heating systems. This is reflected in a lower need to constantly adjust the temperature.

  • No Localized Heat Losses:

    • Unlike traditional radiators, which can generate heat losses due to their location, underfloor heating ensures that heat is distributed evenly, without hot or cold spots.

  • Combines Well with Renewable Energies:

    • Underfloor heating is perfect for working with renewable energy sources such as air-source heat pumps, which use the energy of the air to efficiently produce heat. Together, they offer a very efficient and sustainable option for heating, as air-source heat pumps can generate heat at low temperatures and underfloor heating can distribute that heat efficiently.

Edificio en construcción

Installation of a water-based underfloor heating system in an existing building 

Installing a hydronic underfloor heating system in an existing home is possible, although it may require more complex work due to the need for certain construction tasks. Here are the basic steps to install this system in your home:

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Hydronic Underfloor Heating Installation in an Existing Home: 

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  • Assessment and Design:

    • Subfloor assessment: The first step is to conduct a technical assessment of the property to analyze the existing floor type, room layout, and current heating system. This analysis allows us to determine the most suitable system type and the number of pipes required.

    • Heat load calculation: A thermal load calculation will be carried out by a professional to determine the amount of heat required for each room and the amount of tubing and its distribution in the floor to ensure efficient heating.

  • Subfloor preparation: 

    • Removal of existing flooring: To install the underfloor heating system, the existing floor covering (tiles, carpet, parquet, etc.) must be removed. This involves lifting tiles or carrying out demolition work depending on the type of floor installed.

    • Leveling and cleaning: After removing the covering, the floor surface must be cleaned and leveled. If necessary, a base layer of mortar or leveling compound will be applied to prepare the ground.

  • Installation of the Hydronic Underfloor Heating System:

    • Installation of the pipes: Polyethylene or similar pipes are installed in a specific pattern on the prepared floor. The pipes are fixed using a mesh or insulating material to prevent heat loss to the ground. These pipes are connected to each other to form a closed-circuit system through which hot water will circulate.

    • Thermal Insulation: A layer of thermal insulation (usually expanded polystyrene or insulating panels) is installed at the base of the system. This insulation prevents heat loss downwards, optimizing the system's energy efficiency.

    • Self-leveling screed Once the pipes and insulation are installed, they are covered with a self-leveling screed or cement, which ensures the protection and leveling of the system. This also ensures that the pipes are fixed and covered, preventing any damage.

  • Connection to the Heating System:

    • The installed pipes are connected to a heat pump, boiler or solar thermal system, which is responsible for heating the water that circulates through the pipes. This hot water is distributed through the underfloor heating system and, by emitting heat from the floor, efficiently heats the rooms.

  • Testing and Adjustments:

    • Once the pipe network has been installed and connected to the heating system, tests are carried out to ensure that the entire system is working correctly. The surface temperatures of the floor and the water flow through the pipes are verified.

  • Installation of New Flooring:

    • After the system has been tested and everything is working correctly, the new floor covering can be installed. It is important to use materials that conduct heat well, such as ceramic tiles or stone. Parquet or laminate can also be used as long as they are compatible with the underfloor heating system.

  • Important Considerations:

  • Installation cost: Installing hydronic underfloor heating in an existing home is usually more expensive than in a new build, as it involves removing the existing floor and intervening in it. However, long-term energy savings can justify the initial investment.

  • Additional thickness: The underfloor heating system increases the thickness of the floor, which may require adjustments to doors or thresholds.

  • Duration of the work: Installing this system in an existing home can take between 2 and 4 weeks, depending on the complexity of the project and the characteristics of the home.

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