AtHomeWithSarahBeenyAutumn2016 - 161

H E AT I NG ▲ No worries WORDS: ZOE WARING, JADE HARDING, IMAGE: directly into the floor. Any kind UNDERFLOOR of fuel can be used to heat the HEATING SYSTEMS water - from gas to solar panels ARE ALMOST or even an Aga. MAINTENANCE-FREE Most experts recommend AND LAST UP TO using condensing boilers, 25 YEARS. which are the most fuel and cost-efficient when operated at the relatively low temperatures that are required by underfloor pipes. Typically, the temperature needed is 40°C-60°C (compared with approximately 80°C flow and surface temperature of a radiator system), heating the floor to 25°C-28°C, which is comfortable to walk on. GREAT FOR: New-build homes, complete renovations, extensions and large areas where pipes can be laid on to the sub-floor ahead of the final surface. Fitting underfloor heating in finished rooms is a big job as every floor will have to be taken up and re-concreted once the pipes are in. If you're not a confident DIYer, it's best to use an expert. A competent amateur will be able to follow the instructions. It's a do-able but messy job. COST: A complete wet system can easily run to thousands of pounds to install, so the larger the space, more cost-effective it becomes. However, if it's going to be your main form of heating, this option will work out to be more economical in the long-term. DRY SYSTEMS These work on the same principle as wet systems, but the heat comes from heating cables, woven mats, ribbon cables or aluminium or carbon heating films. These are connected together and linked to a thermostat and a standard mains power supply. GREAT FOR: Small areas (such as one room) and refurbishment projects where you don't want too much upheaval. This type of system tends to be easier to install than piping and, in many cases, can be glued beneath floor tiles. The cables used are often thin enough to be laid on an existing floor, avoiding expensive, disruptive installation. Remember, though, it's really important that the electricity supply to the floor is fused separately and that the electrical supply is RCD protected (that's a life-saving kind of trip switch). COST: Much lower than a wet system as the installation is not so invasive. Running costs for both types are comparable. IS MY HOUSE SUITABLE? When underfloor heating first came on to the market, it was seen as the perfect solution for bathrooms, conservatories and other extensions, especially those with cold stone floors. But as technology has progressed, uses and applications are becoming more varied and adventurous, with systems to match most flooring types, to the point where it is now possible to have it in virtually any room. WHAT FLOORING CAN BE USED? Underfloor heating can be used with almost all types of flooring, and that includes carpet. Research by the Carpet Foundation has shown that just about any carpet can be used without impairing the performance of the system, providing that the carpet and underlay have a thermal resistance of less than 2.5 tog. New indications show that for most carpet styles the thermal resistance will be less than 1 tog. Over the past few years, as stone, ceramic, slate and terracotta have become more fashionable, there has been an increase in the number of homes using underfloor heating. The heat-up time depends on the thickness of the tiles; thick flagstones will take longer to reach optimum temperature, but once this is reached there's no difference in heat quality between thick or thinner surfaces. Underfloor heating is suitable for use with many types of timber flooring, but most installers stipulate that the timber be specifically recommended for it. Most reputable manufacturers offer timber suitable for underfloor heating, but always liaise with the flooring supplier and heating installer before making your purchase. You will find that suppliers often recommend a specific brand of electric underfloor heating and it's a good idea to listen to their advice. Underfloor heating systems can be used with most high-quality vinyls and laminates, but not all are compatible, so check with the flooring manufacturer or the heating installer before you buy. Many suppliers have developed their own underfloor heating systems, or have a couple of different ones that they usually recommend to customers. www.athomemagazine.co.uk OCTOBER 2016 | 161 http://www.athomemagazine.co.uk

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