Yes, you can put underfloor heating on an existing floor. It is possible to retrofit underfloor heating, which involves laying the piping under the existing flooring then covering it up with a new flooring material.
It is important to get professional advice before undertaking a retrofit project. The existing flooring must be able to handle the extra heat that the underfloor heating will give off, or else you will have to lay a new floor over the piping.
Additionally, the existing wiring must be able to hold the amperage required for the system. Other considerations include the insulation that must be supplied for the underfloor piping, pipe layout and the materials used to protect the floor once the piping is installed.
When done correctly, underfloor heating can significantly improve comfort and set the temperature as per your needs.
Can underfloor heating be retrofitted?
Yes, it is possible to retrofit underfloor heating. Depending on the type of space and current flooring, the main method is either wet or electric. Wet systems involve connecting pipes to a suitable heat source, such as a boiler, and then laying the pipes under the flooring.
Electric systems involve installing electric heating mats, which are connected to a thermostat, and then covering them with additional layers of insulation and flooring.
When considering installing underfloor heating, it is important to ensure that the correct type and size of system is chosen. For instance, electric systems are better suited to smaller rooms due to their higher installation costs, while wet systems are more suitable for larger areas.
Other factors to consider include the type of flooring, the size of the space, the heating source and the insulation levels.
Retrofitting underfloor heating can be a complex and time-consuming process, so it’s best to consider enlisting the help of a professional. They can provide expert advice on the best type of system and can also help with installation, ensuring that the project is completed efficiently and safely.
What are the disadvantages of underfloor heating?
Underfloor heating can be a great way to keep a home or business warm and comfortable, but there are some important disadvantages to consider as well.
One major disadvantage to underfloor heating is cost. Installing an underfloor heating system can be expensive, ranging from $12 to $20 per square foot depending on the type of system and other factors.
Operating costs will also be higher than with traditional heating systems, as it will use more energy to maintain desired temperatures.
Another disadvantage to consider with underfloor heating is that it can create a warmer overall environment. Because warm air rises, it can make upper level rooms unbearably hot, leading to increased air conditioning costs to cool them down.
Underfloor heating is also dependent on the type of flooring you have. Flooring such as hardwood, tile, and stone are ideal for underfloor heating, but carpets and some types of vinyl flooring can cause insulation problems.
If moisture does manage to accumulate between the insulation and the floor, it may cause mold issues.
Finally, underfloor heating must be installed by a professional to ensure it is installed properly and to avoid any dangerous situations. Furthermore, an experienced professional will be needed to repair any problems that may arise down the road, which can also add to the total cost.
Does underfloor heating use a lot of electricity?
Underfloor heating systems typically use quite a bit of electricity, depending on the type. Radiant heating systems are the most efficient, but they still draw a lot of energy. If you’re using electric floor heating, you can expect to pay around 4-6¢ per square foot for energy.
That may not seem like a lot, but it can add up fast if you’re heating a large area. Water is also typically heated by electricity, so that’s an added cost to consider. Ultimately, a well-insulated home with an efficient heating system can minimize energy use and costs.
Installing digital thermostats, programmable temperature settings, and motion sensors can also help reduce energy consumption.
Is underfloor heating better than radiators?
The answer to this depends largely on the home and the preferences of the homeowner. Underfloor heating has some key advantages over radiators, but traditional radiators also have some features that can make them preferable.
Underfloor heating is usually the preferred choice for many new homes and those undergoing substantial renovations. Underfloor heating systems provide an evener temperature in room, as heat is gradually and evenly dispersed throughout the entire floor of the room.
This is especially helpful during winter months, as lower temperatures are maintained, helping home occupants save on energy bills. Additionally, underfloor heating is easier to maintain, as most of it is kept out of sight and out of the way, meaning they require less regular maintenance.
Traditional radiators have their own set of benefits as well. Radiators generate immediate heat and provide better control over room temperature. This gives occupants much more precision to get the temperature at the exact level they need.
Additionally, installing radiators is often more affordable than underfloor heating systems. This is making them a popular choice for those on a tight budget and for those looking for a quick solution to their heating needs.
In the end, the choice between underfloor heating and radiators ultimately comes down to personal preference and the particular needs of the home. Factors such as budget, style, and other features or preferences, may all influence the selection of the appropriate heating method for each particular situation.
Should underfloor heating be installed under kitchen units?
Underfloor heating can be a great addition to kitchens. It is a great way to provide a warmth to the floor and give you a more comfortable feeling in the kitchen. However, it is important to consider a few points before deciding to install underfloor heating under the kitchen units.
Installing underfloor heating beneath kitchen units can be a difficult job and can require some specialist expertise to do the job properly. If you are replacing old kitchen cabinets or installing new ones, it is essential to ensure that the heating system is correctly installed first, and then the units can go in.
It is also important to consider the amount of heat generated and distributed by the heating system itself. Underfloor heating can generate a lot of heat, and this can cause considerable damage to kitchen units if it is too powerful.
This is why selecting the right type and size of underfloor heating is so important, as well as making sure that your tiles or flooring are suitable for all the necessary components.
Finally, when deciding to install underfloor heating under kitchen units, make sure you check the type of insulation you will need to help reduce heat loss. Your local heating professional can offer advice on the best insulation to use.
In conclusion, underfloor heating can be a great addition to the kitchen, but it is best to take time to ensure all the necessary components and insulation are in place for a safe and comfortable experience.
Can I replace radiator with underfloor heating?
Yes, you can replace a radiator with underfloor heating. Underfloor heating is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to radiators. Underfloor heating is usually more efficient than radiators, as the heat can be distributed more evenly throughout the room.
Underfloor heating also takes up less space, which is a bonus if you have a smaller room. However, installing underfloor heating can be expensive and time-consuming when compared with the installation of a radiator.
Therefore, it is important to consider your budget and how long it will take to install before deciding if this is the best option for you.
Can a combi boiler run underfloor heating and radiators?
Yes, it is possible for a combi boiler to run both underfloor heating and radiators. A combi boiler is a direct-acting system, meaning it takes hot water directly from the mains supply, heats it up and distributes it directly to any hot water outlets, such as household taps, showers and baths.
When used to provide heating, the same boiler can also be connected to a series of pipes that flows hot water through radiators or underfloor heating. Depending on the setup, a combination boiler can be used to run both underfloor heating and radiators.
The exact way in which the system operates will depend on the size of the boiler and the individual requirements of your property, so it is advisable to consult a professional heating engineer if you are considering a combi boiler for either heating source.
Should you turn off underfloor heating in the summer?
Yes, if you have underfloor heating installed you should turn it off during the summer months. This is because underfloor heating is designed for cold weather and can be inefficient during periods of hot weather.
It is also important to turn off the heating system during longer periods when the house is empty or unoccupied. This will help keep your energy costs down as the heating will be off and not generating unnecessary cost.
Additionally, turning off the heating can help extend the lifespan of the system, as running the system more than necessary can lead to wear and tear over time. To ensure that you don’t forget to turn off your system in the summer, you can program the thermostat to switch off at a certain temperature or even set a timer so that the system goes off at a specific time each day.
Can radiant heat be installed under hardwood flooring?
Yes, radiant heat can be installed under hardwood flooring in a variety of ways. The most common type of radiant heat systems used with hardwood flooring is hydronic, which involves circulating hot water through pipes in the floor.
This type of system is most commonly installed during the construction of the home, and provides the optimal, most efficient installation. However, electric radiant heating mats can also be installed directly under a hardwood floor as a Retrofit option.
This is usually done by attaching a thin mat that contains thin electric cables to the subfloor, and then attaching the wood flooring to it. It is important to note that all radiant heat systems, whether hydronic or electric, must be controlled with a thermostat and must be adequately insulated by the flooring material.
How do you retrofit radiant floor heating?
Retrofitting radiant floor heating involves laying out a network of pipes beneath your existing flooring to create an efficient heating and cooling system. After locating your current floor covering or subfloor, decide where the network of tubes should go.
Then, if needed, add an extra layer of plywood over current subflooring to lay out tubes. Once you’ve established the exact plan for the tubes, cut through the wood and lay them in, making sure that there are no bends or kinks in the pipes.
Insulate, if necessary, and seal everything before you set up the circulation system with a manifold and a pump. After the floor is complete and everything is in place, you can begin to test the system and fill the tubes with the water-glycol mixture.
Lastly, control the heat flow with a thermostat and then enjoy the energy-saving benefits of radiant floor heating.
Does radiant heat damage wood floors?
Radiant heat can damage wood floors if the temperature is set too high, or if the floor is not properly cared for. Wood floors are susceptible to damage from excessive heat, just as they are susceptible to damage from water or moisture.
If the radiant flooring system is set at a temperature that is too high, it can cause the wood to dry out, contract and eventually crack. On the other hand, excessive moisture on the wood floors due to condensation or the overlaying of an underfloor heating system can also cause damage to the wood.
In order to avoid damage, it is important to maintain a proper temperature balance in the room. Setting the temperature too high or low can cause problems and should be avoided. Additionally, the floors should be regularly maintained and cleaned with the appropriate cleaning supplies and sealants in order to ensure the longevity of the floor.
Finally, when installing the underfloor heating system, be sure to use a specialist company to ensure the proper installation of the system.
Is vinyl plank flooring good for radiant heat?
Yes, vinyl plank flooring is suitable for radiant heating systems. Vinyl is a cost-effective and energy-efficient material that allows heat to be evenly distributed throughout the room. It is also resistant to water damage and easy to clean, making it an ideal choice for homes with radiant heating systems.
Additionally, vinyl plank flooring creates a comfortable surface to walk on and provides excellent insulation, helping to keep the warmth of the radiant heating system inside the house. However, it’s important to remember that vinyl plank flooring must be installed properly in order to achieve optimal results.
Proper installation can help ensure vinyl planks do not move due to the expansion and contraction of the material when in contact with heat. In addition, when installing vinyl planks, make sure to use a suitable underlayment to provide extra insulation and help prevent heat loss.
Can carpet go over radiant heat?
Yes, it is possible to install carpet over radiant heat. However, it is important to be wary of the type of carpet that you choose and to properly install it. Most carpets will work with radiant heat, but it is best to select a carpet with a low fiber loft.
Carpets with high fiber lofts are not ideal because the fabric can act as an insulator and lead to an excessive build-up of heat. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the carpet has an adequate amount of padding installed beneath it.
When installed correctly, carpet can be suitable for radiant heat and provide a warm and comfortable option for floors.