Why choose underfloor heating over radiators

The look
Because underfloor heating is "invisible" it doesn't spoil the visual enjoyment of your room. Ugly pipes and clumsy radiators become unnecessary. Not only is this more pleasing to the eye, it gives more space and allows complete freedom in the interior design of any building.
The even heat radiance produced by an underfloor heating system prevents discolouration of paintwork, peeling of paper etc.

Greener
The floor becomes an enormous radiator, which by it's sheer size and efficiency, reduces fuel consumption - good for the environment and for your pocket.
Extremely compatible with other greener energy efficient heat sources such as heat pumps, solar and condensing boilers.

Labour Saving
Cleaning of the floors is easier and wet floors dry very quickly. Prevents discolouration of paintwork, peeling of paper etc.When underfloor heating is used, ugly pipes and clumsy radiators become unnecessary.

Comfort
Independent tests reveal that the most acceptable indoor climate is one in which the floor temperature ranges between 19-29°C and the air temperature at head level ranges between 20 and 24°C. With radiator or convector heating systems a vertical temperature gradient is produced; colder at foot level than at the head. Underfloor heating heats the lower part of a room and gives a feeling of natural warmth. Your feet will be slightly warmer than your head - perfect for comfort. Radiant heat provides the highest comfort levels at an even temperature throughout. With underfloor heating, the entire floor becomes a radiator. And because of its area, it does not have to reach the high temperatures of a standard wall radiator.

Silent
Compared to radiator systems, there is no noise. No annoying ticking as pipes expand in floor voids.

Cost
Although often more expensive to install, underfloor heating is remarkably fuel efficient and proves more economical in the long run. What's more, the underfloor heating industry is increasingly competitive and the cost of installation is now comparable to radiators in many cases.
It uses 15-20% less energy to achieve the same comfort conditions as other forms of heating in a normal domestic height room with a conventional boiler. In areas with higher ceilings, the savings can be in excess of 50%.
When used in conjunction with condensing boilers it has been proven that energy savings of up to 40% can be achieved compared to conventional heating systems. As underfloor systems operate with a flow temperature of around 50 degrees centigrade, a condensing boiler can deliver efficiencies of up to 98%. Underfloor heating is remarkably fuel-efficient.

Maintenance
By employing full lengths of piping without any joints, underfloor heating is practically maintenance free. The piping used has a lifespan of up to 100 years.
No need to paint those radiators anymore and no more peeling wallpaper behind radiators. The servicing costs are also low.

Hygiene
Asthma sufferers can benefit from underfloor heating because it reduces the circulation of both dust and dust mites. The moisture content of the warmth produced by underfloor heating is also too low for dust mites. Within a building, an even heat distribution restricts the air velocity and the ambient air comes almost to a standstill. Due to the absence of any air circulation, dust circulation is minimised. The lower air temperature also increases the relative level of humidity by approximately 12% compared with radiators, thus more hygienic.

Ease of fitting
There are many companies who offer a free design service. If you wish they will then supply everything needed with all the controls pre-assembled and adjusted before being sent to you. With comprehensive, easy to read instruction manuals the installation can be done with limited plumbing skills. Companies provide, videos and telephone helplines to hold your hand through the entire process.
Underfloor heating can be used with concrete floors and all types of wooden floors. It can be used at ground level and upstairs, it can also be used with all types of floor covering - tiles, wood, carpets.

Ease of control
Thermostats in zoned areas mean the system is practically self regulating.

Isn't it time you considered underfloor heating?

Once only of interest to a small minority, green is the new black as far as self-building is concerned.

With the effects of global warming becoming increasingly apparent, more and more people are seeking greener ways to provide the energy needed to run a home.

Whether it's solar panels, heat pumps, high specification glazing or eco-friendly wool insulation in the loft space, there is little doubt that it is self-builders who are setting the standards for a greener future for the building industry and the way we live our lives.

Underfloor heating for example, has been available for years but, by and large, the self build market has been the industry's bread and butter - with large scale property developers still opting for standard, less efficient radiators.

But it's not all about saving the planet. Incorporating green ideas into a home can lead to reduced running costs and save you money in the medium to long term too. And when you come to sell your home in the future, you can guarantee that the greener it is the more attractive it will be to prospective buyers.

There is a greater sense of purpose from the government to promote green alternatives too with a stick and carrot approach in place.

Building regulations now demand far better energy efficiency while government grants are available for loft insulation right through to solar panels, heat pumps, wind turbines and other microgeneration technologies.

Self-builders are leading the way as far as greener homes are concerned and greenselfbuild.co.uk will be with you every step of the way towards a greener future for you, your family and the wider community.