First and foremost, conventional radiators and underfloor heating systems differ to a large extent in terms of heat circulation. Underfloor heating is a low temperature system, which makes use of vertical upward radiation. In turn, heat emitted from high-temperature radiators is distributed by circulation. The dust that collects on the radiators floats and circulates in the air, as sometimes evidenced by grey stains found on the wall by the radiator. Airborne dust is inhaled by humans, which may be particularly harmful for people suffering from allergies or asthma. On the other hand, the temperature of the floor is too low to lift the dust, but high enough to give a pleasant feeling of warmth to your feet.
The most frequently recommended pipes for underfloor heating systems include PE-RT/EFOH/PE-RT pipes with anti-diffusion coating and PEX-AL-PEX with aluminium layer. The latter retain the shape in which they are laid and resist deformation.
Of course! You only need to remember to obtain the consent of the administrator of the housing cooperative/home-owners’ association first. Depending on the choice of system boards, the heating components can be placed directly on the existing floor or mounted on joists. You should always follow the instructions of the underfloor heating system manufacturer. The pipe spacing should be calculated by a qualified specialist. It is usually in the range between 125 mm and 150 mm.
Naturally, underfloor heating can also be used in the shower area, provided it has a linear drain flush in the floor. However, you must make sure that the fitters install the pipes keeping an appropriate distance from the drain. In the shower area and in the whole bathroom, it is best to install the pipes on polystyrene foam, fixed with clips, and pour screed on top. If this is not possible, you can use Eco Thermo Floor XPS C&M – XPS board with cement and mesh.
Some of our clients have doubts regarding the use of underfloor heating in the bedroom. However, no research so far has indicated any adverse impact of underfloor heating on human health. The main advantages of installing the underfloor heating system in the bedroom include its aesthetic looks (no radiators on the walls), increased usable area of the room and improved thermal efficiency. Underfloor heating makes it possible to reduce the air temperature by even 2°C, without compromising the thermal comfort. This means that the temperature can be set to 19°C in the bedroom and21°C in other rooms, allowing to save energy. What is crucial here is the layout of furniture in the room. Beds, bedside tables and chests of drawers should preferably have legs in order to allow the heat to radiate freely upwards in the room.
Underfloor heating systems based on Eco Thermo Floor boards can be used with any heat source: coal, gas, oil, pellet boilers; photovoltaic collectors, etc. The most economical solution are heat pumps due to the use of low temperatures in the range of 30-38°C. However, each of these solutions will be suitable for underfloor heating systems.
Yes, it is. In order to speed up and facilitate the installation of the underfloor heating system, it is recommended to prepare an appropriate layout design of the boards and pipes beforehand. The layout should be based on professional calculations. It is necessary to know the pipe spacing required to achieve the optimum temperature in the building. That value usually falls within the range 125-150 mm.
Definitely. Due to low temperatures used (approx. 30-38°C), the system uses considerably less energy. Even temperature distribution across the room, the compatibility of the system with low-temperature sources, such as heat pumps, condensing boilers or photovoltaic panels, the possibility of temperature adjustment with the precision up to 2°C are only some of the advantages of the system compared to conventional solutions. Conventional heating systems based on radiators need to reach the temperatures of approx. 70-80°C to function properly. In contrast, underfloor heating requires the temperature of only 36-38°C, which is much lower than in the case of conventional heating, which results in the savings of up to 30% annually.
Pros:
– The floor reacts instantly to the activation of the system and the room reaches the required temperature very quickly.
– The system allows for temperature adjustment with great sensitivity, resulting in considerable savings. When you are away from home during the day, you can lower the heating temperature and adjust it when you are back; the temperature will quickly return to the comfortable level. The same can be done in offices. During the working hours, you can increase the temperature and lower it in the evening and at night.
– The boards are multifunctional; they not only work as heating components, but also provide thermal and sound insulation.
– The installation of underfloor heating is quick, easy, trouble-free and clean.
– Since Eco Thermo Floor is a dry system, which does not require waiting for the screed to dry, it allows to shorten the construction time by up to 3 months.
– The boards can be used both on the floor, walls and ceiling.
– They work with low temperatures, allowing for energy and money savings.
– They are also safe for human health and environmentally friendly.
Cons:
– The floor cools down faster when the system is switched off than underfloor heating installed in screed.