What you don’t know about underfloor heating systems
Underfloor heating systems are divided into water-based and electrical ones. Both types are in demand, and it is impossible to say for sure which one is better.
Water floor
The main condition for the installation of water floors is the possibility of direct connection to the central heating system or the arrangement of a separate boiler room. In apartment buildings, such floors can only be used if they were originally included in the project. In standard city apartments, their installation is prohibited, since the water pressure in the system is designed exclusively for radiator heating.
For the installation of underfloor heating, metal-plastic or polymer heat-resistant pipes are used, thanks to which the system operates smoothly for 40-50 years, provided that it is properly installed and connected. Such heating is low temperature and is most often used as auxiliary heating. At the same time, it can also act as the main source of heat, especially for small spaces.
The system consists of a distribution unit, which includes a manifold, circulator pump and mixing unit, and a heating circuit. The optimal area for heating with one circuit is considered to be 10-15 m2, therefore, for large rooms, a system is designed with several circuits and the possibility of separate shutdown of each of them.
Advantages of a water-heated floor
Experts say that it is preferable to buy a thin water heat-insulated floor for several reasons:
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The first is comfort. The construction of a water heated floor is able to evenly distribute heat over the entire area of the room.
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Secondly, security. The underfloor heating water heating system, the cost of which is not high, is low-temperature, and the coolant in it does not heat up above 55 ° C, and the pressure in the pipes does not exceed 3 bar. However, this design is designed to withstand a water temperature of 90 ° C and a pressure of 7 bar. In other words, the safety margin of the water underfloor heating system is automatically doubled.
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Thirdly, economy and energy efficiency. Compared to a radiator heating system, in which overheating zones are created under the windows to achieve a comfortable temperature in the room and the heated air in fact heats the ceiling more. Water underfloor heating emits soft heat from the entire area of the heating panel. With this heat distribution, the room temperature can be reduced by 2-3 degrees without the slightest loss of comfort. Over the entire period of operation, this gives tangible savings in heating, especially for rooms with a large area and with high ceilings, which will recoup the cost of water-heated floors.
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Another important advantage of underfloor heating water is absolute freedom to create any kind of interiors, since of all the elements of this system in the room, you will only see a thermostat for temperature control.
The price of water heated floors depends on:
- how insulated the room is;
- the quality and durability of the equipment used;
- connection diagram of the water-heated floor system to the heat source;
- use of room automation or connection to the “smart home” system.
Water-heated floor coverings
You can install water-heated floors under tiles, laminate flooring in an apartment or in the country, but ceramic tiles are considered the ideal coating. However, with sufficient insulation of the room (within the SNIP – 60-65 W / ㎡), you can use almost any type of finishing coating, including marble, stone, carpet, parquet and even cork.
If you decide to install warm water floors in a wooden house under parquet, then you should pay attention to the fact that at present, almost all parquet manufacturers make special types of this coating that are compatible with this system.
Electric floor
Electric underfloor heating systems are equipped with various types of heating elements, and, depending on this, are divided into cable, film and thermomats.
Cable
The most common type, characterized by the simplicity of the device. Installed in a screed or a layer of tile adhesive, it is convenient when laying in a small area. The cable is produced completely ready for installation, so it cannot be shortened or extended. In order to avoid overheating, after installation, furniture must not be placed above it.
Film
It is a thin strip of heat-resistant polyester with heating elements sealed inside. Such a device provides very fast and uniform heating. Foil floors are assembled from individual parts on site and placed directly under the floor covering. They cannot be installed in the screed and tile adhesive, since the alkaline environment destroys the film.
Thermomats
A kind of cable system. Available in thin fiberglass rolls with fixed cable. When installing on difficult surfaces, it is permissible to cut fiberglass to make it easier to unfold part of the section. The use of electric mats greatly simplifies the installation of the system.
Related products
High efficiency circulator pumps of compact design, suitable for all HVAC applications, from boilers and heat pumps to Heat Interface Units (HIU) systems. It is controlled with all basic functions and also PWM function for remote control.
Flow max
Head max
Liquid temperature
Pressure max
4.0 m3/h
8m
2.. 110°C
10 bar
