Underfloor radiators: Can Underfloor Heating Replace Radiators? – Wunda

Can Underfloor Heating Replace Radiators? – Wunda

Once you consider an underfloor heating system, your radiators can quickly seem obsolete. Depending on your heat loss calculations, you could get rid of your radiators and replace them entirely with an underfloor heating system.

The heat loss calculation will demonstrate whether the heating requirement of your rooms can be met, and exceeded, by the heat output of the underfloor heating system.

After that, it is just a case of finding out which rooms would benefit and how big a project it should be.

In this guide, we will look at why underfloor heating should replace radiators, the considerations you need to make, the heat loss calculation, and how radiators can work with an underfloor heating system.

Why Underfloor Heating Should Replace Radiators?

If your home has a central heating system then replacing the radiators with underfloor heating can seem very tempting.

For one, you should see an improvement in the air quality as radiators tend to move dust and pollen around with convection heating.

The heating distribution should also be far more efficient and comfortable due to how the underfloor heating would emit radiant heat.

An underfloor heating system can also be versatile and come in various forms fit to heat any home. From low profile / rapid response systems, such as those used in Wundatherm’s Premium+ Overfloor Boards, to between joist and screed underfloor heating systems.

With underfloor heating, you can enjoy zoning control, and heat specific rooms, using a thermostat. Your bare floors would also be heated for when you walk across them barefoot, even in the depths of winter.

Without radiators, you can enjoy some more space on your walls with a heating system that is pretty much invisible.

This can also mean a few more options for interior design and fewer restrictions for the furniture you want to place in your living room.

There will also be a sizable reduction in hotspots as you can enjoy an even heating distribution. An underfloor heating system should also be more energy efficient when covering a suitably large surface area.

The Considerations To Make

The primary consideration to make for an underfloor heating system may be whether you want it across your entire home.

As long as the heat loss calculation makes sense, then you could certainly use underfloor heating instead of radiators.

The calculation should be done in every room so you can focus on the rooms that would benefit the most based on whether the heat output from the underfloor heating system matches the heating requirements of the space.

For it to truly work, the maximum heat output must be higher than the total heat loss.

Installing an underfloor heating system may form part of a refurbishment or a new build project, in which case this could be the ideal opportunity.

Aside from being an efficient heating system, by getting rid of the radiators you could create more space in your home and not have to perform any maintenance while enjoying a comfortable temperature.

The Heat Loss Calculation

The most crucial consideration to make involves the heat loss calculation. This is a figure of how much heat loss you expect to occur in your home based on each room.

Depending on the installation, this can be based on a single room or as an entire sum for the whole house.

The heat loss calculation will be performed before an installation takes place as it finds out how energy efficient the system would be and how well insulated your home is.

An underfloor heating system is generally considered to be a gentle heat that is evenly distributed across the floor.

For the system to work effectively, your home needs to help retain the heat and this is performed by various means of insulation.

For instance, the loft insulation should be complete and at around 270mm in depth. Then subfloor and walls would also require insulation, typically solid wall or cavity wall insulation are popular choices.

For a high energy efficiency rating, a home should have double-glazed windows and doors to keep draughts to a strict minimum.

The subfloor should be insulated though in a renovation it is not entirely practical to simply add more insulation and Wundatherm’s Premium+ Overfloor Boards do not have a requirement to dig up the floor.

The floor itself should also help to transmit the heat and tile has a high thermal conductivity rating compared to carpet which does not rank that highly.

With all the insulation taken into consideration, the heat loss calculation is made by adding conduction to infiltration.

The infiltration will be how much of that heated air is escaping to be replaced by the cold air coming in from outside.

That conduction is another form of heat loss, specifically the heat that is lost through your home’s walls, floor, windows, and roof.

How Underfloor Heating Could Work With Radiators

Should you be worried about completely removing all the radiators from your home then you can be assured that it does not have to be that way.

An underfloor heating system can be combined with existing radiators which could be the ideal solution. With a flexible retrofit underfloor heating system, there is the opportunity to create a hybrid radiator/underfloor heating system.

If you are interested in a new build, such as an extension, then you could simply install the underfloor heating system there and use the radiators in the rest of your home.

Another method is to install an underfloor heating system downstairs while maintaining the radiators to heat the upstairs areas. This is typically due to the cost-effectiveness of only installing a ground-floor heating system.

An efficient, modern combi-boiler can help run two systems. Should your heat losses be excessively high and you are struggling to find ways to reduce them, an underfloor heating system can be supplemented by your existing radiators.

Effectively, the heat output of the underfloor heating system is topped up by the radiators to meet the high demands of a space with large heatlosses.

Typically, your home will not require such a heating setup, reducing your heat loss is more cost-effective, especially in the colder months.

Final Thoughts

Yes, an underfloor heating system can replace radiators yet it is a question of whether your property is ready.

An underfloor heating system is highly capable of heating homes that have been renovated and are built to modern standards.

You would need to perform a heat loss calculation as some rooms may require additional insulation prior to installing the system.

Ensure you have the right insulation and you may be able to get rid of your radiators and enjoy a bit more room in your living space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Is More Expensive, An Underfloor Heating System Or Radiators?

While there is the initial outlay to consider due to the installation price, you should see a saving over years with underfloor heating.

As an underfloor heating system produces the same heat output at a lower temperature as radiators, the running costs would be reduced.

How Long Should I Expect An Underfloor Heating System To Last?

As well as the running costs being lower for an underfloor heating system when compared to radiators, you should also enjoy a longer lifespan. An underfloor heating system should be expected to last for 50 years or longer.

Consider that a radiator may only last for around 12 years before it requires replacing and this goes some way to proving how effective an underfloor heating system can be.

How does an underfloor heating system compare to radiators?

Uponor

A short article explaining the factors to consider when installing a heating system in your home/commercial space.

Which system is best?

When deciding on a heating system for your home or office, there are two main choices:

1) Underfloor heating

2) Conventional radiator system

Underfloor heating is a relatively new concept, where as a radiator system has been in practice since the beginning of the 20th century.  

But which one is more suitable for you? The content below will help you to decide:

1. Comfort

An underfloor heating system evenly distributes heat throughout a room and this ensures a comfortable environment, with optimal energy efficiency. What’s more, you will avoid the unpleasant feeling of cold feet on a winter’s day!

A radiator system on the other hand, concentrates heating in one area first before it is spread across the whole room. This make it highly inefficient and there is also the risk that heat is lost through the ceiling.

According to Greenage, underfloor heating systems use 15-40% less energy than a radiator.

2. Costs

Although an underfloor heating system is more costly to setup initially in a new build or renovated property, long term savings can be achieved. This is due to the fact that underfloor heating systems operate at a lower temperature and spread heat efficiently (as indicated above).

3. Aesthetics and Space

It is certainly a lot easier to decorate a room if an underfloor heating system is chosen. There are no obstacles i.e. radiators to contend with and this means a better finish can be achieved.

Your room/space will also appear to be larger without the presence of radiators. This in turn, should help to create a bright and airy living space.

4. Controls

With an underfloor heating system, thermostats can be installed in certain zones/rooms throughout a house or commercial space. This subsequently provides you with the autonomy to heat certain rooms that are being occupied and switch off the heating in unoccupied rooms.

Most radiator systems rely on one central thermostat, which means that either the heating is turned on for the whole property or switched off completely.

Did you know, Uponor have a mobile app for controlling the underfloor heating in your house?

5.

Hygiene

A common problem with radiators are that they attract dust and this creates an unhygienic environment.

Most of this dust is hidden in hard to reach places, which means it accumulates over time. This consequently leads to problems for asthmatics or those with allergies.

Can I combine an underfloor heating system and radiators?

We understand that it may not always be feasible to remove radiators (especially upstairs) from an existing home and in this case underfloor heating can be combined with radiators. Although we would advise installing a complete underfloor heating system for improved energy efficiency, both systems can work together by clearly separating them throughout a home. For example, you must setup timers and zone valves for each system to work efficiently together. For further guidance please refer to this real homes article.

Please note: an Uponor Underfloor Heating System can be installed throughout a home or office (first and second floor) even when there are obstacles. This removes the need for radiators.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision is yours over which system to install or whether you feel it is beneficial to combine both systems. If you feel underfloor heating is the way to go, Uponor have a range of solutions suitable for new builds and renovation projects. We are also also on hand to assist you with any queries you may have- 01923 927000 (option 2)

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Water heating floor radiators for panoramic windows

Floor heating radiator is a heating device mounted above the floor surface in diverse rooms. Heat from the radiator is transferred to the heated room through the natural circulation of air heated to a certain temperature. The main advantage of floor standing batteries is their compact size, light weight and attractive equipment design. In terms of power parameters, heating devices of this type are in no way inferior to massive heating radiators. In favor of floor radiators include easy installation and maintenance, safe use and a stylish modern design that allows you to fit the device into any room interior. Depending on the purpose and design of the device, floor heating radiators differ by 3 basic types :

• Appliances for rooms with high relative humidity.
• Forced convection coils with built-in fan heaters.
• Natural convection units with preheated air.

Design features of floor heaters

The main elements of the battery are steel panels, which are connected by welding. This design makes it possible to maximize the efficiency and productivity of the equipment. The body of the device in most cases is made of galvanized steel and coated with special paints that exclude metal corrosion.

Benefits of floor radiators:

• Quick and even heating of the room.
• Do not burn oxygen and provide fresh air.
• Economical energy consumption thanks to thermostat.
• Automatic power adjustment reduces network load.
• Stylish design allows you to install devices in rooms with any interior.

🦋New Arrivals in the Floor Radiators section December 2022

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Our store offers high-quality equipment of world brands. At a great price and with a quality guarantee from the manufacturer.

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Inexpensive products from this category are:

The site presents products Floor radiators at a price of 410.00 to 142,570.73 hryvnia.

Advice on products of the category Floor radiators?

Our specialists can help you in choosing a product, just call (044) 223-90-02, (068) 777-23-60, (099) 777-23-60 or write us an e-mail ktk. [email protected]

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Popular above places where people spend the main time of their lives: home, work space, places of rest. At the same time, no less important requirements of modern consumers for any type of residential areas are safety and beauty.

Floor radiators are a new form of space heating that meets many consumer needs and allows for additional design challenges.

Floor-mounted radiators provide a wide range of options for designers as a smart way to save usable space and make it more aesthetically pleasing.

Contents

• 1 Benefits of floor mounting

• 2 Material selection for radiators

  • 2.1 Advantages and disadvantages of cast iron

  • 2. 2 Advantages and disadvantages of aluminum

  • 2.3 Advantages and disadvantages of steel

  • 2.4 Advantages and disadvantages of bimetallic structures

• 3 What to consider when choosing an instrument?

• 4 Installation of equipment

Benefits of floor mounting

From ordinary wall-mounted floor-standing radiators, they fundamentally differ in the way they are mounted, which is their main advantage, which makes it possible to realize original design ideas.

Floor radiators have two types of fixing. The first type – the placement of the convector in the floor screed, the second – directly fastening to the floor. A heater placed inside the floor can perform the function of secondary heating.

The illustration shows a floor-mounted radiator.

The structural elements of heating equipment are a heater with a ribbed surface, a channel, a grate. Often the design is made in a single block, which does not imply its analysis.

Radiators, even in an expensive designer version or hidden under a grill, introduce an imbalance, destroying the harmony and volume of living space. In such cases, the system, placed inside the floor, allows you to economically distribute the usable space and provide reliable heating.

In fact, water radiators installed inside the floor operate on the principle of convectors. A comfortable temperature is achieved due to intensive air circulation: the air heated by the battery rises to the ceiling, and cold air masses come in its place. Due to the circulation of warm and cold air, heating is carried out faster, which saves money on heating.

It is not always possible to attach a traditional radiator to the wall (this is especially true for modern offices), since it can be made of a material that cannot withstand heavy loads. In some cases, the openings of windows and doors start directly from the floor, which also excludes the possibility of attaching the radiator to the wall.

In the case of panoramic glazing of shops, museums, offices, it is important to take into account the need for a thermal curtain that will prevent the glass from freezing or fogging. Its creation, from a technical point of view, is possible only when using a floor battery mount.

Example of 2 batteries: floor and wall mount.

In some cases, floor-standing batteries, on the contrary, perform a decorative function. They are installed in a special housing, for example, made of natural wood, and are used as seating areas. This heating option is relevant for hospitals, sports clubs, swimming pools, saunas.

Selection of material for radiators

Materials for the manufacture of floor radiators are traditional: cast iron, aluminium, steel, as well as various metal compounds.

The material from which the radiators are made should be taken into account in connection with the peculiarities of the Russian heating system. You need to pay attention to several features. Firstly, the factor of low temperatures in winter, secondly, the poor quality of the coolant in the centralized heating system (hot water with impurities), and thirdly, the presence of periodic pressure drops and hydraulic shocks.

Battery-bench floor mount.

Advantages and disadvantages of cast iron

Previously popular cast iron batteries are now in demand among people who have the financial means to purchase this expensive echo of past eras. If in Soviet times a cast-iron battery was an attribute of “Khrushchev”, now residents of elite buildings can afford such radiators.

Both an advantage and a disadvantage of this type of radiator is the thermal inertia of cast iron. The fact that heating batteries are able to retain heat for a long time is considered positive.

On the other hand, it takes a long time for the batteries to warm up to a certain temperature. This is not bad, but not when using a unit with a thermostatic regulator. The mechanism is designed to automatically control the temperature of heating devices: in case of overheating, the heat supply stops, and when the temperature drops, it resumes. Cast iron radiators are inefficient in this system and do not allow saving heat to create comfortable indoor conditions.

Cast iron battery.

Advantages and disadvantages of aluminum

Aluminum radiators, depending on which type of mounting is chosen, can be installed both on the wall and on the floor. Outdoor aluminum structures are easy to mount, while the cost of the radiator itself and brackets can be called democratic.

Due to their high thermal conductivity, aluminum radiators are effective in an energy-saving heating system. In addition to competitive cost, such batteries are lightweight and resistant to corrosion.

For heating in high-rise apartments, it is necessary to choose cast structures. On the market, you can also find extrusion structures consisting of mechanically connected sections. It is these compounds that often do not withstand pressure drops.

Aluminum battery for floor mounting.

Advantages and disadvantages of steel

The main advantages of steel heating structures include cost and low weight. But the performance characteristics are determined by the quality of the welds and the thickness of the walls of the radiator. Some radiators have an internal polymer coating that effectively protects the material from corrosion.

Accordingly, unimproved modifications, the cost of which is much lower, are of poor quality and can only be recommended for low-rise buildings.

Among the shortcomings of economy class steel radiators are susceptibility to corrosion processes, instability of the seams, which is especially important at high pressure in the network.

Advantages and disadvantages of bimetal constructions

Bimetal radiators combine the advantages of those types of metals that were used in their creation. For example, floor structures made of aluminum and steel have high strength while maintaining a high level of heat transfer, easily withstand pressures exceeding 40 atmospheres.

The picture shows bimetal batteries with floor mounting.

Water convectors are popular, the structural elements of which are a copper pipe, aluminum heat transfer plates and a steel heat exchanger painted with powder paint.

These qualities make the bimetal design indispensable in an energy-saving heating system or in conditions involving pressure drops.

Only too high a temperature can cause failure of a device made of several metals, which is explained by the presence of different coefficients of expansion for metals.

What should be considered when choosing an instrument?

So, when choosing floor water heating structures, pay attention to such parameters as:

• material;
• heater power;
• equipment size;
• manufacturer’s warranty.

A corrosive material significantly reduces the life of underfloor heating equipment, therefore preference should be given to structures made of copper and aluminum.

In order to easily connect the device to a centralized system, it must operate at a pressure of at least 12 atm. Convectors installed in the floor are more efficient in private houses, where the pressure may not exceed 2. 5 atm. It is better to carefully study the instructions and determine the pressure parameters provided by the manufacturer.

The illustration shows a battery with floor mounting.

The height of the ceilings in the room can also affect the power of the selected appliance. High altitude is a reason to purchase equipment that has more power.

A manufacturer of quality products gives a guarantee for equipment of at least 5 years.

How to mount the hardware

The hard and rigid floor surface makes it easy to mount the radiator, but it is quite possible to use standard fasteners.

When installing heavy convectors on wooden floors, it is recommended to additionally use wall brackets, which will reduce the load on the beams.

Before installing the radiator, carefully measure and fix the location for each floor bracket. Then the holders are fixed with fasteners. With a low weight, the structure can be mounted on special legs, which are fixed in a similar way.

After mounting the fasteners, the radiator housing is installed, which is connected to the necessary communications.

Care must be taken when installing threaded connections. Excessive force can damage the threads, which will violate the tightness of the connections. For this purpose, the use of a torque wrench is recommended. In the instructions for the radiator, you can find the necessary values ​​\u200b\u200bthat allow you not to exceed the tightening torques.

With independent installation of equipment, you can save a lot. However, if there is no relevant experience or confidence in the correctness of their actions, then it is better to use the services of a professional. Firstly, a specialist will help to correctly calculate the power of the device that will be installed in the room, taking into account its volume, the presence of additional factors (drafts, windows, wall thickness). Secondly, he will install the equipment so that in the future it will not be required to repair it.