Osma Underfloor Heating - UFH The Advantages
Underfloor heating (UFH) is already the most popular
form of heating in Europe, and is fast gaining
popularity here in the UK. Chris Simmons, spokesman for
OSMA Underfloor Heating, discusses the cost benefits and
advantages of installing a UFH system.
Comfort
“Comfort is a major factor within any heating
installation. Whereas radiators distribute their heat by
convection, resulting in a higher temperature at ceiling
level, UFH works by means of radiant heating,
distributing it evenly through the room with no floor
draughts. This is a huge comfort factor, providing
homeowners and users with warm feet, as well as low
running costs and maintenance.
Convenience, safety and health
“It is estimated that by not having heaters on the
walls, there is 15% more space within a room, enabling
homeowners to place furniture in the most convenient or
desired place. However safety and health factors are
also crucial as radiators can contain water at 70oc and
carry a risk of contact burns and collision damage. UFH
by comparison however reaches no hotter than 29oc,
approximately the temperature of the palm of your hand -
much safer for young children and the elderly. For
allergy sufferers, there are further benefits. UFH does
not produce a strong convective air movement so the
transfer of fine dust into the air within a room is
minimized - a significant benefit for asthmatics.
Aesthetic appeal
“UFH has the additional advantage of unhindered room
layout. Greater flexibility is achievable as there are
no constraints of having to plan around a radiator –
ideal for those 42 inch widescreen televisions!
Initial Costs
“Some homeowners may be put off by the initial costs of
installing a UFH system. Although the materials can at
first appear more expensive than the cost of mass
produced steel radiators, the cost premium can be
reduced significantly when compared to Low Surface
Temperature or designer radiators.
Running costs
“The majority of radiators are positioned beneath the
window, in order to counteract the effect of
down-draught from the glass. Radiators lose much more
energy through windows than UFH, and the heat loss
through ceilings is also higher. UFH uses much cooler
water than radiators ensuring that the condensing boiler
operates at its most efficient condensing mode. UFH also
limits the loss of heat from pipes, distributing the
heat around the building when compared to radiators.
Maintenance costs
“Savings can be made in the form of maintenance costs.
With UFH there are no radiators that need to be cleaned
or re-painted, and it is much less expensive to clean
and redecorate a room that does not have any
obstructions on the walls.
Property value
“Some property advisors have advised that a shift in the
market has already occurred as a result of changes in
regulations and environmental constraints. If a property
is equipped with environmental facilities, such as UFH,
the value of the property can increase by up to 10-15%.
Sustainability
“UFH requires 40-60oc heated water, which can be easily
generated by solar panels or heat pumps, if necessary.
In comparison radiators generally need 60-80oc water
that can only be obtained by burning gas or oil. Most
new build or refurbishment properties have a design life
of approximately 60-80 years and many people now doubt
whether gas or oil will be readily available and
affordable throughout this period.
“It therefore seems inevitable that at some point within
a building’s life, large surface heat emitters will have
to be fitted. Retro-fitting a UFH system is possible and
can be designed to fit with the constraint existing
within the building, but if installed in the first
instance it is both cost efficient and energy efficient.
“In the future, new trends or technology may emerge,
such as ceiling heating. For now, however, UFH is
proving to be the desired choice for homeowners and
Installers should take advantage of this growing trend.”
Email:
steve@watermarkpr.co.uk
Arundel Jones Associates Ltd
Hill Farm, Linton Hill, Maidstone, Kent ME17 4AL
Tel : 01622 745333
news@buildingdesign.co.uk
Registered in England and Wales No. 07334149
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