Is Electric Underfloor Heating a Good Idea?
People are looking for answers. They want to know how to lower electricity bills or how to improve air quality at home. They also wonder whether it is possible to save some space in the bathroom. Are you interested in this as well? Read our article, then. Learn how electric underfloor heating systems can solve your problems.
The beauty of underfloor heating systems
Radiators or any other types of heating equipment can be a nuisance. They aren't pretty, are they? They also consume valuable space. The latter has significant meaning in tiny apartments. But even large houses consist of smaller rooms. A guest bathroom, for example. No matter the case, though, electric underfloor heating might be just the thing to reduce the issue. The thing is, such systems are literally invisible. They are hidden under the floor covering. The only thing that suggests their presence is a wall control panel and that wonderful comfort of warmth, of course.
As a result, space can be saved. It won't be much, but for many of us it will be just enough to fit an additional book shelf or a bigger working desk. In the bathroom, that can mean an extra room for towels. In a kitchen – a spice cabinet. It is also worth pointing out that more room allows people to be more creative in terms of interior design. In some cases, an underfloor heating solution can be a real game-changer.
Financial benefits of electric underfloor heating
Every heating installation requires a substantial investment. The equipment, the professional design and physical labor – all of them are incorporated into the process. That means the whole endeavor might be rather costly, but that also depends on the scale of the project. Nevertheless, electric underfloor heating is profitable. How?
It's simple: low running costs. The system of heating cables under the floor provides a more efficient way of controlling the temperature. With an ordinary installation, the warmth is badly distributed in the room. The temperature rates are uneven, and the difference between the floor and the ceiling can be mind-blowing. Therefore, people produce more heat to keep their feet warmer. And that costs more money. A heating cable under the floor is a different story. It helps the air fill the space evenly, so we don't have to pump up the temperature that often.
Furthermore, modern heating systems include intelligent steering tools. Some of them recognize the temperature and automatically change its value according to their settings. Other control panels allow people to arrange heat output differently in separate rooms. A mobile app for thermostats is also quite common these days. The implementation of smart technology in a household impacts its economy. Because of automation and a wide range of settings, energy consumption is more manageable. That means smaller bills to pay.
Does electric underfloor heating improve air quality?
Yes, apparently. Underfloor heating mats can reduce the amount of allergens in the interior. That's because there are no radiators around. They have the reputation of in-house dirt collectors, you know. Besides, the floor temperature is not that different from the rest of the room. All things considered, dust particles and all sorts of microscopic elements don't float as much as they do in different conditions. That is good news for allergy sufferers, don't you think? But wait, there's more...
The way in which electric underfloor heating works allows the air to be less humid in general. This is the benefit of even warmth distribution accompanied by smart temperature control at home. The results come in the form of better air quality that is not friendly to bacteria, mold or insects. Their presence usually leads to potential health hazards, so even a bit less humidity at home can make a lot of difference. Especially when children are around.
Disadvantages of underfloor heating
It doesn't take much thinking to realize that underfloor installations require some work. It is impossible to arrange such systems without deconstructing something first. Although an underfloor heating mat is as simple as it gets, even a small-scale endeavor won't be completed in a matter of hours. The cables must come before the floor, and there's no way around it.
It is also roughly estimated that the costs of such installations can be even 30% higher when compared to more traditional systems. But that includes the workforce, smart control units and sets of purpose-built materials. These factors can also be an issue in the case of a mechanical failure. Fortunately, some manufacturers offer a long-lasting warranty. Keep an eye out for those if you're interested.
Yes, despite the above disadvantages, electric underfloor heating at home is still a genuinely good idea. The benefits of such installations are tremendous. Although costs might discourage you at first, the investment pays for itself after some years. There are many people who can confirm it. Ask around.
