Stepping on a warm floor when winter comes is heaven on earth. Imagine how convenient it is to come home from the cold air outside and your feet no longer freeze even when you don’t wear socks. Thanks to underfloor heating, this is now feasible.
Many homeowners are now willing to allocate a specific budget to install hydronic underfloor heating in their houses. They find the cozy warmth and efficiency of this heating system are worth every penny. Curious about the pros and cons of installing a floor heating system? This article is your guide, offering insights into this innovative feature.
Pros of underfloor heating
- Natural comfort
Hydronic underfloor heating utilises hot water and heat exchangers to distribute warmth throughout a building, rather than relying solely on heating the air. As a result, the floor will remain warm and no surfaces in the building will be cold. It prioritises natural comfort, ensuring homeowners feel protected from the winter chill whenever they’re indoors. Additionally, this technology doesn’t feature fans or blowers, so it will not cause any unwanted noises in the building that disrupt you.
- Better indoor air
The hydronic heating system is different from the conventional fireplaces or air furnace systems. The heating cycle does not require ductwork to circulate the warm air. The circulation of hot water runs through the pre-installed pipes or tubes hidden in the floor and it generates heat that makes the surrounding surfaces become warm. With this process, you don’t need to worry about having dirt or contaminants coming from the outdoors through polluted vents.
- Energy savings
Following the previous advantages, this underfloor heating becomes the best solution that saves more energy. You can set aside concerns about having a high monthly energy bill because hydronic underfloor heating can guarantee a comfortable temperature with minimal energy usage.
Cons of underfloor heating
- Installation cost
Setting up a hydronic underfloor heating in the building is complex because it relies on other installations in the construction, such as valves, pumps, and other elements. Therefore, it is advisable to set up this underfloor heating during a house renovation or from the very first construction phase. It requires a competent heating specialist to install this technology on the property, and sometimes they charge a significant cost for the work.
- Not suitable for extreme temperature
In regions where temperatures reach extreme highs or lows, the limited capacity of hydronic floor heating systems to provide sufficient warmth may face challenges. During periods of intense cold, such systems may struggle to maintain desired indoor temperatures, leading to discomfort for occupants.
- Leakage risk
As this system also connects to the plumbing system, any damage or deterioration to the pipelines could result in water leakage. Even minor cracks or faults in the piping can lead to significant water loss and damage to the surrounding structure if left unchecked. To mitigate the risk of leakage, proper installation by qualified professionals is essential. This includes careful inspection of the plumbing components and implementing effective maintenance practices to prevent deterioration over time.
In conclusion, while hydronic underfloor heating may involve a higher initial cost compared to other heating options, it offers long-term savings and benefits. It’s important to weigh these advantages, such as improved comfort and energy efficiency, against the upfront expenses. Consulting with a reliable underfloor heating specialist can help you explore your options to find the most suitable solution for your needs.