Underfloor heating in new builds is fast becoming one of the most popular ways to heat a home, and at Grace Homes, we’ve been incorporating it into our new build homes for years. Every one of our homes features underfloor heating on the ground floor - just one of the ways we bring a touch of luxury to modern living. But how exactly does underfloor heating work, and what are its key benefits? Read on as we walk you through everything you need to know.
What is underfloor heating and how does it work?
Underfloor heating comes in two main types:
When switched on, these systems heat the floor’s surface, which then warms the surrounding air through convection and radiant heat. Convection heat occurs when warm air rises and cooler air falls, creating a natural circulation that helps distribute warmth evenly - something that radiators don’t achieve as effectively.
Heating from the ground up not only creates a more consistent and comfortable indoor temperature but also places less strain on your boiler compared to traditional radiator systems.
What are the benefits of underfloor heating?
There are numerous advantages to underfloor heating, including:
Unrestricted design
No radiators on the ground floor means more freedom to arrange your furniture however you like, without restrictions.
Controlled temperature
Each room has its own thermostat, allowing you to control temperatures individually for greater efficiency and comfort.
Greater distribution
Underfloor heating ensures a consistent temperature throughout the room.
Cleaner air
By removing radiators from the ground floor, you can reduce air circulation and dust movement, therefore underfloor heating helps create a cleaner, healthier indoor environment.
More sustainable
Insulation within flooring retains heat effectively, requiring less energy to maintain warmth. Underfloor heating also works efficiently with greener technologies like air source heat pumps – something we also incorporate into our new builds - making it a sustainable choice.
Is underfloor heating expensive to run?
The running costs of underfloor heating depend on several factors, including room size, insulation levels, heating duration, and your energy provider.
While the initial installation can be costly, underfloor heating is a standard feature in all Grace Homes properties. We use water-based systems rather than electric ones, making them far more economical to run. Underfloor heating warms rooms quickly and evenly so you don’t need to keep it on as long - helping to reduce energy bills. When combined with air source heat pumps, the long-term savings are even greater.
Additionally, underfloor heating systems can have an impressive lifespan of up to 50 years, significantly outlasting radiators, which typically become inefficient after just eight to 12 years.
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