ᐅ Installing underfloor heating in a 1960s apartment. Is it a good idea?

Hello everyone,

I am purchasing a condominium (3 rooms, 70m² (750 sq ft)). The apartment building from the 1960s (about 20 to 30 units) has a central gas heating system. In my future apartment, there are radiators from around the 1980s. I would actually prefer underfloor heating and am wondering if this is technically feasible. Specifically,

1. Is it even possible (assuming that the other owners agree)?
2. If I am the only one with underfloor heating, are there any disadvantages now or possibly in the future, if the building community switches from gas to technology X?

And roughly, what kind of overall costs should I expect? Currently, the apartment has laminate and tile flooring, and I am thinking it should be about 30m² (320 sq ft) of tile and 40m² (430 sq ft) of parquet in the future.

Best regards,
Torsten

You first need to clarify how the heating costs are billed – if each apartment is equipped with its own heat meter, then it would be possible. If not, then the situation is generally unfavorable.

TorstenKandt schrieb:

b that is technically feasible.

At least the plot of land. Technically possible. Practical?

1. You need approval from the homeowners’ association.
2. You need a mixing valve that can reduce the heating water temperature to the level required for your apartment.
3. You need proper insulation beneath the underfloor heating to avoid warming the apartment below.
4. The installation height must be appropriate.
5. The underfloor heating must be capable of heating the apartment at all (how energy-efficient is the building, especially if it’s an older construction?).
6. It must be possible to measure and bill your individual consumption.

Technically on the plot of land, it may be feasible, but based on experience, I see many doubts regarding the above points alone and would bet everything that you will not succeed.

A mixer is not necessarily required, as it can operate with actuators and room thermostats. It’s not much different from working with radiators. The gas central heating system doesn’t mind either. However, the floor can become quite warm with a supply temperature of 50-60°C (122-140°F). Some people find this uncomfortable.

Regarding the feasibility of the overall project, I come to a similar assessment.

At a 60-degree supply temperature, and possibly with underfloor heating pipes milled in (i.e., close to the surface), no flooring manufacturer will provide any guarantee. An RTL box is mandatory to reduce the temperatures.

Thanks for all your responses. For now, I will assume that I won’t be able to install underfloor heating. That’s not a big issue.