ᐅ Retrofitting Underfloor Heating When Replacing the Flooring

Hello,

Is it possible to retrofit underfloor heating in an existing apartment (built in 2000) with reinforced concrete ceilings? The building currently has a gas system (central heating) installed. We plan to replace the flooring anyway and install hardwood floors (currently laminate).

My biggest concern is whether it is even feasible to coordinate such a retrofit with other property owners? How are the costs usually allocated, and is it worth installing underfloor heating with a gas system? Especially considering that the radiator temperatures are higher than those of underfloor heating (plus space needed for a mixing valve and related components).

The alternative would be electric underfloor heating in the bathroom and children’s room. I am worried that the heating costs might be disproportionately high.

Does anyone have experience with this topic? Thanks.

Sounds like a condominium flat?!?

To avoid too much heat loss going downwards, a substantial layer of insulation needs to be installed under your new screed (with heating pipes inside). This adds several centimeters of height (estimated at least 8cm (3 inches)).

Is that something you want?

While the heat won’t be lost but will warm the flat below if the insulation is weak, the extra energy consumption will show up on your heating bill.

In my opinion, electric direct heating is an absolute no-go.

Hello "littlebird".

First of all, the phrase "underfloor heating with gas system" is quite misleading.
You probably meant: a hydronic underfloor heating system that can be connected to a gas-powered heating unit?
As "konibar" put it in a slightly different way: this is quite complex.
For this, the screed would have to be removed down to the insulation and instead of the usual 45mm (1.8 inches) thickness, be installed at around 60mm (2.4 inches) thickness. Since this is an existing building where the height reference points and transitions are fixed, this is hardly feasible.
Electric heating?
That is certainly possible, especially if ceramic tiles are planned.
But beware – a trap!
Currently, electricity and energy prices are rising so sharply that this option must be considered economically very questionable!
My advice is actually to keep the heating situation as it is. It has proven reliable over the past years.
The reason for changing the heating technology is (probably) only a (justified) wishful idea.
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Best regards and wishing you a wise decision: KlaRa

Thank you for your help. Yes, there is actually a request because our child plays on the floor a lot. Otherwise, I understand that the entire conversion may not be worth it.

What is Junior playing with? Laying out a carpet?

Otherwise, it’s one of those things that tends to bother adults more than the people actually involved. ;-)

We bought thick, affordable new wool rugs for the children. They are placed in the living room and the children's rooms from autumn until spring. In summer, they are rolled up and stored away. Even my old bones find them very comfortable.