ᐅ Underfloor Heating or Conventional Heating – Which Is More Cost-Effective?
Created on: 24 Jul 2012 04:45
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I heard on TV today that underfloor heating is supposedly more efficient than a conventional heating system because it only requires a flow temperature of 40°C (104°F) instead of 70°C (158°F). Is this really true? Can I ultimately heat my house more cheaply with underfloor heating?
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Karl-Steffen-117 Jun 2014 20:31Accurate, and for me a floor heating system has several advantages. Due to the low supply temperature, the energy consumption is lower than with a conventional heating system. I do not consider maintenance to be an issue.
Heating costs primarily depend on the quality of insulation (walls and windows), regardless of the type of heating system. However, the heating system type does affect comfort. The most comfortable heating system is ceiling heating. It has been proven to provide the most even temperature distribution from floor to ceiling. I installed one in 1972 and have been 100% satisfied. How does it work? The ceiling warms up to 30 - 40°C (86 - 104°F), depending on heating needs. It then radiates heat throughout the room with so-called low-temperature radiation. Walls, floor, and furniture are heated evenly. In contrast, underfloor heating has the disadvantage that a large part of the floor area is covered by furniture, which blocks the heat. To deliver the same amount of heat into the room, the temperature of the floor must be higher, which can cause a burning sensation on the feet.
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WPC Rubigen-118 Nov 2014 11:48When combined with a heat pump, underfloor heating offers significant advantages. This is because the temperature lift (the difference between the heat source temperature and the required supply temperature) is crucial for the efficiency of the heat pump. In other words, the smaller the temperature lift, the better the system’s efficiency, meaning lower electricity consumption.
Additionally, with ground-source heat pumps, underfloor heating can also be used to cool the building, which can be a major benefit, especially in Minergie-standard buildings.
In principle, however, a heat pump can operate any type of hydronic heat distribution system, including conventional radiators with supply temperatures of 50°C (122°F) or higher.
Make sure to consult a heat pump specialist for advice.
Additionally, with ground-source heat pumps, underfloor heating can also be used to cool the building, which can be a major benefit, especially in Minergie-standard buildings.
In principle, however, a heat pump can operate any type of hydronic heat distribution system, including conventional radiators with supply temperatures of 50°C (122°F) or higher.
Make sure to consult a heat pump specialist for advice.
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