ᐅ Wall and Ceiling Heating: Advantages and Disadvantages of Manufacturers and Systems

Hello dear house building experts,

we are converting an old barn into a residential house. For the heating system, we have decided on ceiling and wall heating (due to energy efficiency and indoor climate; we are not fans of warm feet).

Our initial research has identified different systems and manufacturers worth considering:

1. Capillary tube mats

Mats that carry water, over which drywall panels are then installed.

2. Integrated drywall panels

The pipes are integrated into the drywall panels, which are then mounted to the ceiling.

3. Heating/climate system combined with clay

A combination of insulation boards with clay or a clay substructure through which the pipes run, topped with a panel. These systems promise an even better indoor climate and environmental friendliness.

Here are my questions:

What are the advantages and disadvantages of these different systems? (Costs, efficiency, environment, flexibility, for example regarding cutouts for lighting)

And does anyone here on the forum have concrete experience or recommendations for specific manufacturers?

I look forward to exchanging ideas with you!

The more mass, the better. The heat release is more even, the house has greater thermal inertia, and you can store more photovoltaic energy.
And naturally, the larger the surface area, the better for the heat pump, as this allows the flow temperature to be lower.
I have both floor and ceiling (and a bit of wall) heating in this old building. Everything serves its purpose.

By the way, if the insulation is good, the feet won’t feel warm with underfloor heating. At most, the floor feels pleasantly warm.

In KFW-40 houses, depending on the flooring, it is hardly possible to walk barefoot in winter.