Underfloor Heating: A Heating Solution with a Heat Pump

The comfort of a building depends on several factors. However, one is essential when choosing between two homes. Thus, heating a home is absolutely crucial, but it must be adapted to the type of work to be done. Underfloor heating is a type of heating that uses the floor as a support. Its installation takes place during the construction of the home and requires the use of a boiler. While it is somewhat more expensive than radiators, it is the ideal equipment. Under what conditions is underfloor heating recommended?

Underfloor Heating: Principle and Operation

There are several types of heating systems for homes. Among these, underfloor heating holds a relatively comfortable position. Indeed, it is an installation of a heating system that transmits heat to the ambient air through the floor. How is this possible?

A network of pipes carrying water heated by a boiler is laid on a concrete slab overlaid with insulation. This slab serves as the support foundation for the home. Once installed, this network is covered with a screed, which firstly spreads heat throughout the space, and secondly levels the floor before placing the intended flooring.

To ensure the residents' safety, the French standard DTU 65.14 states that the temperature at the level of the underfloor heating should not exceed 50°C and that the floor temperature should not be below 28°C. In other words, underfloor heating always operates at low temperatures.

Characteristics of Underfloor Heating

Installing underfloor heating at home requires certain analyses, especially since the temperature of the heated water in the pipes and the conductive capacity of the screed and flooring depend on the power of the system. During its heating function, underfloor heating typically provides about 40 W/m3. Thus, professionals often consider the average volumetric power ranging from 35 to 55 W/m3 of the installation zone and the building's insulation to determine the heating power. This power is then multiplied by the habitable volume to ultimately know the capacity needed to heat the building.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Underfloor Heating

Operating at a low temperature to avoid discomfort to residents, underfloor heating has several advantages:

• Comfort: this type of heating provides gentle warmth evenly throughout all rooms of the home;
• Ease: after pipe installation, the screed adapts to all types of flooring;
• Space-saving: hidden in the floor, residents can utilize all available space;

However, some disadvantages should be noted:

• Incompatibility with thick wood and thick carpet coverings;
• The bathroom cannot be included in the heated space.

Installation Costs

The installation of underfloor heating does not require a fixed budget. It instead depends on the technologies used in combination. Thus, it is possible to implement electric underfloor heating or hydraulic underfloor heating that requires annual maintenance. It is also more easily integrated into new homes. As a reference, for a 100 m² home, a budget of around €6000 would be needed.

Existing since the Middle Ages, underfloor heating has undergone several improvements and adapts easily to existing energy forms and coverings. Considered as a silent air conditioning system, this underfloor heating remains a staple in French homes.