As with any type of heating, to get the most out of it, a series of factors and conditions must be met. As it was not going to be less, underfloor heating also needs some specific characteristics to be able to enjoy its advantages. That is why we have to be clear that not all houses are the same and not all floors are prepared to take advantage of this type of heating.
soil type
The first problem we encounter is the type of soil. We will all have asked ourselves the question: does underfloor heating work on all types of surfaces? The answer is emphatic: no. This is because this type of heating needs to have a certain thermal inertia to function at full capacity and there are materials that prevent this development.
Therefore, if we have parquet flooring, it will not be a good idea to install underfloor heating, since the wood should withstand high temperatures and can lead to deterioration. However, it is a very good option for tile, marble and stone floors, which are excellent thermal conductors.
Location is a determining factor
When considering installing underfloor heating, it is essential that we have a floor height of about 8 cm. In this space the different layers, the insulation and the pipes will be installed. Another important point is the weight factor. We have to assess the area in which we want to install it -whether it is in an attic, a mezzanine or a ground floor- and consider the extra weight that we will add to the structure.
Nor is it considered a good option for those houses that use heating occasionally at certain times of the day. When we get the most out of underfloor heating, it is for a prolonged period of time, with use that extends throughout the day. That is why it is a good option for family homes where there is continuous use, as well as in offices and other large buildings.
Extra space for appliances
When carrying out the installation, the space that the collectors will occupy (the underfloor heating machinery) must also be taken into account. Here it is advisable to leave a space of about 60 cm high by 15 cm deep. A good idea is to keep them in a closet so that there is a design according to the house.
To the installation of underfloor heating, an energy efficiency plan must be added. This means that we will not get the comfort we expect from our heating if we do not have good home insulation. If the insulation fails we could be losing a performance of almost 15º. Therefore, we will be forcing the heating mechanism to work more to reach the temperature we want. Finally, if your house requires underfloor heating measures of between 150 and 200 m2, you will surely need an inertia tank.
Once you have all these elements on the table, it’s time to take the plunge and start enjoying a comfortable, safe type of heating with many advantages. Among them, you will have more space in the rooms thanks to eliminating the space occupied by radiators or stoves. In addition, by operating at a low temperature, energy consumption will be considerably reduced, resulting in greater savings.
