Technical
- 1) Manifold
- 2) Pipe
- 3) Floor Construction & Insulation
- 4) Screed
- 5) Control Systems
- 6) Wiring Schematics
- 7) Thermal Imaging
- 8) Floor Finish
- 12) History
- 13) The Basics
- 14) How A Wet Underfloor System Compares To A Wet Radiator System
- 15) Health Benefits
- 16) Heat Source
- 17) Lower Lifetime Costs
- 18) Technical Support & Installation
14) How A Wet Underfloor System Compares To A Wet Radiator System
A conventional radiator system uses one or more heat surfaces within a room. These heat the air in their immediate vicinity by radiation and convection, and convection air currents around the room then distribute this air. Doorways and windows create airflows that also affect the heat distribution. The result is the colder air being at the floor level and much warmer air at ceiling level.
Some products advertised as ‘saving wasted heat’ or even ‘using free heat’ use this effect. These consist of a de-stratification fan that takes the warmer air at ceiling level and discharges it at floor level. Even with extra air circulation the room will have hot and cold spots within it. A further disadvantage of air circulation is that it will also distribute dust as well as the heat – creating an uncomfortable environment for people with allergies.
Illustration of standard heating using a conventional radiator system
A modern underfloor heating system works almost completely by radiating heat. This produces a much more even heat distribution, and the air at floor level being warmer than that near the ceiling.
An underfloor system works almost completely by radiating heat.
