Wiseman Plumbing & Heating :: Welcome to our Website :: Heating Systems :: Bathroom Redesign :: Kitchens

Warm water is circulated through pipe loops laid under the floor, effectively making the floor one large radiator - but at a much lower surface temperature than a normal radiator. All types of floor and floor covering are suitable and the system can be run off any type of boiler - oil, gas, electric, solid fuel etc. The pipe loops are continuous so there is no risk of leaks and the whole system is virtually maintenance free.

Underfloor heating emits a higher proportion of its heat as radiant heat - this is more comfortable to the body, and the heat is concentrated where it is required - in the lower, occupied part of the room, not up at the ceiling. The humidity is higher so the room will not become stuffy, and as the heat is even over the whole area of the floor there are no cold draughts, therefore you have warm feet and a clear head.

Due to the radiant effect concentrating the heat in the lower part of the room, and the even distribution of the heat across the room, the room temperature can be maintained 2°c lower than with a conventional radiator system. This translates into an energy saving of at least 15%. Also, the water temperature in the system is at least 30°c lower so the boiler efficiency will be enhanced too, particularly if a condensing boiler is used.

As the heating system is built into the floor there are no crevices to encourage the build up of dust and dirt, and as there is no hot air convection there is no dust movement and unsightly black marks above radiators. Underfloor heating makes wood and tiled floors (which are easier to keep clean, and do not harbor dust mites) more comfortable and acceptable.

One of the main problems with radiators is that they are always in the wrong place. People prefer to arrange their furniture to suit their own preference, not their heating engineer. Underfloor heating gives total freedom at all times and does not use up wall space. Decorating is simpler - there are no radiators to paint, and wallpapering is easier. It can be brought into use earlier into a project to aid drying out.