Hydronic systems are more expensive to install, but cheaper to operate in the long term. In a hydronic system (Figure B), heated water from a boiler or water heater passes through loops of flexible plastic tubes called “PEX”. The main advantage of hydronic systems is that they generally deliver more heat at a lower operating cost than electrical systems. Therefore, hydronic heat is usually a better option than electrical systems for heating large floor areas or even an entire house.
However, because they usually include a boiler, pump, and gas lines, hydronic systems are more complex than electric systems. You can install hydraulic floor heating yourself, but you need basic knowledge of electrical and plumbing, as well as professional design help. Water underfloor heating is cheaper to use per square meter than electric underfloor heating systems. Water systems are heated using the property's main heating source (i.e.
Gas Boiler) and are usually cheaper to heat your home with radiators. Water flows through the system at 35° C — 60° C, being a lower temperature than domestic radiators (45° C — 80° C). Heat Pumps) can help further reduce operating costs. Operating costs are more difficult to calculate, as there are many variables.
However, we do know that water underfloor heating is usually much cheaper than electric underfloor heating, similarly. This is largely due to the fact that electricity costs much more per unit of energy than gas, which is usually used to heat water-based systems. A manifold sits at the heart of your underfloor heating system, which connects the underfloor water pipes to the heat source and allows them to work together. However, your current boiler may need some adjustments to work effectively with the underfloor heating system, and in some cases, it may not be suitable.
If you are working on a renovation project, electric underfloor heating may be more suitable, since it does not significantly increase the height of the floor. However, installing high-quality floor insulation with an electric heater greatly improves the efficiency of the system and helps reduce heat loss. A floor heating manifold consists of two rows of faucets, which allow hot water to circulate from the boiler (or other heating source) through the underfloor circuits. So, you've decided that you want to heat your home with energy-efficient underfloor heating, but how do you choose between an electrical system and a water-based system? While both systems can be used in almost any application, certain factors in your project can make one or the other more suitable for your home.
If the system is installed on a screed (a material usually made of cement and sand that is used to hold the system in place and make the surface even), the water temperature may need to be higher. Because electricity is quite expensive, relatively few houses are completely heated by electrical systems on the floor. In addition to PEX, a heat source and a pump, a hydronic system may require components such as electric zone valves. Underfloor heating provides an even distribution of heat throughout the room, while freeing the walls from the radiators.
You should always hire a professional to assess the suitability of your heating system before committing to installing water underfloor heating. Electrical systems are perfect for use as primary heat sources in small rooms, such as bathrooms, or as secondary heat sources in larger spaces. Water systems often take longer to install than electrical systems, with the time required to test the system, water flow and pressure and, in the case of “wet” installations, wait for the concrete layer to dry before installing the floor finish. .
