Underfloor Heating

Underfloor heating is a type of distribution that spreads heat evenly throughout the rooms where it is installed. It requires different operating temperatures compared to cast iron or aluminum radiator systems.

Normally, systems are separated into a low-temperature zone for underfloor heating and a high-temperature zone for towel radiators. This requires another device that acts as a separator between the high-temperature zone and the low-temperature zone, often equipped with two circulators and a proportional mixing valve.

The Temperature of Underfloor Heating

The operating temperature of underfloor heating is lower than that of traditional heating. It ranges from about 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. Heat is distributed evenly throughout the floor, and the ambient temperature is strongly influenced by the set degrees.

The High Thermal Inertia and Latency

Underfloor heating is a type of distribution that has high thermal inertia, meaning that any temperature adjustment becomes effective only after a day of operation. Make small adjustments and wait for the system to stabilize.

The Importance of the External Sensor

The regulation of this distribution technology is sophisticated and requires proportional function regulation. The supply temperature should be adjusted based on the external temperature. Therefore, an external sensor is used, and the climatic curve is configured with a suitable coefficient.

No Timetables

A programmable thermostat does not apply to underfloor heating. Turning it off means losing heat from the floor and taking several hours to recover it. This type of system does not follow a schedule and should always run at a low temperature. However, in many systems, regulation is done room by room through a thermostat.

Zone thermostats are connected to electric valves on the manifold and close a zone when the desired room temperature is reached.

The Problem of Algae

It is not uncommon for algae to form in underfloor heating systems. The operating temperatures are so low that they favor the growth of these deposits.

Algae begin to be a problem from the 15th year of the system’s life and affect the manifold valves due to the bottleneck effect. Proper maintenance of underfloor heating typically requires one-time system cleaning and the use of algaecide.

A Zone/Room Does Not Heat Up

Make sure the thermostat is not set to a lower temperature than the detected one, otherwise increase the zone thermostat.

If increasing the zone thermostat temperature does not produce effects after a few hours, check the status of the selected zone’s electric valve on the manifold.

Tips for Underfloor Heating

Here are some tips for underfloor heating:

1. Choose the type of underfloor heating system: there are two main types of underfloor heating: electric and hydronic. Electric underfloor heating uses electric cables or heating films to warm the floor, while hydronic heating uses hot water circulating through underfloor pipes. Hydronic heating is generally more expensive to install but can be more efficient in the long term.

2. Ensure the house is well insulated: proper insulation is important to keep the heat inside the house. Check that windows and doors are properly sealed and that the roof and wall insulation is adequate.

3. Install a programmable thermostat: a programmable thermostat allows you to control the temperature efficiently, reducing energy costs. You can set the thermostat so that the temperature drops during hours when the house is empty or at night when people are sleeping.

4. Adjust the temperature correctly: the floor temperature should not exceed 29-30 degrees Celsius; otherwise, it may be uncomfortable to walk on. Generally, the air temperature should be set between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius for ideal comfort.

5. Periodically check the system: regularly check the underfloor heating system to ensure it is functioning properly. If you notice problems, such as cold spots on the floor, contact a professional for an evaluation and repair.