Benefits Of Underfloor Heating In Commercial Properties

Underfloor heating offers many benefits that are especially useful for commercial properties, such as efficiency and sustainability. This article discusses different factors you may consider when deciding what type of heating you want in your building. We have covered why underfloor heating is ideal for commercial properties – from comfort to cost-efficiency.

 

How underfloor heating works 

Underfloor heating works by circulating warm water through loops equipped underneath a floor. Placing the heating under the floor allows hot air to cool as it rises, providing heat when needed and reducing heat waste as it prevents heat from being wasted from the building’s roof. 

 

Types of underfloor heating and the benefits of each

Wet (water-based) and dry (electric) are the two underfloor heating systems. 

 

Some of the benefits of the wet system are that it is incredibly energy efficient. Although the initial cost may be high and installation is at a higher expense than radiators and dry underfloor systems, wet systems are often straightforward to maintain.

Benefits of the dry system include easy installation, as no pipework is involved, and cheaper installation. However, the running cost is higher than a wet system, and furniture needs to be placed with care to avoid creating hot spots or damaging your flooring.

Advantages to Underfloor Heating (UFH)Energy Efficiency 

There is clear evidence that underfloor heating is much more efficient than traditional heating options. Energy bills are reduced considerably due to their high efficiency. An efficiency test should be performed to assess the effectiveness of the insulation throughout the property to optimise heating performance. 

Heat will be retained far better with underfloor heating than radiators since they rapidly lose their heat after being turned off. In contrast, underfloor heating holds heat for much more extended periods. 

 

Creates Additional Space 

Compared to typically bulky radiators, underfloor heating provides extra floor space, which will provide room for any other furnishings such as desks and storage. This is beneficial for commercial buildings as it enables the interior design to be much more precise as there’s no need to plan around radiators. 

 

Additional space also benefits businesses if a company decides to develop later on. Building upgrades will be much more accessible as it opens more room to develop your property.

Noise 

Noise is a potentially overlooked advantage that underfloor heating offers. Underfloor heating is much quieter than many other types of heating, desirable for commercial buildings. A low noise level is essential in an office environment to optimise productivity and concentration.

 

Low Running Cost 

On the contrary of popular belief, underfloor heating systems are competitively priced compared to other heating systems and typically are cheaper than conventional radiators and heating; this is because of the rise of gas and fuel prices. 

 

Filling Large commercial spaces with heat will almost be instant with underfloor heating compared to radiators which can take a sufficient amount of time. This means that whilst you save time with UFH, you also save money as it’s a much more effective way to heat large spaces and retains the heat for much longer.  

Installation cost may vary depending on what underfloor heating you decide to opt for – but installation often requires the help of professionals. It’s advised that you don’t attempt to install the heating system yourself as it is a relatively complex and time-consuming process if you have no prior experience.

 

Comfortable

Building with underfloor heating is often noticeably more comfortable. It creates a consistent temperature throughout the room, positively affecting the commercial building. In addition, it helps create a more enjoyable environment, especially in hospitality properties where the client’s comfort is a significant factor.

 

Hygiene and Health

Radiators have proven to be far less hygienic than underfloor heating because radiators have high levels of humidity at a low level creating the perfect breeding ground for uninvited pests and dust mites. An underfloor heating system will significantly improve hygiene by lowering the chance of dust mites and the build-up of dirt and debris. 

Typically conventional heater systems use convection to provide temperature control; this means that many types of bacteria are circulated through that air compared to underfloor heating where the air is not heated, but the room is.

 

Control 

Control is a significant benefit of underfloor heating. You can adjust the temperature to best suit the setting and ensure a balanced climate throughout the entire building; most other systems are also fittest with temperature control however are typically unreliable. 

Floor Finishes 

Underfloor heating is compatible with most floor surfaces. Therefore, there is no need for a specific type of flooring to gain the best results, whereas, with Radiators, heat only goes upward from their positioning in the room. Hence, the floors are unlikely to hold any heat leading to uneven heating and uncomfortable environments, especially in colder climates.

Suits your Preferences 

Underfloor heating is sleeker compared to the chunky look of the traditional radiator – which may ruin the unique appearance that the company is trying to present.

Health and Safety 

Underfloor heating doesn’t pose significant safety risks that radiators come with, such as jagged corners, hard exterior and a potential fire hazard. 

It’s essential to have underfloor heating installed by an approved and trusted company to optimise health and safety benefits.

This helps to put your mind at ease, but it also emphasises the benefits of comfort as it ensures that the clients and, or workers don’t have to be cautious of hazards that could occur. 

Sustainability 

One of the most significant benefits is the sustainability ranking that underfloor heating provides,

It lowers a building’s carbon footprint and reduces heat waste. Especially with the world’s dynamic now, sustainable energy and heating are increasingly important as they offer a great alternative to finite energy sources.

 

Conclusion 

 It’s clear that underfloor heating offers direct benefits to commercial properties, reduced running cost and increasing comfort benefiting targeted desires to ensure that business runs smoothly in day-to-day activities. In addition, the large surface area of the underfloor heating means that the high temperatures are no longer necessary to heat the entire room making underfloor heating exceptionally good for overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness. 

Installation of underfloor heating can be complex; it’s recommended that a professional should install the heating systems to increase possible benefits and avoid property damage.