The benefits of underfloor heating

Once considered the ultimate in luxury living, underfloor heating is now becoming more and more popular, and nowhere more so than the place you are almost always barefoot: the bathroom. Waking up to a toasty bathroom on a chilly morning has to be one of life’s little pleasures. With the cold months we experience here in the UK, it’s crucial to have a proper heating system in the bathroom.

What is underfloor heating?

Underfloor heating is a type of heating where an electric or water based element is installed underneath the floor to provide warmth to a floor surface and a room, and can be controlled in the same way as regular heating systems.

So, what are the benefits of underfloor heating?

Firstly, underfloor heating can save a large amount of space, which can be hugely beneficial for people with smaller bathrooms. In fact, recent research has suggested that underfloor heating systems can generate 15% extra space in a room. Having your heating system under the floor also means that the bathroom is kept tidy and uncluttered, which is both practical and decorative. Sometimes it may be practical to have both wall mounted and underfloor heating for example you may want a heated towel rail as well as the underfloor heating for added warmth and warm towels.

Underfloor heating is also very energy efficient, as the heat is distributed much more evenly than with normal radiators. When the floor is heated, the warmth is consistent and travels to other units in the room, effectively turning them into secondary radiators. When a room is heated in this way, there are no floor drafts or cold sinks, just an evenly-heated room to enjoy.

However, to get the most out of your underfloor heating, you must ensure that your bathroom is well insulated and that you install a good quality heat conductor. Tiles are the best type of flooring to use for underfloor heating, and the good news is that there is a wide variety of different styles and textures that you can use.

If you choose to have underfloor heating, you must also bear in mind that the heat isn’t as instant as heat produced from a radiator. The heat produced by underfloor heating is more gradual but more consistent – so turn it on before you relax in the bath and you’ll have a nice warm floor to greet you when you get out.

With most electric underfloor heating options you can have a seven day timer so that the heating can be programmed to come on at optimum times saving the energy bills and maximising your enjoyment.