Think About Underfloor Heating For A Warm, Luxurious Bathroom
I am seriously considering the installation of underfloor heating in my freezing bathroom and want to consider all the options...
13/08/2020
A few years back when I tiled my bedroom and dressing room, I opted for underfloor heating at the same time. I had done some research and there was a 50/50 division of opinion between those that said it worked out hideously expensive and those that said it was the best thing they ever did. I took the plunge and haven't looked back since then. My electricity bill didn't skyrocket at all, and if you manage and control the temperature you actually save money on heating using electric heaters and blankets.
One thing I can say, installing underfloor heating offers a level of luxury underfoot that cannot be achieved in any other way. So, if you are considering underfloor heating but are sitting on the fence and unable to make a decision, here are some points that might sway you:
WHAT IS UNDERFLOOR HEATING?
The bathroom isn't the warmest room in a house, and in winter it can be downright freezing to spend time in a bathroom. What with all the cold tile all over the place. Underfloor heating, also known as radiant floor heating, has been around for quite some time. Over the years, the technology has advanced and, with proper installation and conservative use, it is becoming more popular.
Installing underfloor heating may seem more of a luxury than a necessity, but is worth it if you control the temperature and be sensible about usage. Either way, adding a touch of luxury to your bathroom is not a bad idea.
HOW DOES UNDERFLOOR HEATING WORK?
More people are starting to prefer radiant floor heating because of their heating capability that requires minimal energy use. For those who want to try it, there are two types of radiant floor heating: the electric and water-based heating systems. Both types provide the same end goal, but they work differently. In electric systems, heated wires installed underneath will radiate heat into the floor. This process warms up the room. In water-based systems, pipes connected to a boiler will circulate warm water beneath the floor and this is what heats the space.
BENEFITS OF UNDERFLOOR HEATING
1. Provides Comfort
Comfort is the first obvious reason that comes to mind when thinking of having a heated bathroom floor installed. They keep you and any other thing in the bathroom warm, thus creating a more comfortable bathroom experience.
2. Energy-efficient When Used Responsibly
Heated
bathroom floors are more energy-efficient than
air conditioning units. Underfloor heating
retains heat on the floor better than
traditional methods because the heat produced
doesn't have a breakout route.
Radiant
floors only take a few minutes to heat, and they
need low temperatures of about 29 degrees
Celsius to heat the room. As a result, heated
floors can save you up to 15% on utility bills.
3. Works With Different Flooring Types
Underfloor heating is not dependent
on one type of flooring. Heating can be done on
multiple flooring types, and they can also allow
for customization.
Tile and stone are
considered the best flooring type for bathroom
underfloor heating because of their high thermal
conductivity. If you have this type of flooring,
the better it is for you. But regardless of this
advantage, heating systems can also work as well
for other flooring types. Ask for experts in
bathroom floor heating for top-notch services or
related questions.
4. Uniform Heating
There are no cold spots in
radiant floor heating. The heated floor
uniformly heats the entire floor and anything
else present in the bathroom, hence creating a
more balanced heated environment.
In
traditional heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning (HVAC) units, there's more heat
near the unit. But as you move farther away from
the unit, it often gets colder. This is not the
case in underfloor heating as the heat is evenly
distributed across the bathroom.
5. Silent Operation
If you've used a forced-air system, you do know it can be noisy. If you don't want noise in the bathroom, then it's time to consider converting to a heated floor bathroom. Radiant floor systems are quiet and won't disturb your shower.
6. Full Control Over Heating System
With
this kind of system, you have full control over
everything. You can turn the system on or off
anytime you want to use the bathroom. You also
have control of when to turn on the heat and how
long you want the bathroom to be heated.
There's also a timer option that helps you set
the exact time you want your bathroom to start
heating. This feature can be helpful if you
always work with fixed schedules.
7. Requires Minimal Maintenance
Radiant floor heating is made
to last for a long time. They can last for over
20 years, and some even come with a 25-year
warranty. If fitted properly, you can forget
about having to change the heating system
anytime soon. If any issue arises, then your
warranty can help you get your system restored
in no time.
Radiant floor heating is also
easy to install. You can even treat it as a DIY
project.
8. Adds To Property Value
If you rent out property or are planning to
buy or sell a house, then you know that the
bathroom is one of the essential places that
needs to be on point to increase selling odds.
Having installed heated flooring will
give you the upper hand when selling
property; who doesn't like warm showers?
9. Space-Efficient
Get rid
of the air conditioning units mounted on your
bathroom floor by adopting heated floors. You'll
save some space initially occupied by the air
conditioning units and even restore the original
appearance of your bathroom. You can use the
space to add more décor hacks for a more
appealing look.
Underfloor heating might
slightly elevate the floor height. But it's just
by a small height, which won't be a problem.
10. Safe To Use
If burning
your toes and feet is one of your concerns, then
you can scrap it off your mind because you will
never burn any body part. The heating system
will just warm your feet, that’s all.
You
also don't need to worry about sharp edges and
hot surfaces of HVAC units. The heating system
is out of sight, and you will only feel the
warmth.
11. Hygienic and Clean
Underfloor heating is also
hygienic because it will not circulate dirt,
dust, or allergens in the bathroom. Underfloor
heating is non-allergenic because the heat from
the floor is distributed in the bathroom via
radiant heat, which maintains good air quality.
This feature is an ideal solution for people
with allergies.
12. Cost Effective
People often ask whether it’s worth it to have bathroom floors heated. My answer is - yes. Let's face it, the cost of installing heated bathroom floors can be higher than traditional oil or electric radiators. But you have to keep in mind that modern heated floors have a better lifespan than electrical appliances. And nowadays, they are also more energy-efficient, which helps us save on utility bills.