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Underfloor Heating Installation Services
Maximum hourly losses or thermal load of wet underfloor heating - these should be calculated, just as you would for any other heating system, using preferably a proprietary software package or data taken from SAP rating our other reliable source. For an underfloor heating system the criteria is slightly different and this can result I lower heat losses than would be calculated for a radiator system.
As more than 50% of the floor heat emitted is radiant transfer this heats bodies, objects and the building fabric without heating the air. This feature of underfloor heating increases the rooms mean radiant temperature (MRT) which means a lower room temperature can be used without loss of comfort. The same comfort will be experienced with a design temperature of 20°C when compared to a radiator system with a design temperature of 21°C because of the heat radiated from the walls, floors and the very fabric of the room. Consequently a 1°C reduction in normal room air temperature is used. For bathrooms, wet areas, and walk in wardrobes we recommend a design temperature of 23°C. This is to compensate for the reduced floor area, added ventilation and the fact you will often use these rooms with little or no clothing.
When compared to radiator and forced convection heating systems wet underfloor heating creates weaker convective currents. This in turn creates a more even temperature and pressure within the heated space. This fact enables a lower air rate change to be used.
The floor is the equivalent of the radiator. When turned on, the floor will always be warmer than the room temperature. Consequently downward losses from the floor should not be included when sizing underfloor heating coils. Floor losses will only need to be included when sizing the boiler, heat source and distribution pipework. Downward losses should be limited by insulating the floor slab and perimeter edge.