While underfloor heating is a popular addition in Australian homes, its energy-efficiency is often questioned. However, before you rush into having it installed in your home, there are a few crucial aspects to consider.
Common concerns about under-floor heating revolve around its expected energy consumption and how it stacks up against that of alternative heating options. Fortunately, an underfloor heating system offers great efficiency, which can actually lead to cost savings in the long run.
So, let’s try to debunk the myth around whether underfloor heating uses a lot of electricity in this article.
A number of factors affect how much power an underfloor heating system requires to function, including the square footage being heated and the quality of the insulation. The typical electricity consumption of an electric underfloor heating system is around 100 W/m2.
As mentioned, the amount of electricity required to power an underfloor heating system might vary depending on a number of factors. The insulation of your floors is the single most essential aspect in reducing your system’s energy consumption when heating the space.
In addition to the frequency of use and the temperature setting, other factors include the type of flooring you have. For example, if you have engineered wooden floors, then it will require more energy than tiles.
So, how much electrical power will be required, really? It depends on the following factors:
Electric underfloor heating uses electric mats or cables installed under the floor, which generate heat when an electric current passes through them. Water-based underfloor heating, also known as hydronic heating, circulates hot water through pipes installed under the floor.
Electric underfloor heating systems consume more electricity than water-based systems. They require a high initial installation cost and can be expensive to run. However, they can be more efficient in smaller rooms, as they heat up quickly and can be switched on and off as required.
Water-based systems are more efficient in larger rooms or whole-house applications, as they take longer to heat up but can retain warmth for longer.
The room’s size should also be taken into account. The cost of heating a larger space is higher since more energy is needed to keep everyone at a suitable temperature.
The same is true for heating a poorly insulated structure; more energy will be needed since heat will be lost through the ceiling, floor, and windows. Putting money into insulation is a great way to cut down on energy use and save money on your bills.
The thermostat settings have a significant impact on the amount of energy used by underfloor heating systems. If the thermostat is set too high, more energy will be used by the system than is necessary, which will increase the cost of running it.
Likewise, if the thermostat is set too low, the heating system may not supply enough warmth, resulting in discomfort and the need to resort to alternative heating techniques.
In addition, turning on and off your water underfloor heating repeatedly will cause it to consume a lot of electricity. Keeping the system at a low temperature all the time makes it far more efficient to run.
Consequences can arise from constant use of this underfloor heating system. The heating system’s durability would suffer from the repeated use.
Smart thermostats are a great way to cut costs without sacrificing comfort. As smart home technology improves in sophistication and accessibility, you can upgrade your heating system to be “smarter” as well.
Controlling your home’s temperature has never been easier than with smart thermostats available for underfloor heating systems, which can be programmed to run at peak efficiency while cutting energy costs to a minimum. And with a smart thermostat that comes with WiFi connectivity, you can control the temperature from any area in your house.
You can even make your home more eco-friendly by keeping an eye on your energy consumption. Keeping tabs on how much power you use is a wonderful first step in reducing your impact on the environment and saving money on your monthly utility bills.
Furthermore, with the help of a smart thermostat, you can track your energy use and learn when you use the most power. To save money on energy costs, you don’t have to turn off your heating or electronics; rather, you can do things like set your thermostat to be turned on only when you’re at home or when you’re on the way back home.
Electricity is required for running the underfloor heating system, but how much is used depends on several variables such as the system used, the size of the room, the level of insulation you have, and the temperature settings.
While electric underfloor heating may be the most cost-effective choice for smaller spaces, hydronic systems excel at heating larger areas or a whole home. Energy consumption and costs can be reduced by installing insulation and maintaining the right thermostat settings.
If you’re ready to invest in underfloor heating, you’ve come to the right place! With over 25 years of industry experience, Coldbuster Floor Heating is the leading supplier and installer of electric floor heating Australia-wide. Our systems offer even distribution of heat, higher thermal efficiency, and lower running times compared to traditional heating methods.
Please explore our products on our website or give us a call at 1800 85 75 65. And don’t forget to use our simple calculator to get an approximate idea of the cost of running underfloor heating in your home.
