About UFH

Water based underfloor heating systems work by pumping warm water through a network of pipes laid within the floor. The floor will warm up and act as the heat emitter, transferring the heat into the room, effectively turning the floor into a large, low temperature radiator. Since the floor area is far greater than that of a radiator, a lower temperature is required, which offers an even heat distribution throughout the room.

Unrivalled Comfort
Underfloor heating offers unrivalled comfort over traditional systems. This is due to the even heat distribution, and the high proportion of radiant heat emitted from the floor, around 60% radiant heat, (the remainder of the heat transfer is via conduction and convection).

Savings of between 10%-20% can be found depending on primarily, ceiling height, over traditional systems. Strong convective currents aren’t present, so high temperatures at high levels are absent, hence there is an increase in fuel economy and this also benefits the environment. The increased radiant temperature of the environment (due to the heated floor) means that it is possible to achieve the same comfort conditions with a lower air temperature.

The Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) recommend using a 1 to 2° lower design air temperature in standard domestic rooms to achieve the same comfort conditions when using underfloor heating, compared to a traditional radiator system. The only exceptions are bathrooms and en suites where it is standard practice to use the same design temperature. This is due to the higher ventilation rates, a lower available active floor area and the room usage. Towel rails are recommended to supplement the UFH in these areas. Fig 2 below shows a temperature profile of 1) an UFH system and 2) a traditional convective system.

Underfloor Heating DiagramRadiator Heating

Figure 1

Figure 2


Advantages of Pro Underfloor

  • Ideal for buildings with high ceilings – the heat is at the level of the occupants
  • Silent in operation – no noisy expansion from radiators
  • Energy efficient – Save on running costs and reduce environmental impact when compared to traditional radiator systems
  • An even heat distribution will ensure a uniform heat distribution throughout
  • The temperature profile is very close to ideal human comfort levels and offers unrivalled comfort for the building occupants
  • Maintenance free – no annual maintenance required
  • High efficiency boilers can take advantage of the low return water temperatures
  • Allows for freedom over internal decor – no radiators wasting valuable living space
  • The reduced convective dust levels mean increased air quality – particularly important for those with allergies