Forced air is considered the “usual” form of heating homes in the UK by UK residents and is done via a heat source like a wall unit or a radiator. Though forced air is considered typical, underfloor heating is quickly becoming popular. Underfloor heating is a form of central heating that distributes heat via a conduction mechanism and radiant heat. Forced air is usually transferred through a convection heating system. Underfloor heating is transferred throughout a house via a variety of systems including heaters, cables, film, or mesh. Water can be used in underfloor heating as well.
Though Underfloor heating feels like a modern convenience it was first implemented by the Romans more than two centuries ago. When the system was first used, the heat was produced in a furnace that was usually kept in a cellar-type room underneath the rest of the house. Someone would light the furnace and the heat from the furnace fire would fill the cellar room and then move upward, warming the rest of the house as it went. Sometimes, if the furnace was contained on the first floor of a house, there would be channels connected to the furnace that would be used as a conduit for the heated air to be transported to the other rooms in the house.
“Modern” underfloor heating came about in the 1960s when electric resistance cables were put into concrete and then heated via an electrical current during the night. This method did not work well because the temperature could not be controlled, but it did serve as the precursor to the methods for distributing underfloor heat that are used today.
One of the biggest benefits of having underfloor heating is the amount of money that can be saved on utility bills. Underfloor heating helps keep the temperature of a room constant, as opposed to the heat provided by forced air which dissipates quickly.
Underfloor heating is also contained so home owners do not have to worry about losing space to or accommodating wall heaters or radiator units. This method of heating is also better for those who have allergies as it does not stir up dust.
Underfloor heating installation is best left up to professionals. There are do-it-yourself kits available but if the homeowner does not have experience with home construction projects, the installation should be done professionally. Otherwise the homeowner risks doing serious harm to the structural integrity of his/her home. If the homeowner does have construction experience, installing the underfloor heating him/herself could prove to be quite cost efficient!
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