The Benefits of Underfloor Heating

In Roman times, hot air would be used under the floors of buildings to heat them. Modern underfloor heating systems work in similar ways, and are becoming increasingly popular both in the UK and mainland Europe. The benefits available to homeowners who install an underfloor heating system mean that they’re being chosen over traditional radiator systems more and more often.

Instead of water being transferred through radiators, an underfloor heating system passes hot water through pipes underneath the floorboards of a room. The heat then rises, heating the room to a comfortable temperature. Because of the nature of the system, the hot water of an underfloor system only needs to be heated to around 45 – 65c, compared with the 80c or over needed for a radiator system. This means that underfloor heating is a more environmentally friendly way to heat a household, and also contributes to reduced heating bills.

Save Space, Eliminate Damp

Underfloor heating systems are also a great way to save space, removing unsightly radiators and leaving more space for furniture and decorations. They reduce problems associated with damp, such as peeling or discoloured wallpaper, and are much quieter than traditional radiator systems. They are also good for people with breathing conditions or dust allergies, as they reduce dust mites and other parasites in the air.

At a time when heating bills are soaring, underfloor heating systems are a great way to cut costs by up to 40% compared to the old systems. All in all, they are providing a cleaner, greener way for homeowners to heat their houses across the UK.

Solar Hot Water: Why Now is a Good Time to Invest

The Renewable Heat Incentive for domestic properties is to launch in 2012, meaning that, for homeowners across the UK, there’s never been a better time to invest in solar water heating systems. The RHI is designed to encouraged the use of renewable energy in homes across the UK, in line with government plans to reduce the country’s carbon emissions by 80% by the year 2050. Under the scheme, homeowners with solar energy systems can receive financial rewards for the energy they produce to heat and run their household appliances.

A solar water heating system works by using solar panels, usually attached to the roof of the property. The panels gather free heat from the sun, using it to heat water which then heats the entire property. When solar energy is not available (for example, more often during the winter months), the hot water can be topped up by a conventional boiler. These new systems provide a great way for households to save money on heating bills, while reducing the impact on the environment.

From April 2012, the tariffs for new installations of domestic solar energy systems are set to reduce, with further reductions planned for the coming years. This means that now is an excellent time to invest in renewable energy for your home, as installations before this date will still receive the higher tariffs for the full 25 years of the guarantee. Why not call a certified installation company and see what solar energy can do for your home?