How Does Underfloor Heating Technology Work?

When you think of underfloor heating, modern luxurious homes spring to mind. However, the earliest underfloor heating was first developed in North Korea approximately 5,000BC. These systems got their heat from a fire lit for cooking, the chimney (or flue system) went horizontally out (not like modern vertical chimneys) through a series of passages built into the floor of the rooms above.

Nowadays underfloor heating is a bit easier to power and control with a flow temperature as low as 35°C. With a lower flow temperature than other heat emitters like radiators, underfloor heating can get it's heat from a whole host of supplies. One of the more efficient options for underfloor heating is an air source heat pump, heat pumps are powered by electricity and lots of low grade heat from the air or ground. On average for every kilowatt of  electricity you put in, the heat pump will produce 3 to 4 kilowatts of heating. 

Underfloor heating works by heated water flowing through a network of pipes that are installed under the floor. Each pipe connects back to a manifold which is connected to the primary heating pipework. Underfloor heating can be installed under most floors, it's easier to install when the house is being built but with new methods underfloor heating can be easily retrofitted as well.