Underfloor Heating As A Primary Heating System
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Using Underfloor Heating As A Primary Heating System In Conservatories
In the past, conservatories have been notoriously difficult to heat effectively. The greenhouse effect during summer months can produce almost unbearable temperatures, whilst cold winter days can result in ice-cold tiling. This vast contrast in temperature is a major reason why some conservatories are underused, particularly in winter. An effective heating system is therefore essential if a conservatory is to be enjoyed throughout the year by all the family.
Total heating a conservatory has traditionally involved hiring a plumber, extending piping and then attaining any relevant permission to perform the task. However, this option is generally too expensive and impractical, not to mention time consuming. Extending plumbing into a conservatory to facilitate radiators can put great strain on household boilers as they often struggle to cope with the extra heating demand. What’s more, heating a conservatory using this method involves heating the entire home!
It is these reasons why many people prefer freestanding heaters, which are affordable and easily installed. But freestanding heaters also pose problems of their own they restrict the amount of space available and do not effectively solve the problem of cold tiling, still making the conservatory uncomfortable to be in. In summer, when heat is not always a necessity, freestanding heaters are either left to gather dust, or must be stored elsewhere. And when in use they can create hot and stuffy atmospheres that are unpleasant for people within the conservatory.
This is why electric underfloor heating is fast becoming the heating system of choice for conservatories. Not just a trendy household accessory, underfloor heating is low maintenance, affordable and effective at heating conservatories from the ground up, so the warmth is on the floor and not at ceiling level where you can’t feel it.
Unlike radiators or freestanding heaters, underfloor heating systems distribute heat evenly across the floor thereby solving the problem of cold tiles. As the heat naturally rises a cold conservatory will become comfortably heated throughout. Conservatory owners can then adjust the temperature as they see fit via a small, attractive wall-mounted controller.
In addition to this, underfloor heating has the potential to make a room up to 5% larger, since radiators and bulky freestanding heaters are not required. As a result, there are no limits to where you place your furniture, creating all kinds of interesting interior design opportunities.
Electric underfloor heating in conservatories can also be operated independently of your existing household central heating system so conservatories only need to be heated when necessary, providing a more efficient and cost-effective method of heating additional household rooms.
The ease of installation and ability to control temperature at the touch of a button has made underfloor heating a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts. With a wide range of mats, cables and controllers available, the equipment for heating your own conservatory can be purchased quickly and safely over the Internet.
Visit Comfort Underfloor Heating for a wide range of DIY underfloor heating systems at low prices.
Solar Heating Let The Sun Shine In And Help With Your Heating Bills!
According to the Department of Trade and Industry, over 42,000 Active Solar Heating systems are estimated to be currently in use in UK homes and are said to be able to meet around half a users' annual domestic hot water needs.
With the growing emphasis on energy conservation more and more people are considering solar hot water heating to boost traditional methods of providing hot water for their home.
A solar heating system can provide a reasonable share of domestic hot water energy. It can be used alongside any existing traditional water heating system to provide hot water energy, giving you peace of mind that you are doing your bit for the environment by reducing carbon dioxide emissions. If you have a swimming pool, this is the ideal way of providing heated water.
Solar heating is not just for sun drenched countries! When you solar power, you tend think of it being used in warmer countries where the sun shines for hours every day. Nowadays however, it doesn't matter if the sun isn't shining all the time, because the new vacuum tube solar panels are unaffected by things like wind chill or cooler air temperatures. Due to their vacuumed structure they can absorb whatever solar energy is available even on cold or dull days, meaning the system can provide hot water for eight months of the year and will assist your existing traditional system during the winter.
Some commonly asked questions answered
Q: Is my property suitable?
A: Providing there is a shade-free area on the roof to install the solar panels, or alternatively a wall or area at ground level, preferably south-facing.
Q. How long does it take to install one of these systems?
A. Around three to four days for a typical 2-4 bedroom house.
Q. Will the system take up much room in my house?
A. Additional space is needed to accommodate the extra water storage capacity. There are several options available and your engineer will run through all of them in advance of the installation.
Q. Is the solar system easy to maintain?
A. It may occasionally need some maintenance, although an annual check by the home owner and a professional check every three to five years should be enough.
Q. Is planning permission needed for the installation of a domestic solar heating system?
A. Unless your home is a Listed Building or in a Conservation Area then you will not normally need planning permission.
Solar heating offers several benefits to home owners and of course to the environment. Anyone considering updating their existing water heating system or renovating or building a property should seriously considering installing one of these environmentally friendly systems.
Ivor Bates is the director of Bates Heating and Plumbing Limited, a plumbing and heating company established in 2001 and covering all areas of London, Docklands and Essex. Bates Heating is CORGI registered and all engineers are fully qualified and specially selected for their experience and range of skills. A 24 hour emergency plumbing service is also offered. For more information visit http://www.batesheating.co.uk or telephone 020 8924 3558.
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