Floor Heating Systems

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Floor Heating By Underfloor Heating UK
Demand for underfloor heating is increasing dramatically in the UK with more and more consumers realising the benefits of energy efficiency along with the very real comfort of underfloor heating. Our European and Scandinavian brothers long ago realised the value of electric underfloor heating systems and gradually as ceramic and stone floors become more the norm in the UK, we are also coming round to enjoying the benefits of this type of heating. Investing in a ceramic, limestone, slate or stone floor is enhanced with the addition of underfloor heating at a relatively low cost but high comfort value. The rather poor press for the underfloor heating systems of the 60’s has been forgotten and replaced with a new enthusiasm as professionals and consumers alike realise the importance of energy efficiency and technology has catapulted underfloor heating into the 21st century. It is the ‘must have’ of every design and energy conscious house owner.

In particular Conservatory underfloor heating is very popular as is underfloor heating for bathrooms. Everyone can enjoy underfloor heating as companies suck as Enerfoil Magnum Ltd offer various floor heating systems for all types of areas and floor finishes.

There are many systems on the market with varying degrees of flexibility and quality. It is important to choose the right system for the job, always checking the substrate and floor finish and getting the best technical advice and system design. The UK now has many companies. Many of these companies are offering poor advice and technical Information. Many new companies are merely reselling the products from other countries into the UK and have not expertise or technical knowledge to sell the products.

The refurbishment market is huge and underfloor heating can be used in any room, even the smallest bathroom without complication of raising floor levels. Low voltage systems, such as Enerfoil, are mainly used in wet areas and can be installed directly onto timber or concrete and under any floor finish, and is only 0.2mm thick. The simplicity of installation is an attractive proposition particularly in en-suite bathrooms in domestic and hotel situations. The Scandinavian wet room concept makes tiles the only real sensible option and in such an area, the safe low voltage underfloor heating system is ideal, keeping the floor warm, comfortable and dry.

In a situation where the floor cannot be raised and there is no possibility of extending the existing central heating system then mains voltage underfloor heating mats or cables solve the problem. In a kitchen or conservatory there is often no room for a radiator and again the solution can be found in underfloor heating. The efficiency of such a system means you have heat where you want it with unquestionable comfort. Systems such as Enermat Magnum are only 4mm thick and are either embedded into flexible tile adhesive or self-levelling compound with the floor tiles fitted on top. The Enermat twin conductor system is a Teflon coated wire with a unique patented splice giving it a high tensile strength. It is operated via a digital ME control and floor sensor. In a new build where a sand-cement screed is being laid, Enercable Magnum, a waterproof resistance cable is installed into the screed with spacer strips ensuring accuracy of wattage per m˛. The system then acts as a giant storage heater and can be successfully used in conjunction with low tariff electricity. Mobile phone technology has been adapted for a new style controller with user friendly menu system. This highly sophisticated type of programmer can be set up for the thickness of screed and floor finish and allows optimum performance of the heating system.

Whichever system you prefer, there are clear benefits to under floor heating beyond the aesthetic one of leaving walls uncluttered by radiators.

Underfloor heating warms the room from the floor up, meaning people feel its effect quickly. It's about 30 per cent cheaper to run than radiators, the modern pipes are virtually maintenance free, and the heat produced is 'radiated' rather than 'convected' which gives more uniformity to the warmth across a space, a hygiene reason too. There's usually a lower moisture level associated with the warmth generated by underfloor heating compared to traditional heating, which reduces the numbers of house mites in a property. Under floor heating systems tend to raise relative humidity more than traditional radiators, too, giving a healthier environment.
For details of the Enerfoil Magnum range of underfloor heating products call 01887 822999 or http://www.enerfoil.com. Full technical support and free drawing and design service available.

Central Heating Systems How To Drain A Central Heating System
Central Heating means heating from a central source. In Central Heating Systems water is the medium. The water gets hot so that all the areas that need it get it.

If you are planning on getting a boiler-system fitted or replaced there are certain things that you should keep in mind. One of the first things you should do is find out what type of system you already have installed to make sure you have the requirements needed for your new system. Also you should think about what you want from your central heating system, keeping in mind things such as do you want instant or stored hot water? Different parts of your house heated independently, if so how many? And do you want your boiler hidden away?

There is no standard Central Heating System, every system is tailored to suit individual needs. Even if you only have a basic system you should still have the power to programme it correctly so that it can look after itself. You should be able to set it on a timer so that it can automatically turn itself on and off. With an advanced system you can take this one step further and have the control to set your Central Heating System so that it keeps your house at just the right temperature and gives you all the hot water that you will need. You should be able to control all of this, with your boiler burning the bare minimum amount of fuel.

Out of all the Central Heating Systems, the fully pumped systems remain the most common and popular. In a fully pumped Central Heating System the water is heated by a boiler and sent around the pipework by a pump this water is then routed to the radiator circuit and to the hot water cylinder by a motorised valve. As well as this the user has a lot of control over how heat is distributed and what time and temperature it is supplied.

An important thing to be aware of with a fully pumped Central Heating System is how to drain it. Draining your system is something that you will most likely have to or want to do in the lifetime of your Central Heating System.

The main reason for most people for draining their Central Heating System is to clean the radiators. Before you do anything to the actual radiator you should turn off the boiler and any gas or electric that supplies the boiler. It is also important that you do not let any more water into the system while you drain it.

Your Central Heating tank where the water is fed into has a ball valve that is the same as the one seen in your toilet tank. This ball valve is a ball attached to an arm that, when lifted closes the valve, which means when the tank is full no more water can get in because the valve is closed. However when some water is drawn off the tank, the ball drops, the valve opens and more water gets into the tank, this is what needs to be stopped when draining your radiator. One of the best ways to stop this is by placing a piece of wood across the tank and tying the value arm to it, which will close this valve.

When all these precautions have been carried out, you should attach a hosepipe to the part of your radiator known as the outlet and run the end of the hosepipe outside. The water from your radiator will flow through the hosepipe and out of your radiator system. You must make sure before you start cleaning or replacing your radiator that all of the water has defiantly been drained out.

To make your system drain faster you should open any bleed valves on your radiators, starting with the radiators on the top floor and working your way down. When the water is drained off you are free to work on your radiator.

Helen Cox is the web master for Water Heating, home of all your Central Heating needs.
This article is free to republish provided this resource box remains intact.

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