How is the energy consumption of underfloor heating calculated?

Satunnainen

Calculating the energy consumption of underfloor heating is an important part of energy efficiency and cost management. In this article, we go through how you can calculate the energy consumption of underfloor heating and which factors affect it.

What do you need to calculate?

Before you start the calculation, you should collect the following information:

  • Power of the underfloor heating system (W/m²)
  • Surface of the area to be heated (m²)
  • Usage time (hours per day and days per year)
  • Price of electricity (€/kWh)

Calculation formula

Calculating energy consumption can be divided into the following steps:

  1. Calculate the total power of the system: Power (W) = Power per square meter (W/m²) × Area (m²)
  2. Convert power to kilowatts: Power (kW) = Power (W) / 1000
  3. Calculate daily energy consumption: Daily consumption (kWh) = Power (kW) × Usage time (hours/day)
  4. Calculate the annual energy consumption: Annual consumption (kWh) = Daily consumption (kWh) × Days of use per year
  5. Calculate the costs: Costs (€) = Annual consumption (kWh) × Electricity price (€/kWh)

Example

Suppose you have a floor heating system with an output of 100 W/m² and an area to be heated of 50 m². The system is in use 8 hours a day and 200 days a year. The price of electricity is €0.15/kWh.

  • Total power: 100 W/m² × 50 m² = 5000 W
  • Total power converted to kilowatts: 5000 W / 1000 = 5 kW
  • Daily energy consumption: 5 kW × 8 hours = 40 kWh
  • Annual energy consumption: 40 kWh × 200 days = 8000 kWh
  • Costs: 8000 kWh × €0.15/kWh = €1200

Factors that affect energy consumption

It is important to note that the energy consumption of underfloor heating is affected by several factors:

  • Insulation: A well-insulated house reduces the need for heating and thus energy consumption.
  • Outside temperature: Colder outside temperatures increase the need for heating.
  • Operation time: The longer the system is on, the more energy is consumed.
  • Room temperature: A higher room temperature requires more energy.

Summary

Calculating the energy consumption of underfloor heating is straightforward when you have the necessary information. By using the calculation formula shown above, you can estimate the energy consumption and costs of your system. Remember that insulation, outside temperature, usage time and room temperature are key factors that affect the final energy consumption.

You can find more information from the following sources:
Motiva
Energiavirasto

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