What is water circulation floor heating?

Water circulating floor heating is a heating system in which heat is transferred to the rooms through pipes installed under the floor with the help of circulating water. This system provides an even and pleasant heat distribution throughout the room, which makes it a popular choice, especially in new buildings and large spaces. The following article discusses the operating principle, advantages and disadvantages of water circulation floor heating, as well as the installation process.

Principle of operation

The basic idea of ​​water circulation floor heating is simple: warm water circulates in pipes under the floor, which are installed either inside the concrete slab or under the surface layer of the floor. The heat source can be, for example, district heating, a heat pump or a boiler. The water is heated to the desired temperature and pumped into the pipeline, where it releases heat through the floor into the room air.

Advantages

  • Even heat distribution: Underfloor heating distributes heat evenly throughout the room, which improves living comfort.
  • Energy efficiency: As the heat is evenly distributed, the room temperature can be kept slightly lower without affecting comfort. This can lead to energy savings.
  • Aesthetics: Underfloor heating is invisible, so it does not take up space and does not limit the decoration.
  • Compatibility with different floor materials: Water circulation floor heating is compatible with most floor materials, such as tile, parquet and laminate.

Disadvantages

  • High installation costs: Installation of water circulation floor heating is usually more expensive than traditional heating systems.
  • Slow reaction time: Underfloor heating reacts more slowly to temperature changes compared to, for example, radiator heating.
  • Potential maintenance costs: Although the system is generally reliable, there may be leaks or other problems in the piping that require maintenance.

Installation

The installation process of water-circulating underfloor heating varies depending on whether the system is installed in a new building or an existing building. In new buildings, the pipes are usually installed directly inside the concrete slab, while in renovation sites they can be installed under the surface layer of the floor.

  1. Planning: Before installation, it is important to plan the system carefully to ensure optimal heat distribution and energy efficiency.
  2. Installation of pipes: The pipes are installed under the floor according to the plan. They are usually attached to insulation boards or mounting rails.
  3. Concreting or surface layer installation: After the pipes are installed, the floor is poured with concrete or a surface layer such as parquet or laminate is installed.
  4. System commissioning: Once the floor is ready, the system is filled with water and tested to ensure its functionality.

Water circulation floor heating is an excellent choice for those who value comfort, energy efficiency and aesthetics. Although the installation costs may be higher, the benefits the system offers make it a worthwhile investment in the long run.

Read more about water circulation floor heating here.