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Five factors that should be considered when comparing the
cost of underfloor heating with conventional radiator heating.
1.
INITIAL COSTS
UFH is quicker to install and overall time on site can be
cut by over a week as UFH is often a first-fix item. On completion
snagging costs and post completion warranty costs are also
lower.
2.
RUNNING COSTS
A saving of 10%-25% can be achieved with the use of UFH and
even greater percentages on atrium type buildings. Not surprising
as radiators are often situated under windows. In addition
UFH uses much cooler water so condensing boilers operate at
their most efficient mode and losses from pipes are also lower.
3.
MAINTENANCE COSTS
No wall-mounted heaters to clean and re-paint and UFH pipe
has a much longer design life than radiators of over 50years.
Especially in rented properties cleaning and re-decoration
costs are greatly reduced.
4.
PROPERTY VALUES
Regulations arising out of the Kyoto Treaty (reduction by
5.2% of Greenhouse gases mainly Carbon Dioxide) lean towards
low temperature heating such as UFH and these changes effect
property values. When equipped with UFH houses sell more quickly
and at higher prices than the equivalent houses with radiators.
5.
SUSTAINABILITY
The high water temperatures required by radiators can only
be achieved by burning gas or oil which will not be readily
available or affordable for ever. With UFH the lower water
temperatures required can be achieved by using solar panels
or heat pumps so making UFH the ideal choice for heating now
and well into the future.
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