Underfloor heating is the quietest and subtlest way to heat your home, as well as being one of the most effective. One minor complaint of hardwood floors is that they can sometimes feel cold to the touch when the temperature plummets here in New Zealand. With underfloor heating, that is no more. Find out more below and whether our engineered timber floors are compatible with this heating method.
How does underfloor heating work?
The two recommended types of underfloor heating are; electric and hydronic, consisting of heating cables or water pipes laid under the floor, respectively. Is this compatible with floors installed by us? Yes, in fact, engineered wood is the best type of flooring to use with an underfloor heating system. Wood retains warmth well, but engineered wood performs even better, dealing well with the constant change in temperature and changing moisture content. This makes underfloor heating even more efficient.
Installation technique
Electric heating systems are set into a screed whereas hydronic systems are sometimes set into a concrete slab. It is best if you install heating before installing your new high-quality floor with us, although it can also be done retrospectively. It’s worth remembering that a retrospective fitting essentially means removing your floor and refitting it, however.
Cost of underfloor heating
There are two costs you should take into account. Firstly, the upfront cost of installation will depend on how many rooms you want to add heating to and the size of your room or property. You can expect installation to cost upwards of $100 per square metre. Secondly, you should consider the running costs of underfloor heating. Again, this will vary depending on how big your home is as there will be more or less space to heat. On average, underfloor heating used moderately will add approximately $10 to your monthly energy bills for a 2 or 3-bedroom house.Choose from a range of beautiful wooden floors from The Wooden Floor Company. Get in touch with us today to find out more about adding underfloor heating to your choice of floors.