Underfloor Heating: The Best Solution for Autumn and Winter

With the arrival of autumn and falling temperatures, now is the perfect time to think about solutions that will keep your home warm and cosy during the colder months. One option that is becoming increasingly popular in the construction and renovation sector is underfloor heating. This innovative form of heating not only provides exceptional comfort but is also an efficient and aesthetically pleasing option. At Aragón Constructores, we explain what underfloor heating is, how it works, its advantages, and why it could be the perfect choice to prepare your home for the cold season.

What is underfloor heating and how does it work?

Underfloor heating is a system installed beneath the flooring of your home. Unlike traditional radiators, which heat the air directly, underfloor heating emits heat from the ground up, evenly warming the entire room.

There are two main types of underfloor heating:

• Water-based (hydraulic) underfloor heating: This is based on circulating hot water through pipes installed beneath the floor.
• Electric underfloor heating: This works using electric cables that heat the floor.

Both systems are highly efficient and provide even heat distribution without the air currents typical of other heating systems, such as conventional radiators.

Advantages of underfloor heating in autumn and winter

Absolute thermal comfort
Underfloor heating provides a gentle and constant heat, ensuring that every corner of the room is at the same temperature. This means you won’t experience sudden changes in temperature, as often happens with other heating systems.

Energy efficiency
One of the greatest advantages of underfloor heating is its efficiency. Since it operates at lower temperatures than radiators (between 30°C and 40°C compared to 60°C or 70°C for radiators), it consumes less energy to achieve the same level of comfort. This results in lower heating bills during the months of higher energy use.

Aesthetics and space saving
As the system is installed beneath the floor, it is completely invisible. You won’t need to worry about the placement of radiators or heating systems that take up space on your walls, allowing you to make better use of your home’s surface and maintain a cleaner, more modern décor.

Even heat distribution
Unlike radiators that concentrate heat in a single area, underfloor heating evenly warms the entire room. This prevents cold or hot spots in the same space, ensuring a comfortable feeling in every corner.

Compatible with renewable energy
Underfloor heating is ideal for combining with renewable energy systems, such as heat pumps or solar panels. This makes it a very sustainable option, reducing both the environmental impact and energy consumption in your home.

Which flooring is best for underfloor heating?

One common concern when installing underfloor heating is whether the type of flooring will affect its performance. The answer is yes, and there are certain materials that work better with this system:

• Ceramic or tile: These are excellent heat conductors and allow heat to spread quickly throughout the room.
• Natural stone: Another ideal option, though it may come at a higher cost.
• Parquet: Some types of parquet are compatible with underfloor heating, but it is important to choose wood options that can tolerate heat well to avoid warping.
• Vinyl and laminates: Many laminate or vinyl floors today are designed to be compatible with underfloor heating.

It is advisable to consult with experts to ensure that the material of your floor maximises the efficiency of the heating system.

Why install underfloor heating before winter arrives?

Autumn is the perfect season for carrying out home renovations, especially if you’re considering optimising your home’s heating. Installing an underfloor heating system before winter sets in has several advantages:

• Immediate comfort: When the cold arrives, you will already have a heating system ready to keep your home cosy without worrying about last-minute installations.
• Avoiding disruptions: Installing underfloor heating involves lifting the existing flooring. Doing this work in autumn, when the weather is still milder, ensures that you can fully enjoy your home during winter.
• Increasing the value of your property: Efficient and modern heating systems like underfloor heating add value to your property, both in terms of functionality and aesthetic impact.

Maintaining underfloor heating: Easy and durable

Once installed, underfloor heating requires very little maintenance. Hydraulic heating systems should be inspected periodically to ensure there are no leaks in the pipes, while electric systems virtually require no maintenance. This makes underfloor heating a long-lasting and reliable heating solution.

If you are looking for an efficient, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing heating solution for your home this autumn, underfloor heating is an excellent option. Not only does it provide unparalleled thermal comfort, but it will also help you save on your energy bills and enjoy a cosier home during the colder months.

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