Electrical Industry Canada Electric Heating Issue - 12

ELECTRIC UNDERFLOOR HEATING VS.
WATER-BASED UNDERFLOOR HEATING
There are probably a variety of reasons why you want underfloor
heating - the comfort of warm floors, an energy efficient heating system
etc.; but how do you choose between electric and water based
underfloor heating? Well, both systems can be used in almost any
application, but certain factors of your project may mean that one or the
other may be better suited to your home.
You should always conduct a heat loss calculation and choose an
underfloor heating system that provides more heat output than the
maximum heat loss. However, installing high-quality floor insulation
with an electric heater greatly enhances the efficiency of the system and
aids in reducing heat-loss.
Water
Water based underfloor heating is generally recommended for
installation on the ground floor of a project with good insulation. If
you're renovating and using a low-profile system, it may be difficult to
reach enough heat output from a low build water-based system if the
subfloor is not sufficiently insulated.
Above the floor, a boiler is responsible for operating the system.
Space and maintenance for a boiler must be planned.
How much money can I save?
Floor heating uses less energy than central-heating systems by
running at lower temperatures than radiators, while producing the same
level of warmth. This increased efficiency results in lower long-term
running costs than traditional heating systems. Running costs will vary
on a home's construction, its insulation, energy costs and how heating is
controlled.
Electric
Aſter a proper installation people can expect to pay from as little as $1
per week to heat a bathroom with a Warmup heater. To counterbalance
energy prices, an electric floor heating system can be zoned to heat only
the rooms you are using while you are using them. The cost of running
an electric floor heater will be slightly higher than a water system but the
upfront investment will not be as large and there is no cost for
maintaining the system over time.
Water
Hydronic heating systems provide lower long-term running costs
compared to electric systems and using a more efficient heating source
such as an air source heat-pump can bring even greater savings.
Additional cost associated with a water system are regular maintenance
fees.
ELECTRICAL INDUS TRY CANADA
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 4
12

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Electrical Industry Canada Electric Heating Issue

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