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Understanding the Underfloor Heating in Europe

2024-12-11.

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In fact, it is not just Europe, but all over the world, the form of floor heating is the same. It can be divided into two types, one is water floor heating and the other is electric floor heating. In China, more people are used to water floor heating, and in the United States, more people use electric floor heating, while in Europe, the usage rate of water floor heating is much higher. The usage mode of both is similar. In short, water pipes or wires are installed under the floor to make them heat up to heat the whole room.

Water floor heating

Water floor heating is a common household heating method. It uses water as a medium to heat through pipes in the floor, and uses the radiation heat transfer principle of the floor to provide warmth for the room. Compared with traditional radiator heating, the advantage of water floor heating is that it can achieve a more uniform heating effect, a stronger sense of comfort, and does not occupy walls and space, making the interior layout more flexible.

The water floor heating system usually consists of a heat source (such as a boiler or heat pump), pipes, water distributors and control systems. Hot water circulates through the pipes, heating the floor to a certain temperature, and then transfers the heat to the entire room by radiation. Since the surface temperature of the floor is relatively low, people cannot feel obvious hot air flow or dryness, and the heat is evenly distributed, avoiding the "uneven hot and cold" phenomenon that may occur in traditional radiators.

In addition, the energy-saving effect of water floor heating is also worth mentioning. Because it uses low-temperature water flow for heating, it can generally meet the heating needs at around 40°C, which can effectively reduce energy consumption compared to traditional high-temperature radiator systems. For some new energy-saving buildings, water floor heating can further improve energy utilization efficiency, help reduce temperature differences during heating, and improve living comfort.

When installing water floor heating, in addition to the selection of pipes and heat sources, the design and regulation of the system are also very important. Reasonable design and layout are required based on factors such as the area, layout, thermal insulation performance, and floor material of the house. In addition, regular maintenance and inspection of the system operation status can also ensure that the water floor heating operates stably and efficiently for a long time.

Electric floor heating

Electric floor heating is a heating system that heats indoor air under the floor through electric heating cables or electric heating films. It directly converts electrical energy into thermal energy, and uses the radiation and convection effects of the floor to evenly transfer heat to every corner of the room to provide a comfortable indoor temperature. Compared with traditional radiators or air conditioning heating, electric floor heating has the advantages of easy installation, high comfort and good energy efficiency.

The working principle of electric floor heating is to heat the ground through electric heating cables or electric heating films laid under the floor. When the current passes through the cables or electric films, they will heat up and radiate the heat evenly into the indoor air through the floor. Because the floor heating system directly heats the ground, the heat felt by the human body is more uniform, and there will be no situation where the upper temperature is too high and the lower temperature is too low in the traditional heat dissipation method. This bottom-up heating method makes the living space warmer and more comfortable.

One of the advantages of electric floor heating is its easy installation. Compared with water floor heating, the installation of electric floor heating does not require a complex piping system and can be laid directly under the floor, which is suitable for houses with existing floor decoration. In addition, electric floor heating systems are usually thin and do not take up too much space, which can save a certain amount of installation costs and floor space. Modern electric floor heating equipment is also equipped with an intelligent temperature control system, which allows users to accurately adjust the room temperature through a smartphone or controller, improving the convenience and comfort of use.

On the other hand, electric floor heating also has certain advantages in energy efficiency. Compared with traditional heating systems, electric floor heating has a higher energy efficiency ratio because electrical energy is directly converted into thermal energy without energy loss in the middle. Especially in some relatively closed houses with good insulation performance, electric floor heating can achieve ideal heating effect with lower power consumption.

However, the operating cost of electric floor heating is relatively high, especially in areas with high electricity prices, long-term use may result in significant electricity expenses. Therefore, when using electric floor heating, it is necessary to reasonably arrange the heating time according to the insulation of the house, the climate environment and daily use needs to achieve higher economic benefits.

 

Comprehensive comparison:

Feature

Hydronic Floor Heating

Electric Floor Heating

Installation Cost

Higher, requires pipe installation, more complex

Lower, simpler installation, no pipe laying required

Operating Cost

Lower, especially for large areas, more energy-efficient

Higher, electricity can be expensive, especially for large areas

Comfort

Even temperature distribution, good comfort, can maintain constant temperature for long periods

Quick heating, but temperature fluctuates more, slightly less comfortable

Response Time

Slower, takes time to heat up, suited for long-term heating

Fast heating, suited for short-term use, adaptable

Lifespan

Longer, system is relatively durable, typically lasts 15-30 years

Shorter, system may need replacement if damaged, lifespan is about 10-15 years

Maintenance Cost

Higher, maintenance is more complex, pipe systems may require regular inspection and cleaning

Lower, maintenance is simpler, wiring or cables may need replacement

Best Use

Suited for large areas and long-term heating, ideal for both homes and commercial spaces

Best for small areas or localized heating, suitable for quick heating needs

 

Summary:

Water floor heating is suitable for large-area, long-term heating environments, especially for villas, whole-house heating and other scenarios. It is more economical for long-term use, but the initial investment and installation are more complicated.

Electric floor heating is more suitable for small spaces, especially for occasions that require rapid heating, such as bedrooms and bathrooms. It is easy to install and responds quickly, but the long-term operating cost is high.

The choice of floor heating system requires comprehensive consideration of multiple factors such as the area of the house, budget, usage requirements and operating costs.


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