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Loft Conversion Heating Systems

There are several ways to heat a loft, some coversions are heated reasonably well by the heating system in the rest of the house. An extra radiator can be installed in a loft but it is worth checking to see whether or not your boiler has to be upgraded to run it. An alternative to this is the increasingly popular Underfloor Heating Systems which operate by radiating heat from the floor and thus provide a smaller temperature gradient from the floor to the ceiling. They are also known as Electric Radiant Heating Systems.

Radiant Heating systems normally require heating cables or mats to be laid above floor insulation under the floor boards. These systems are perfectly safe and normally come with 10 - 25 year manufacturers guarantees.

Demand for underfloor heating is increasing dramatically in the UK with more and more consumers realising the benefits of energy efficiency along with the very real comfort of underfloor heating. Our European and Scandinavian brothers long ago realised the value of electric underfloor heating systems and gradually as ceramic and stone floors become more the norm in the UK, we are also coming round to enjoying the benefits of this type of heating. Investing in a ceramic, limestone, slate or stone floor is enhanced with the addition of underfloor heating at a relatively low cost but high comfort value. The rather poor press for the underfloor heating systems of the 60's has been forgotten and replaced with a new enthusiasm as professionals and consumers alike realise the importance of energy efficiency and technology has catapulted underfloor heating into the 21st century. It is the 'must have' of every design and energy conscious house owner.

In particular Conservatory underfloor heating is very popular as is underfloor heating for bathrooms. Loft Conversions are also enjoying the benefits of ubnderfloor heating as well. Everyone can enjoy underfloor heating as companies suck as Enerfoil Magnum Ltd offer various floor heating systems for all types of areas and floor finishes.

There are many systems on the market with varying degrees of flexibility and quality. It is important to choose the right system for the job, always checking the substrate and floor finish and getting the best technical advice and system design. The UK now has many companies. Many of these companies are offering poor advice and technical Information. Many new companies are merely reselling the products from other countries into the UK and have not expertise or technical knowledge to sell the products.

The refurbishment market is huge and underfloor heating can be used in any room, even the smallest bathroom without complication of raising floor levels. Low voltage systems, such as Enerfoil, are mainly used in wet areas and can be installed directly onto timber or concrete and under any floor finish, and is only 0.2mm thick. The simplicity of installation is an attractive proposition particularly in en-suite bathrooms in domestic and hotel situations. The Scandinavian wet room concept makes tiles the only real sensible option and in such an area, the safe low voltage underfloor heating system is ideal, keeping the floor warm, comfortable and dry.

In a situation where the floor cannot be raised and there is no possibility of extending the existing central heating system then mains voltage underfloor heating mats or cables solve the problem. In a kitchen or conservatory there is often no room for a radiator and again the solution can be found in underfloor heating. The efficiency of such a system means you have heat where you want it with unquestionable comfort. Systems such as Enermat Magnum are only 4mm thick and are either embedded into flexible tile adhesive or self-levelling compound with the floor tiles fitted on top. The Enermat twin conductor system is a Teflon coated wire with a unique patented splice giving it a high tensile strength. It is operated via a digital ME control and floor sensor. In a new build where a sand/cement screed is being laid, Enercable Magnum, a waterproof resistance cable is installed into the screed with spacer strips ensuring accuracy of wattage per m². The system then acts as a giant storage heater and can be successfully used in conjunction with low tariff electricity. Mobile phone technology has been adapted for a new style controller with user friendly menu system. This highly sophisticated type of programmer can be set up for the thickness of screed and floor finish and allows optimum performance of the heating system.

Whichever system you prefer, there are clear benefits to under floor heating beyond the aesthetic one of leaving walls uncluttered by radiators.

Underfloor heating warms the room from the floor up, meaning people feel its effect quickly. It's about 30 per cent cheaper to run than radiators, the modern pipes are virtually maintenance free, and the heat produced is 'radiated' rather than 'convected' which gives more uniformity to the warmth across a space, a hygiene reason too. There's usually a lower moisture level associated with the warmth generated by underfloor heating compared to traditional heating, which reduces the numbers of house mites in a property. Under floor heating systems tend to raise relative humidity more than traditional radiators, too, giving a healthier environment.

For details of the Enerfoil Magnum range of underfloor heating products call 01887 822999 or http://www.enerfoil.com . Full technical support and free drawing and design service available.

The views and information held within this site are intended only as a guide. Expert advice should be obtained before embarking on any large project. House Conversions Online are not responsible for information held on any pages external to this website.