Underfloor Heating Systems

Provides Energy Savings

There are fundamental differences between the heat transfer principles of underfloor heating systems and conventional radiator systems. While the majority of heat transfer in radiator applications occurs through convection — heating the air and circulating it through the space — in underfloor heating systems most of the transfer occurs through radiation. In radiator systems, the boiler water temperature needs to reach 70–90°C to maintain comfortable room temperatures, whereas in the REHAU Underfloor Heating System the maximum boiler water temperature is 50°C. Radiator panel temperatures can reach 55–60°C, while in underfloor heating systems the floor temperature is only 27–29°C for comfortable heating. Because radiator applications involve air circulation and air movement raises the comfort temperature, target room temperatures are 1–2°C higher than those targeted with the REHAU underfloor heating system. This temperature difference provides an annual energy saving of 6–10% and should not be underestimated.

Provides Comfortable Heating

The advantages of underfloor heating provide a comfortable environment thanks to the homogeneous distribution of temperature both horizontally and vertically within the space. Every part of the room heats evenly. There is no problem of areas near the radiator being hot while distant areas remain cool. Furthermore, since heat in underfloor heating systems is at the bottom and warm air tends to concentrate near the floor as it rises, homogeneous heat distribution is achieved both vertically and horizontally within the space. This provides a very high level of thermal comfort.

Warm feet mean a comfortable body. In heating systems, "keeping the head cool and the feet warm" is the ideal thermal comfort condition. The underfloor heating system fulfils exactly this condition, providing heating where the upper parts remain cool and the floor is warm. Together with special collector systems and room thermostats, you can control your home's temperature either as a whole, by floor, or room by room, and set it to any desired temperature. With a timing module, you can lower temperatures when you are away and have the room temperature reach the desired level before you return home.

Eco-Friendly

Underfloor heating systems can easily be combined with systems that use renewable energy sources such as geothermal energy and solar power, thanks to their low operating temperatures. This feature significantly reduces dependence on fossil fuels and directly contributes to lowering carbon emissions. Efficiency increases even further when used together with heat pumps. While conventional boilers require high water temperatures, underfloor heating systems operate at low temperatures of 35–50°C, making them an ideal application for heat pumps.

Dust-Free & Healthy Environment

The main cause of airborne dust in spaces is air circulation. The greater the temperature difference in the environment, the greater the air circulation and consequently the amount of airborne dust. The intense air movement caused by convection in radiator systems causes dust and allergen particles to remain continuously suspended in the air. Since heat transfer in underfloor heating systems occurs largely through radiation, air movement is minimal. This means that dust and allergens do not circulate in the air and the indoor air is much cleaner and healthier. It is an ideal heating solution for asthma and allergy sufferers. Since temperature differences within the space in the REHAU Underfloor Heating System are much lower compared to radiator systems, the amount of dust generated will be correspondingly less. The sooting of curtains on windows where radiators are located is caused by air movements resulting from the temperature difference between the radiators and the environment.

Provides an Aesthetic Environment

The underfloor heating system operates without radiators, panels and their connecting elements. For this reason it creates no visual clutter in interior spaces; there are no pipes and elbows running along walls. Since it remains beneath the flooring, it allows spaces to be decorated as desired. Spaces without panels and radiators are also extremely advantageous from a furniture placement perspective. All walls can be used; there are no heating elements extending in front of windows, corners or along skirting boards. Additionally, since there are no visible heating elements, the risk of children coming into contact with high-temperature surfaces is eliminated. It creates a safe and comfortable environment for families with children.

Does Not Cause Varicose Veins

A common concern about underfloor heating systems is that high floor temperatures may cause varicose veins. This concern does not apply to systems installed in accordance with standards. Such biases have arisen due to incorrect installations. Using boilers designed for radiator systems in underfloor heating and allowing the floor temperature to reach very high levels (>37°C) can cause problems. The DIN EN 1264 standard limits the floor surface temperature of general areas in underfloor heating applications to 29°C. Normal human body temperature is 37°C, while foot temperature is around 33°C. Heat transfer from a 29°C floor occurs from the body towards the floor; the floor does not heat the feet but rather absorbs body heat. Given this physical reality, it is physically impossible for REHAU underfloor heating systems installed according to standards to cause varicose veins. On the contrary, the mildly warm feel of the floor surface increases the overall comfort level.

Suitable for Large-Volume Spaces

Underfloor heating systems are extremely suitable for use in high-ceilinged and large-volume spaces as they provide homogeneous heat distribution upwards from the entire floor. While radiator systems suffer from heat escaping towards the ceiling in high-ceilinged spaces, this problem is eliminated with underfloor heating. Thanks to this feature, energy-efficient and comfortable heating solutions can be provided in large-volume structures such as mosques, churches, airports, hotels, shopping centres and large lobbies.

Application Areas and System Options

REHAU Underfloor Heating Systems have been successfully applied in residential, office, industrial facility, sports hall, hospital and many other different building types. The ability to be used in existing buildings as well as new builds offers great flexibility. Which floors can it be used on? REHAU underfloor heating systems can be used with ceramic, porcelain, marble, wooden parquet, laminate and even carpet-covered floors. Correct system design should be made taking into account the thermal resistance (R value) of the floor covering material. Application Variety As a Rehau dealer, wall and ceiling applications of underfloor heating systems are also available. Wall applications can be wet (plastered) installations or ready-made applications within panels. Suspended ceiling applications are realised with ready-made modules laid within suspended plasterboard panels. Other applications include industrial underfloor heating in hangars, warehouses and factories, concrete temperature control systems, sports field underfloor heating to prevent freezing on football pitches, outdoor area heating and ice rink cooling.

Our expert team designs and installs the most suitable underfloor heating solution according to your project requirements.