Alternative To Under Floor Heating (UFH)
ThermaSkirt Heating Systems – The Ideal Alternative to Under Floor Heating
Consider ThermaSkirt’s unique advantages:
- Simple to fit in existing buildings with minimal disturbance
- Rapid response both on & off avoiding over & under heating
- Works with any floor construction and finish
- Works with conventional boilers and renewables such as heat pumps and solar thermal
(winner at the National Heat Pump Awards for Most Innovative Product)
- Energy efficient – ThermaSkirt has been independently tested by BSRIA (#53197)
- Minimal water content, maximising the performance of renewables
- Easy to trouble shoot and adapt to room layout
- Suitable for use in RHI projects (radiant heating)
- Simple TRV controls as well as manifold and thermostat options
- New Skirting boards for 'free'!
Under floor heating (UFH) or radiant floor heating systems are being specified more and more as an alternative to traditional central heating systems using radiators. This is very evident in conservatories using a wet heating system, and in new build areas with hard tiled surfaces.
A heating system using a radiant floor (UFH) is often thought to be more energy efficient than radiators as they run at ‘lower temperatures’. However this is offset by the fact that wet under floor heating systems are very slow to respond and have to operate 24/7 or risk under heating the room in the event of a cold snap.
This lower operating flow temperature is often achieved by mixing the central heating hot water with cold water to achieve a temperature that the floor can withstand – not a very energy efficient room heating system.
Similarly, radiant floors such as under floor heating (UFH) retain their heat energy long after the room has reached the desired temperature, often over heating the room making it uncomfortable – especially at night. Air conditioning or opening the windows is often the only solution, which is obviously a very wasteful use of energy.
Modern insulation levels often don’t allow small rooms to cool very quickly, and so a heavyweight floor structure simply continues to heat the space well past the target temperature. This is especially a problem in places like 1st floor bedrooms, care homes and student accommodation, as well as spaces with varying occupancy levels and uses such as classrooms and meeting areas.
ThermaSkirt heating systems are a radiator in the true sense of the word, but cleverly disguised as the skirting board around the room. This creates the same thermal comfort level as under floor heating (UFH), as far as the occupants are concerned, but in a fraction of the time from a cold start.
Similarly, ThermaSkirt turns off very quickly, cooling the room in the event of a sunny spell. This responsiveness ensures the heating system is only on when required and operating at maximum efficiency. The hot water can be supplied by a traditional gas boiler heating system, or more often, by a renewable energy source such as solar panels, ground or air source heat pumps and wood pellet stoves.
ThermaSkirt is often a DIY central heating solution, as being ‘above ground’ there is no more upheaval in fitting ThermaSkirt than there is with a traditional central heating system. The simple installation of a ThermaSkirt heating system enables even older properties undergoing renovation or refurbishment to improve their energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint.
Considering UFH downstairs & radiators upstairs?
Why not consider ThermaSkirt upstairs instead of clumsy radiators to compliment your UFH on the ground floor?
ThermaSkirt can mix and match with any other form of room heating - contact us for more details.