OMNIE – Myth busting the underfloor heating industry
Myth busting the underfloor heating industry
Here at OMNIE, our staff will often receive similar and recurring questions about underfloor heating systems. In fact, we would argue that most of these come across as mythical in nature. With a number of customers beginning questions with ‘my friend told me…’ or ‘I’ve heard from somewhere that…’, it has become evident that these myths are a common cause of concern for installers, end users and architects alike.
Knowing this, we asked one of our knowledgeable experts about some of these misconceptions and what their answer would be to the following statements.
Myth 1: Doesn’t underfloor heating often leak?
Unless you plan on taking a saw to the pipeline or physically aim to puncture the tube to create a hole, the exceptionally strong OMNIE pipe is not going to leak. Even if you’re using something to cut into the pipe, it still takes considerable effort to do so.
Also, other than at the manifold, there is seldom any need for joints in the tube. Meaning there are no weak points in the system where a leak will sprout from.
Our OMNIE five-layer structured pipe is backed by decades of experience in plastics processing. A specially modified polyethylene of medium density is used for the underfloor heating pipe, the molecular structure and composition of which ensures outstanding thermal stability and a high degree of mechanical strength.
Myth 2: Isn’t electric underfloor heating cheaper and easier to install?
Okay, we should never lie about this and say that water-based UFH systems are as cheap as electric systems to install. However, the running costs of electric UFH systems are often ridiculously high. Water-based systems, on the other hand, aren’t much more expensive to install than the electric based counterpart and are significantly better at conserving energy.
I can see why electric UFH is tempting when installing in smaller areas like kitchens or bathrooms. But as it’s electric, it is significantly more expensive to run, with costs being three times higher than water-based systems!!!!
Water systems are only slightly costlier up front, but you benefit from lesser running costs are significant.
Also, electric systems are far less durable than water-based systems. This is because they’re commonly placed directly under the carpet of the floor and the wiring is easily damaged. OMNIE pipe isn’t just durable, it is also protected through multiple layers. In turn, this reduces the chance of damage.
If you’re going to spend money on underfloor heating, why would you want to increase your overall running costs and have to tiptoe on the floor to make sure you don’t damage it?
Myth 3 – I didn’t think companies do UFH in single rooms.
Even though we suggest multiple rooms for underfloor heating, of course it’s possible to have it just in one. Not really sure where this myth comes from to be honest. Our system can even be run directly off of an existing radiator circuit if needed.
Myth 4– Doesn’t it take significantly more time for UFH to heat up in comparison to radiators?
This is always an interesting question, as traditionally (in the early 2000’s), this was the case. However, with updated emitter systems, innovations in manifolds, revolutions in heat pumps and new depth in the understanding of optimal flow rates, heat outputs and heat loss, UFH systems are almost on par with radiators in terms of warm-up times.
It is why we always discuss in depth with customers about property heat loss, heat outputs and the requirements for their projects. We also provide a comprehensive design for placement of UFH systems and manifolds, to ensure optimal heat output and warm up times.
Take for example a new build project that’s properly insulated and has high-quality double-glazed windows. You would need significantly less heat output to ensure quick warm up and to guarantee optimal warmth in a room.
Furthermore, we can also suggest emitter systems that are going to offer quicker warm-up times:
– Our TorFloor system, for example, is an underfloor heating system that’s built into the structural floor deck. This means the radiant heat is closer to the surface, making heat up slightly quicker than systems that are underneath the floor deck, being on par with radiator systems.
– While our ScreedPlate solution for UFH in screed floors will probably take slightly longer to heat up. However, it also holds and releases heat for more extended periods of time, meaning that once it’s heated up, you need less energy to maintain the warmth of a room.
The systems we suggest depends on your project needs.
Myth 5 – Isn’t it incredibly complicated to install UFH?
Simplicity is at the forefront of OMNIE’s UFH product design. We really want to ensure that architects can concentrate on designing the project that they want, while installers have an easier and quicker installation job.
With a range of solutions to for construction needs, intricate UFH layout drawings, patented LayFast technology, comprehensive installation manuals and technical support, installing a UFH system has never been so simple with OMNIE.
All of our systems have been designed with simple installation in mind, whatever the project.
Still have a question? Why not email projects@omnie.co.uk or call us on +44 (0) 1392 36 36 05