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UFH and Rads

  • 13-01-2009 5:22pm
    #1
    RetroRentals
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3 ✭


    Hi, new to the site but just started looking but it is a mind of info.....Anyways in the planning stage of a 3000 sqf dormer with precast concrete floors on first floor. Have query about heating system in general. Is there any reason why I can't go for UFH on ground floor rooms and Rads upstaires in the bedrooms all heated by condensing oil boiler and secondary heat from a backboiler from open fire downstairs?


Comments

  • #2
    RKQ
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,292 ✭✭✭RKQ


    RetroRentals wrote: »
    Hi, new to the site but just started looking but it is a mind of info.....Anyways in the planning stage of a 3000 sqf dormer with precast concrete floors on first floor. Have query about heating system in general. Is there any reason why I can't go for UFH on ground floor rooms and Rads upstaires in the bedrooms all heated by condensing oil boiler and secondary heat from a backboiler from open fire downstairs?

    I'd put ufh upstairs if you have a conc slab and screed. Pipes will heat up rooms with less hot water.

    Back-boilers are more "complicated" with pressurised systems. So worth discussing with your Plumber.

    If you light a fire then install a back boiler.


  • #3
    Technophobe
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,091 ✭✭✭Technophobe


    "I'd put ufh upstairs if you have a conc slab and screed. Pipes will heat up rooms with less hot water"

    I was planning the same as the OP, ie UFH downstairs and rads upstairs (circa 900 sq feet upstairs which will be concrete slab))...

    If I remember correctly, this was primarily because I though it would work out cheaper to buy/install rads upstairs than to do whole house in UFH and would work out better if I was carpetting rooms upstairs.....
    Am I wrong in thinking this? Does it make more sense to do all of house in UFH based on it not being that much more expensive to do this. I am not against spending an extra few quid if it makes more sense long term:pac:

    I plan to put in an oil condensing boiler only....

    Thanks in advance for any advice.....


  • #4
    archplanner
    Closed Accounts Posts: 43 ✭archplanner


    RKQ wrote: »
    I'd put ufh upstairs if you have a conc slab and screed. Pipes will heat up rooms with less hot water.
    Actually for UFH more water is needed as there is a lot more piping but the water doesnt need to be as hot as water for rads. From a practical point of view UFH in bedrooms would probably be wasted as UFH works by storing heat within the screed and slowly emitting the heat throughout the day and unless you're in your bedroom all day it might be a waste.


  • #5
    sydthebeat
    Subscribers Posts: 42,581 ✭✭✭✭sydthebeat


    build your envelope to a high spec and dont put an upstairs heating system in....

    seriously..!


  • #6
    RKQ
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,292 ✭✭✭RKQ


    Technophobe, I don't think you are wrong. I put ufh in downstairs and rads upstairs, as we have timber joists. If I was doing it again I'd put ufh upstairs on a timer or temp sensor, to heat the rooms for a few hours before bedtime! Rads are fine but they take up space.

    A conc slab and screed is ideal for ufh. I understand the other peoples points above and they are valid too. It might be worth pricing both options and deciding then! Cost of pipes v's plumbed rads.

    If the house is really well insulated and you don't need to turn the heating on - then thats great too. If the pipes are there you'll have the option to turn them on or off or its automatic if using a temp sensor.


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  • #7
    Technophobe
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,091 ✭✭✭Technophobe


    RKQ wrote: »
    Technophobe, I don't think you are wrong. I put ufh in downstairs and rads upstairs, as we have timber joists. If I was doing it again I'd put ufh upstairs on a timer or temp sensor, to heat the rooms for a few hours before bedtime! Rads are fine but they take up space.

    Given that my plan is for the Heating system to be fitted with a manifold and management system to run and control zones (with upstairs as an individual zone), then does that cover what you describe above...???

    A conc slab and screed is ideal for ufh. I understand the other peoples points above and they are valid too. It might be worth pricing both options and deciding then! Cost of pipes v's plumbed rads.
    Will do

    If the house is really well insulated and you don't need to turn the heating on - then thats great too. If the pipes are there you'll have the option to turn them on or off or its automatic if using a temp sensor.

    thanks


  • #8
    RKQ
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,292 ✭✭✭RKQ


    "Given that my plan is for the Heating system to be fitted with a manifold and management system to run and control zones (with upstairs as an individual zone), then does that cover what you describe above...??? "

    True. The point I'm making is that underfloor heating feels different to "localised" radiator heat. IMO its not as stiffling either. Water temperature is less and heat is stored in the screed and released slowly.

    Lets us know how the prices work out. Good luck.


  • #9
    scanner1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 53 ✭✭scanner1


    RKQ wrote: »
    "Given that my plan is for the Heating system to be fitted with a manifold and management system to run and control zones (with upstairs as an individual zone), then does that cover what you describe above...??? "

    True. The point I'm making is that underfloor heating feels different to "localised" radiator heat. IMO its not as stiffling either. Water temperature is less and heat is stored in the screed and released slowly.

    Lets us know how the prices work out. Good luck.


    I am thinking of doing the same, but am wondering am I limiting the types of flooring available...tiles I am told is the best,certain timber floors and carpet is a definate no, am I wrong in this?


  • #10
    twenty8
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 456 ✭✭twenty8


    Tiles are super, I have found no problem at all with my wooden floors - semi solid and laminated - can't use solid wood.

    I have carpets upstairs and they are fine - however - I can't really get the temp up as high as I would like it. All of the rooms are warm ish - without being cosy. Probably fine for bedrooms - but not sure about sitting rooms etc.


  • #11
    scanner1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 53 ✭✭scanner1


    twenty8 wrote: »
    Tiles are super, I have found no problem at all with my wooden floors - semi solid and laminated - can't use solid wood.

    I have carpets upstairs and they are fine - however - I can't really get the temp up as high as I would like it. All of the rooms are warm ish - without being cosy. Probably fine for bedrooms - but not sure about sitting rooms etc.


    Thanks for that twenty8, I would be interested to hear more peoples
    experience with carpet and underfloor..

    Also is it possible to have in the upstairs en-suite, a wet room with UFH.


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