Ground source heat pumps are not the only form of heat pump that you can integrate with underfloor heating – there are also air source heat pumps to consider. Find out now….
Opting for air source heat pumps can indeed be a costly investment, but if you own a building that already has an air source fitted to it as part of its heating system, you can easily integrate an underfloor heating system with it. In this article, we will look at the efficient combination of air source heat pumps and underfloor heating, exploring how these technologies work together to provide eco-friendly, cost-effective heating solutions for modern homes. Whether you’re building new or retrofitting, discover the key benefits and considerations of integrating these systems into your property.
Key Points:
- Explore the advantages of pairing air source heat pumps with underfloor heating.
- Understand the installation procedures for both new constructions and retrofitting.
- Examine the variety of heat distribution methods suited for different room layouts.
- Investigate the cost-effectiveness and environmental impacts of combining these systems.
- Learn about the essential prerequisites and factors for optimal system functionality.
In this article:
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Air Source Heat Pumps with Underfloor Heating
Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are revolutionising home heating by using the ambient air as their heat source. This technology is especially effective when paired with underfloor heating systems. The secret to their efficiency lies in their ability to operate at lower temperatures, making air source heat pump underfloor heating a cost-effective solution for modern homes.
Why Opt for Underfloor Heating with an Air Source Heat Pump?
Underfloor heating provides a vast surface area for heat emission, far exceeding that of traditional radiators. This large area allows for a more uniform distribution of heat at lower temperatures, which air source underfloor heating systems can maintain efficiently.
Where a standard radiator may need to operate at around 60 degrees Celsius to heat a room to 20 degrees, underfloor heating can achieve the same comfort level at a much lower temperature. This not only improves the efficiency of the air source heat pump but also reduces energy consumption, making underfloor heating air source heat pump setups ideal for energy conservation.
Installation Considerations
When considering an air source heat pump with underfloor heating for your home, it’s essential to evaluate the specifics of your property. Installation on ground floors is generally straightforward, particularly in new builds or major renovations, where floors can be designed to accommodate the heating system under a screed or with an insulated concrete slab. Challenges may arise with upper floors or in retrofit scenarios where structural limitations can restrict installation options.
For upper floors or less invasive projects, lightweight overlay underfloor heating systems might be used. These systems involve less disruption and do not significantly increase floor height or weight, though they generally offer slightly less efficiency than traditional screeded systems. It’s crucial to integrate adequate insulation with these systems to prevent heat loss, ensuring the air source heat pump underfloor heating system performs optimally.
| Electric underfloor heating | Water underfloor heating | |
| Operating | A series of wires or heating mats, typically connected to a mains electric supply | A series of pipes that pump water from a traditional heating source e.g., boilers |
| Heating source | Independent electric source; doesn’t rely on central heating or a heating pump | Needs a gas boiler, heat pump, or other heat source to operate |
| Home type | Best for renovated projects, single rooms | Suitable best for new-builds, larger rooms |
| Cost of operation | More expensive in long-run compared to water UFH | Higher initial cost; less in long-run |
| Installation cost | Less expense | More expense |
| Installation period | Maximum of 4 hours to install | Varies depending on room size and flooring |
Adapting to Different Room Requirements
When integrating air source heat pump and underfloor heating, it’s important to consider the unique heating requirements of different rooms (as displayed in the table above as this can drastically impact those that choose water underfloor heating).
Ground floors are ideally suited for underfloor heating due to their direct contact with the building’s foundation, which can easily accommodate the installation of heating elements under screeds or within insulated concrete slabs.
In contrast, upper floors such as bedrooms and loft conversions might pose greater challenges due to structural limitations like suspended floors that are less conducive to underfloor heating.
For these areas, a common solution is to pair underfloor heating on the ground floor with oversized radiators on upper levels. This combination ensures that even if the underfloor heating isn’t viable throughout, the entire home maintains a consistent temperature efficiently.
Oversized radiators, unlike standard ones, are designed to operate effectively at the lower temperatures typical of air source underfloor heating systems, making them a complementary choice for areas where underfloor heating isn’t feasible.
Retrofitting Underfloor Heating
Retrofitting underfloor heating with an air source heat pump can be more complex than installation in new builds due to the existing structure limitations. Older properties with un-insulated solid floors or restrictive joist and ceiling heights can benefit from alternative solutions like the aforementioned oversized radiators, which can provide adequate heating without the extensive modifications required for underfloor systems.
Furthermore, not every home will be suitable for a full underfloor heating installation. Factors such as flooring, insulation quality, and available space play critical roles in determining whether air source heat pump underfloor heating is viable. For example, homes with dense materials like porcelain or ceramic tiles are excellent candidates for underfloor heating due to their heat retention capabilities, whereas carpeted areas with insulation may impact the system’s efficiency.
Suitability Across Different Homes
The choice between air source heat pump and underfloor heating versus other central heating systems often comes down to the specific needs of the retrofit versus new construction scenarios. New constructions allow for integrated heating system designs from the outset, making underfloor heating a more feasible option. In retrofits, the decision must be weighed against the need for modifications that could be cost-prohibitive.
Insulation is another critical factor; better-insulated homes will naturally maximize the efficiency of an air source heat pump, minimising energy wastage and improving the overall effectiveness of the system. When considering an air source heat pump with underfloor heating, assessing the existing or planned insulation is imperative to ensure that the heating system performs correctly.
Costs of Air Source Heat Pumps with Underfloor Heating
Integrating air source heat pump and underfloor heating can be a significant investment. The costs of air to water heat pumps range from approximately £8,000 to £14,000, while underfloor heating installation may vary between £4,000 and £11,000 depending on the size of the property and the complexity of the installation.
Though initially steep, the investment in air source heat pumps with underfloor heating is balanced by long-term savings on energy bills due to the system’s high efficiency.
For a more accurate quote, contact us today and see how we can help with your underfloor heating and air source heat pump combination.
Benefits of Air Source Heat Pumps and Underfloor Heating
- Energy Efficiency: Air source underfloor heating systems are renowned for their ability to operate more efficiently than traditional heating systems, offering energy efficiencies between 200% and 400% higher than those of gas boilers.
- Low Maintenance: Both heat pumps and underfloor heating systems require minimal maintenance, making them a cost-effective choice over the long term.
- Environmental Benefits: Utilising renewable coolants and efficient heat distribution, these systems significantly reduce carbon footprints compared to conventional heating methods.
- Healthier Living Space: Underfloor heating minimises air movement, thus reducing the circulation of heat dust and asthma allergens. Additionally, the even heat distribution can promote better blood circulation and comfort.
- Reduced Humidity and Noise: These systems produce less moisture and noise, aiding the comfort within your living spaces.
- Increased Property Value: The installation of underfloor heating and air source heat pump systems is often viewed favourably in real estate markets, as they add to the home’s overall value and appeal.
What to Consider Before Choosing
Despite the numerous benefits, there are considerations that need to be addressed:
- High Initial Cost: The upfront cost of air source heat pump underfloor heating is considerable, especially when retrofitting in properties not initially designed for such systems.
- Space Requirements: The installation can require significant changes to existing floor structures, which may not be feasible in all types of properties.
- Performance in Extreme Cold: While generally efficient, heat pumps can experience reduced efficiency in extremely cold weather and may require supplemental heating sources during peak winter.
- Heating Time: Underfloor heating systems may take longer to reach the desired temperature compared to traditional radiators.
In summary, while the integration of an air source heat pump with underfloor heating system presents upfront challenges, the long-term benefits of reduced energy costs, better comfort, and increased property value make it a worthwhile consideration for homeowners looking to invest in a sustainable, efficient heating solution.
Unsure of whether your boiler is up to standard? Apply for a boiler upgrade scheme today
Further reading:
Based on what has been discussed in this article, here are additional articles that you can access on our blog for more detailed approaches of installing underfloor heating in the home alongside other heating systems:
- Underfloor heating on suspended timber floors
- Ground source heat pumps with underfloor heating
- Underfloor heating in a loft
FAQs
What are the installation requirements for an air source heat pump with underfloor heating?
Installation requires careful planning and consideration of both the interior layout for the underfloor heating and the exterior placement of the heat pump. Factors like the size of the area, insulation levels of the property, and local climate conditions must be considered to ensure the system’s efficiency. Professional installation by certified technicians is recommended to optimize performance.
What maintenance is required for air source heat pumps and underfloor heating systems?
Maintenance requirements are relatively low. The heat pump will need annual checks from a professional to ensure optimal performance and longevity. The underfloor heating system itself requires minimal maintenance, but it’s good practice to check for leaks and ensure the thermostat and controls are working properly.
Are there any environmental benefits to using an air source heat pump with underfloor heating?
Absolutely. This system significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to fossil-fuel-based heating systems. Air source heat pumps use electricity and can be paired with renewable energy sources like solar panels to further decrease the environmental impact.
What types of properties are best suited for air source heat pumps with underfloor heating?
Properties with good insulation and no space constraints for installing the underfloor pipework are ideal. This system is particularly effective in new builds or major renovations where the installation can be integrated into the design. However, retrofitting in existing properties can also be accomplished with proper planning.
Sources
GOV.UK (2022) Apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/apply-boiler-upgrade-scheme [accessed 04/12/2024]
