Commercial Underfloor Heating: How To Install For Industrial Sectors

Is your commercial property as energy-efficient and comfortable as it could be? Explore the transformative benefits of radiant floor heating in commercial, industrial sectors.

Underfloor heating does not just apply for domestic homes; they can be used for office heating and other environments too. In this article, we will learn about commercial underfloor heating, and why you should opt for this over traditional heating methods. Don’t let your factory, coworking office space, or warehouse become cold for the workers in the winter months – choose underfloor heating today to keep them warm and efficient.

Key Points:

Why Choose Commercial Underfloor Heating?

When it comes to commercial real estate investments, the focus should be on maximising returns with minimal costs. After all, what is considered an industrial property in the UK? Commercial underfloor heating is undeniably an economically viable solution for both new builds and existing properties. 

Unlike traditional HVAC systems, which can be costly to operate and maintain, radiant floor heating offers a more budget-friendly alternative. Its installation beneath the floor maximises space, and with fewer mechanical parts, maintenance costs are significantly reduced.

Considerations for Commercial Underfloor Heating Systems

Commercial buildings often have unique architectural elements that can complicate traditional heating solutions. 

Factors like large delivery doors that remain open, varying ceiling heights, glass-filled atrium rooms, and expansive open areas without walls present significant challenges in heat retention and distribution. 

Commercial underfloor heating addresses these issues effectively, offering a solution that provides consistent warmth even in spaces with complex layouts and large open areas.

1. Comfort and Cleanliness for Tenants

Providing a comfortable environment is great for withholding tenant satisfaction, which directly influences occupancy rates and, ultimately, investment returns. 

Commercial underfloor heating excels in delivering a consistent and gentle warmth, eliminating the cold spots and drafts associated with forced-air systems. 

Moreover, it operates quietly and prevents the circulation of heat dust, asthma, and other central heating allergy symptoms, promoting a healthier indoor environment.

2. Adapting to Architectural Demands 

Modern commercial buildings often feature design elements such as high ceilings and large windows that can challenge traditional heating systems. Electric radiant floor heating addresses these challenges by maintaining a balanced temperature across several large spaces, even those exposed to the outdoors or with high air infiltration, making it an efficient choice for contemporary commercial building designs.

3. Innovations in Heating Technology 

Recent technological advancements have significantly reshaped how underfloor heating can be used in different building structures. Our underfloor heating systems are not only more affordable but also boast better efficiency and flexibility in installation, such as our low profile retrofit underfloor heating systems. 

Whether you are integrating into concrete floors for industrial applications or retrofitting into an office, underfloor heating can be used to meet specific needs without disrupting the aesthetic or functional requirements of a space.

4. Tackling Heat Loss 

Windows, while essential for natural light and aesthetics, are a major culprit in heat loss within commercial (and even domestic) environments. Traditional buildings with standard 2×4 framing have walls with an R-value of 13-15, but windows often have an R-value as low as 2. 

Commercial underfloor heating systems can maintain a steady, consistent temperature from the ground up, ensuring that heat is not lost through poorly insulated areas and making up for the heat transfer typical of large window installations.

5. Addressing Insulation in Ceilings 

New commercial construction environments in 2025 need to conform to current insulation standards for ceilings. This usually ranges between R-38 and R-39. However, older buildings often fall short of these standards, leading to significant heat loss. 

By implementing commercial underfloor heating, buildings can compensate for inadequate ceiling insulation by radiating heat upward, reducing the need for additional energy expenditure to maintain a comfortable temperature.

6. Reducing Operational Expenses 

Furthermore, commercial underfloor heating not only lowers the cost of monthly operations but also makes maintaining the systems a lot easier. Unlike HVAC systems that require extensive and costly maintenance, underfloor heating systems have fewer moving parts and do not need regular servicing. 

So long as you have your underfloor heating serviced at least once a year, you are far less likely to come up against these common underfloor heating problems.

7. Ensuring a Quiet Environment 

Noise is a significant concern in settings such as offices or retail locations where concentration and customer comfort need to be prioritised. Commercial underfloor heating systems operate silently, generating less noise than fans or other air movement devices would. This feature allows commercial businesses to maintain a quiet atmosphere suitable for productivity and customer satisfaction.

8. Reliability of the Heating Source

With less moving parts to care for, commercial underfloor heating systems offer superior reliability with minimal moving parts at risk of failure. 

Unlike systems that rely on hot water or HVAC, which can suffer from leaks or require frequent repairs, underfloor heating provides a steadfast heating solution with a lower likelihood of not working efficiently. This reliability ensures that commercial spaces can maintain a consistent heating source without interruption.

9. Compatibility with Renewable Sources 

Commercial underfloor heating systems are particularly well-suited for integration with renewable energy sources. This is a crucial consideration for modern, eco-conscious commercial developments. These systems operate efficiently at the low temperatures typically generated by ground and air source heat pumps, making them ideal for properties located off the mains gas grid. Underfloor heating with ground source or air source heat pumps can work seamlessly to improve renewable heating and bring peace of mind to those worried about replacing their heating system. 

Moreover, when paired with technologies such as condensing boilers, commercial underfloor heating can aid boiler efficiency. The low return water temperatures required by underfloor systems allow boilers to operate in their most efficient condensing mode, thus conserving more energy and reducing operating costs.

Can You Install Underfloor Heating Yourself?

Whilst it is possible to do underfloor heating DIY, for an extensive project such as commercial underfloor heating and installing in industrial sectors, it is far better to hire a professional. Installing electric underfloor heating is straightforward, whether in new constructions or as part of a remodeling project, but you should contact us today and see how our experts can help with the best possible approach for your underfloor heating project. 

The systems typically involve peel-and-stick mats or self-levelling compounds, heat cables, and smart thermostats for underfloor heating. However, if your commercial building has concrete flooring, this can make for a greater challenge and will need careful consideration as this may affect the overall structure.

Consider Underfloor Heating for Commercial Properties

In conclusion, commercial underfloor heating offers plenty of benefits for commercial properties. With its compatibility with renewable energy sources and suitability for various property sizes and types, it provides consistent comfort while reducing operational and maintenance costs. Whether integrated into new constructions or retrofit projects, underfloor heating systems are exactly what you need to bring better sustainability and functionality to commercial spaces.

FAQs

Sources

Phoenix & Partners. (2022) What Is Considered Industrial Property In The UK? [online] Available at: https://phoenixandpartners.co.uk/what-is-considered-industrial-property/ [accessed 10/02/2025]