Underfloor heating has become increasingly popular as a luxurious and efficient way to heat homes. It provides consistent warmth throughout a room, eliminating the need for radiators and enabling a cozy and comfortable living space. However, homeowners might wonder if it’s possible to install underfloor heating in only a specific area of a bedroom rather than covering the entire floor space. In this article, we will delve into the feasibility of installing underfloor heating in a partial bedroom area and discuss the key considerations.
Understanding Underfloor Heating Systems:
Before exploring the option of installing underfloor heating in a limited area of a bedroom, it’s essential to grasp how this heating system works. Underfloor heating systems utilize either electric cables or water pipes to distribute heat evenly across the floor surface. The heat rises from the floor, warming the entire room from the ground up. This underlying concept helps to maintain a consistent and comfortable temperature throughout the living space.
Installation Considerations:
When contemplating the installation of underfloor heating in only part of a bedroom, several factors come into play. These considerations include the type of underfloor heating system, room layout, suitability of floor coverings, and the control mechanism.
1. Underfloor Heating System:
There are two primary types of underfloor heating systems: electric and water-based (hydronic). Electric systems are more suitable for retrofitting, as they involve thin cables embedded in the floor, resulting in a lower overall height increase. Hydronic systems, on the other hand, require embedding pipes within the floor’s structure and are typically integrated during the construction phase.
2. Room Layout:
The layout of the bedroom becomes crucial when opting for underfloor heating installation in only a portion of the space. Uneven heating can occur if there is a lack of designing for optimal heat distribution. Irregular floor plans or obstructions such as furniture and cabinets may hinder the even dispersal of warmth, potentially creating cold spots or pockets of excessive heat.
3. Floor Coverings:
Another factor influencing the feasibility of partial underfloor heating installation is the type of floor covering used in the bedroom. Some floor coverings, like carpet, have higher resistance to heat transfer, reducing the effectiveness of underfloor heating. In contrast, tiles or engineered wooden flooring are better conductors of heat and yield superior results.
4. Control Mechanism:
Controlling the underfloor heating system in a divided space can pose a challenge. Depending on the system, having separate control zones within the room may be necessary. This allows for individual temperature regulation in specific areas, yet it also requires additional wiring, plumbing, and possibly an increased investment.
Benefits of Partial Underfloor Heating:
While installing underfloor heating in only part of a bedroom poses certain challenges, there are potential benefits to consider.
1. Enhanced Comfort:
Adding underfloor heating to select areas of a bedroom can bring warmth to the most frequently used spaces, such as near the bed or seating area. This targeted heating provides focused comfort and an enjoyable experience when stepping out of bed onto a cozy floor.
2. Cost Savings:
Partial underfloor heating installation reduces setup costs compared to covering the entire room. By heating only the necessary areas, homeowners can experience energy and cost savings compared to running the system throughout the entire bedroom.
Installing underfloor heating in only part of a bedroom is technically feasible, but it requires careful planning, considering factors such as system type, room layout, compatibility of floor coverings, and control mechanisms. While there are challenges to overcome, partial underfloor heating can enhance comfort and deliver cost savings. Consulting with a professional underfloor heating installer and considering the specific requirements of your bedroom will ensure the proper functioning and efficiency of the system in the desired areas.