Retrofit Underfloor Heating

Energy Efficiency: A Top Priority for Existing Buildings

Regulatory pressure, environmental concerns, and rising utility costs all point to one undeniable fact: energy efficiency is paramount across residential, commercial, and public buildings. However, achieving this can be a challenge, particularly for older structures. Underfloor Heating isn't just for new builds.

The Focus Shifts to Existing Buildings

While new buildings receive significant attention regarding energy performance, a crucial detail often gets overlooked: roughly 80% of the buildings we'll be using in 2050 already exist. To reach ambitious targets like a 78% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (compared to 1990 levels) by 2035, retrofitting existing buildings for improved energy efficiency is essential.

Minimizing Heat Loss: The Foundation for Efficiency

With UFH for retrofits, insulation levels are a fundamental starting point. Upgrades to wall, roof, and floor insulation significantly reduce heat loss, requiring less energy to maintain desired room temperatures.

Heating Efficiency: Achieving More with Less

One of the most impactful ways to cut energy use and reduce a building's carbon footprint is by reconfiguring the heating system for low temperatures – typically reaching a maximum flow of 50ºC to 55ºC. Implementing a radiant heating system, like underfloor heating (UFH), is practical.

The key advantage of UFH lies in its large surface area compared to traditional radiators. This allows for efficient heating at lower flow temperatures, making it highly compatible with energy-saving options like air and ground-source heat pumps and solar thermal installations. Add to the mix a modern programmable thermostat and the potential to make your home more energy efficient which not only helps your environment but also keeps running costs down.

Underfloor Heating: A Retrofit Solution

Various UFH systems are available, including those specifically designed for retrofits. However, choosing the right option requires careful consideration of several factors:

Key Features for Retrofitting:

• Compatibility with Existing Floor Structure: Systems like Uponor Minitec offer flexibility, allowing installation on top of existing flooring, over existing screed, or as part of a complete floor replacement. Lightweight options like Uponor Siccus are suitable for structures with limited weight-bearing capacity.
• Floor Height Increases: Ideal retrofit UFH systems minimize floor height increases. Some systems can achieve this with as little as a 15mm rise.
• Thermal Mass: Wet installation systems utilize screed for thermal mass, which absorbs, stores, and releases heat, minimizing energy needs.
• System Performance: Consider factors like ease of installation, heat-up times, and compatibility with desired floor finishes. Not all UFH systems perform equally.
• Manufacturer Support: Technical assistance from the manufacturer throughout the process can simplify design, installation, and minimise potential issues.

Significant strides can be made towards achieving energy efficiency goals by prioritising insulation and implementing a low-temperature heating system like UFH during a building retrofit. Discover more about Uponor's underfloor heating options for your retrofit project.

Retrofit Underfloor Heating at Underfloor Store

Discover more about retrofit UFH, including Uponor Minitec and Cellecta XPS Foiled Low Profile boards. Explore our website for all available options and get a free quote.