Underfloor heating is very often chosen because it provides not only pleasant thermal comfort, but also aesthetic values - no radiators and other elements of this system. Many people plan such an investment, connecting the underfloor heating to the existing heating system. However, such a modification requires appropriate preparation and analysis of the condition of the current installation. Please stay with us, and we will answer all important issues, bringing closer the key aspects of installing underfloor heating in older buildings. We will also advise how to carry out this process in combination with the existing installation and what to consider when choosing a method of connecting to the radiator installation.
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Is it worth connecting underfloor heating to an existing installation?
Underfloor heating , also known as floor heating, can become a truly excellent solution in most homes, but the question arises - is it also where there is already an installation? Yes, such a connection can bring many benefits, but remember that it is not always easy.
The principle is that underfloor heating works most optimally at lower water temperatures than traditional radiators. This allows for more economical heating, as well as even distribution of heat in the room. This makes thermal comfort much higher, and energy consumption lower. So we see that it is a combination of pleasure and utility, because along with better comfort we also gain financially due to lower heating bills.
However, if we are talking about older radiator installations, it may be necessary to use special solutions, such as mixing valves. They regulate the water temperature to match the requirements of the underfloor heating. You should also check whether the current installation, where radiators are the most important, is able to handle the new system without problems related to water flow or pressure. If the installation is in good condition, combining underfloor heating with radiators may be the right solution. However, it is always worth consulting such work with a specialist to avoid unpleasant surprises.
How to connect underfloor heating to an existing installation?
To connect surface heating to an existing heating system, you need to pay attention to the technical aspects of the system. Typical central heating , where water circulates at a higher temperature, works completely differently than systems with underfloor heating. Here, the efficiency is greatest at a lower temperature, usually 30–40°C.
For this reason, in order to avoid overheating the floor, ensuring the optimal operation of the entire system, it is necessary to install a mixer. It is responsible for lowering the temperature of the water supplying the underfloor heating. Alternatively, you can also decide on a hydraulic clutch separating both circuits, which will allow them to work at different temperatures. You can also consider installing an additional circulation pump, which will ensure the appropriate flow of water in the underfloor heating. As the installation is adapted to work with higher temperatures, it is extremely important to precisely regulate the flows and pressures. This will make the system work efficiently.
How to choose a method of connecting underfloor heating to an old radiator installation?
When considering connecting underfloor heating to an old radiator system, we need to consider many technical aspects. They need to be well understood and analyzed so that both systems can operate optimally, at their maximum efficiency. Proper preparation is therefore the most important here, because when we know the possibilities and limitations well, we will gain a real picture.
As we know, radiators are designed to work at higher water temperatures, while water floor heating at lower temperatures. Therefore, when planning such an installation, we need to choose additional devices, such as mixing valves or hydraulic clutches. Mixing valves are responsible for mixing the hot supply water with the return water, lowering the temperature in the floor circuit. If the heating is older, made some time ago, it may also be necessary to install an additional pump. It will ensure the proper flow of the floor heating.
An interesting solution is the zone connection, thanks to which the radiators and underfloor heating operate as separate zones with separate thermostats. This allows for precise temperature management, regardless of whether we use underfloor heating or radiators. The most important thing is that it is warm in different parts of the house.
Installing underfloor heating where there is already another installation may seem complicated, and in some respects it is, but it is a very doable task.