Infrared Underfloor Heating — Why Is It Worth Investing In?

Heating is a topic that returns to homeowners with each heating season. As a result, many people wonder if there is an ideal heating system. We are convinced that there are heating devices that are exceptionally close to this perfection.

The heating systems available on the market can be divided into classic and alternative. The former includes radiators, most often mounted on walls under windows and connected to a central heat source, such as a coal, gas, or oil boiler. The second group includes heat pumps and infrared underfloor heating. Infrared underfloor heating is gaining increasing popularity due to its advantages that are hard to find among other systems. However, before making a purchase decision, it is worth considering whether underfloor heating is worth your attention.

Infrared Underfloor Heating – Pros and Cons

Every type of heating system has its pros and cons. There is no doubt that infrared heating also has disadvantages, but it is essential to ensure that some of them are not myths resulting from a rather limited knowledge of this type of system.

One of the biggest disadvantages mentioned during discussions about infrared heating is the issue of electricity consumption. Among Polish homeowners, there is still a belief that electric heating is expensive and extremely unprofitable. For this reason, the only electric heating devices they use are the humble “fan heaters,” which serve to warm up cooler rooms in the house.

However, the reality is different. The design of heating films and the nature of infrared phenomena mean that this is not a system that operates around the clock. On the contrary! Heating films are devices that function only when the air and floor temperature sensor registers a drop. Then the heating turns on to maintain a constant warmth in the room.

There are also questions about whether infrared heating negatively affects health. This is another frequently repeated myth. Underfloor heating is safe, provided that it uses heating films that emit long-wave infrared radiation. This type of radiation does not penetrate human tissues, so it poses no threat. Similarly, there is also what is called short infrared, which in larger doses can have a negative impact on health.

Our heating films emit only the first type of radiation, meaning they send long waves that certainly do not have a negative impact on your well-being. It is also worth knowing that their use can even have a positive effect on the body, improving, among other things, blood circulation in the veins.

Many homeowners claim that heating films installed under the floor can damage it. And they are partly right. However, all the devices in our offer have appropriate protection in the form of a thermostat. Thanks to this, you can set the maximum floor temperature according to the manufacturer's recommendation – usually around 28 degrees Celsius. If the temperature is much higher, there is indeed a risk of damaging the surface, as heating films cause it to heat up almost instantly.

It should be noted that this system dries the air, although this can be easily remedied by purchasing a humidifier, which will make the heating more efficient.

Infrared underfloor heating has many advantages, and one of the most important is, of course, the lack of operating costs. Heating films do not have mechanical parts, which eliminates the risk of malfunction. As a result, infrared heating will never break down as long as it is used correctly. The low probability of failure means that the possibility of losing access to heat in the house, especially during winter, is also minimal. Furthermore, due to the lack of a chimney, there is no need for regular inspections, resulting in additional savings. In other words, heating films are a system that provides peace of mind for decades.

An important advantage of infrared underfloor heating is the flexibility of installation. This is a significant advantage compared to other heating systems. The installation of heating films can be carried out in each room separately, meaning without dismantling the floors throughout the house. This way, you avoid the costly renovation of the building required in the case of classic heating systems.

How Do Heating Films Work?

The principle of operation of heating films is quite simple, as is their construction. A very thin layer of carbon, known as a carbon matrix, is applied to a layer of PET film, to which electric current is connected. When the current flows through the matrix, the carbon atoms contained in it collide with electrons, resulting in the generation of infrared radiation. This radiation then heats all objects it encounters on its path. The described phenomenon is called electrical resistance.

So how does infrared heating differ from classic underfloor heating or radiators? The answer lies in the nature of infrared radiation. Standard heating relies on the phenomenon of convection. The heat emitted by a radiator, water underfloor heating, or heater warms the air, which becomes lighter and gradually rises. As a result, it circulates under the ceiling, forcing the heating device to continuously supply new portions of heat.

In the case of heating films, the situation is entirely different. The infrared waves emitted do not heat the air but the water molecules. Therefore, there is no phenomenon of heat rising upwards. Moreover, infrared radiation heats all objects it encounters, including people. Hence, the felt warmth in a room heated by this system differs significantly from that of having classic heating.

What to Consider When Buying?

If you decide to invest in underfloor heating based on infrared technology, it is worth paying attention to several key issues. First of all, the power of the heating films, which should be adapted to the area of the room being installed. It is essential that the power selection is adequate to its size, ensuring optimal functioning of the heating system.

Another important aspect is the proper insulation of the building. Even the best heating system will not be effective in a house where heat escapes. To improve insulation, it is advisable to consult professionals specializing in energy audits. Such an investment may also be eligible for funding from the "Clean Air" program and result in a tax deduction under the "thermal modernization relief."

When purchasing a heating system based on infrared heating films, it is also essential to choose the right thermostat. This small device is responsible for the convenience of using the entire system. It is worth paying attention to models that allow programming a schedule for the entire week. Some may have a built-in Wi-Fi module, enabling control of the heating from virtually anywhere in the world. Such additions significantly facilitate the use and control of the heating system.

Summary

Who is infrared underfloor heating intended for? For anyone who does not want to worry about the daily operation of the heating system.

If you are looking for a heating system that will serve your home for years, we invite you to contact our experts. They will certainly help you with your selection and answer all your questions.