It seems not, according to the temperatures, but the cold is approaching and perhaps you are considering changing your air conditioning system and you are evaluating a radiant floor. Does it ring a bell? The first thing you should know is that it is not feasible to install it on all floors, only on some, but let's start with the main question, what does this type of floor consist of?
“It is about placing an insulating panel on the floor of the house (the floor is the concrete element that is below the floor tiles). The conveniently separated pipes are attached to said panel. These pipes start from distribution manifolds, which are like cabinets. That's where all the tubes go. This wardrobe is usually hidden somewhere in the house”, says Pablo García, from Atrezo Arquitectos.
Once the water circuits are filled, the mortar is poured on top of the insulating panel and the floor of the house will be placed on top. To separate this slab from the wall, there are also insulating perimeter bands. "The objective is that the heat or the cold rise and not lower our neighbor," he clarifies.
Can it be installed on all floors?
No. They need to have thermal inertia, which is the ability to conserve thermal energy and gradually release it. “For example, it wouldn't work well under a parquet floor but it would under a marble or porcelain tile floor. In any case, more and more systems are coming out that allow more types of floors”, adds the expert.
In addition, it must be taken into account that the existing floor needs to be raised or installed on it, and that means about 8-10 centimeters. And a space is required to place the aerothermal machine, which is responsible for producing heat and cold. "Its dimensions depend on the area we want to air-condition and it must also be in contact with the outside."
Depending on the location of the house, it may or may not be effective
Also, the insulation of the house and its location will influence whether this system will be effective or not. That is, in the location, for example, it depends on whether it is an attic, a mezzanine or if it is facing south or north. Another thing to consider is that you will need some small cabinets, about 60 cm. high with a depth of 15 cm. approximately, to house the collectors. “In each case, a previous study is required,” says García.
What are the advantages?
Being an invisible air conditioning system, it allows diaphanous and refined spaces. “In small homes, it allows freeing up all the walls and raising the false ceiling if there was previously an air system,” he says. In addition, as it works at low temperatures, it helps to reduce energy consumption, since it distributes heat evenly. “It is healthier than others, since it does not produce draughts and reduces dryness. It's also much more sustainable and environmentally friendly,” he adds.
And the disadvantages?
It involves a high initial investment, since the price of underfloor heating is more expensive than that of other systems (about 100 euros per square meter): "Although the investment pays off in the short term."
Another disadvantage: being a hidden system, if a problem appears in the circuit, the ground must be lifted, although only in the affected area.
And the last one: “By using lower water temperatures, a longer time is needed to air-condition the house. And it needs to be running more hours”, he concludes.
