The benefits of floor heating systems from P.A.P. Solutions

The human body feels comfortable when the heat being generated within is lost at a rate that enables it to maintain a normal temperature of around 37°C. If our environment causes the rate of heat loss to become too high, then of course we feel cold.

The reaction of our body to lowering temperature is firstly to reduce blood circulation to our outer limbs in order to conserve heat: to our feet and hands in particular. Because of our immediate association between coldness and foot discomfort, any heating system, which applies warmth to this end of our body, is felt to be of particular benefit. Many authorities, including the CSIRO, have documented the physiological link between foot comfort and body comfort. If our feet are warm, we feel warm at a lower air temperature. At an air temperature of around 18°C, with floor warmth ensuring we have warm feet, we feel comfortable.

There is also an upper limit for ideal foot comfort temperature of around 26°C at the floor surface. Provided the building is insulated, and floor temperature is below 26°C, it is quite adequate to maintain comfort conditions and a room temperature of around 18-19°C.

In most fan-forced, and gas heaters, air is passed over very hot surfaces for reheating and dust particles are burnt (carbonised). These are often the cause of throat irritations and unpleasant dryness is frequently encountered.

Electric in-slab heating uses electric cables embedded in a concrete slab floor to provide home heating. Warmth is distributed evenly, wall to wall. As the system is unobtrusively embedded within the floor, it allows for furniture to be located anywhere without having to consider duct outlets or other equipment. It is ideal for children, as there are no hot surfaces or dangerous objects. Floor surfaces that are normally cold to the touch, such as slate or tiles, become a pleasant source of warmth with floor heating.

The slab stores the heat at night, and releases it to provide continuous warmth to the home during the day. Using off-peak electricity in-slab heating is an economical method of providing 24 hour heating, if set at a suitable temperature in a well insulated home. For optimal warmth, 18°C is recommended in main living areas such as lounge/dining/kitchen and around 14°C or lower in bedrooms.

No other heating system provides the all-round benefits of in-slab heating: low cost installation, versatility and low maintenance, silent and allergy-free operation, safety and low running costs, plus the total freedom of decor and furniture layout. In-slab heating should always be zoned with individual zones having separate electronic thermostats - either floor or air sensing.

This allows you to adjust the temperature to suit room usage - the lower the operational temperature, the greater the savings.