Floor Heating for Added Value
WITH the recent spate of economic gloom hovering over homeowners, the rate of property sales has dropped significantly affecting related businesses
The tile industry, based on a product often view as a luxury, might seem at first glance about to take a hard hit. It is important however, to realise that the movement has not stalled, but simply taken a different direction. In the face of the current situation, many ae choosing to improve their living conditions by renovating rather than moving home. Instead of making cheap nad quick updates for a fast sale - as was the previous trend - homeowners are now looking to invest in a quality refurbishment that will add genuine value to their properties. This is in fact an excellent window of opportunity for the tile industry since tiles, traditionally perceived as upmarket and durable, tick all the boxes. The one drawback of tiles though - especially tiled floors - is how chilly they can get in winter, a cause for concern for many homeowners. This problem can be easily rectified by laying electric underfloor heating in conjunction with the tiles. To a tile retailer or tiler, this will be the single most worthwhile recommendation they can make to a customer. Not only does it serve as a solution for the immediate issue a hand, it also offers several other benefits.
Aesthetic advantage
Space is always a premium and any opportunity to minimise clutter is precious. The freedom to rearrange existing furniture, to enhance usage of available space,to be creative without hindrance from obstructive radiators, is a powerful incentive for many homeowners. Apart from increased interior design flexibility, the inconspicuous nature of the system is another draw. Once installed, all that remains visible is a thermostat, which can be discreetly tucked out of sight. Warmup,for instance, offers the XSTAT, a programmable thermostat which can be flush mounted for a truly seamless finnish. A graphite is version also available to match darker decors.
Greater heating efficiency
Electric underfloor heating provides more than just warmth - it provides a more efficient form of heating. Because the vertical stratification of underfloor heating conformsto the natural inclinations
of the human body towards warm feet and cool head, it makes for more comfortable warmth than conventional radiators. Advanced technology also means that the heating controls nowadays feature cleverfunctions which adapt to the homeowners’ needs. Typically run off individual thermostats for respective rooms,this zonal method of heating employed by electric systems reduces energy wastage and in turn promotes financial savings. This difference is even more pronounced when used in conjunction with insulated tile backer boards. Following the introduction of Home Information Pack which include the compulsory Energy Performance Certificate, more homeowners are conscious of the energy ratings of their properties. A better heating system is more likely to lower fuel bills for the current owner and by the same token, render the property more attractive to prospective buyers in the future.
Hassle-free specification and installation
One of the most brilliant aspects of electric underfloor heating must be its installation, and in turn specification simplicity. It works with both wooden and concrete floorbases and is thus suitable for both period houses and purpose-built properties. Plus it does nor raise floor height - a crucial consideration in many refurbishment projects. Unless the property is a large, older house, blessed with very high ceilings or an ultra-modern build featuring custom double height ceilings, the chances are there will be some constraints on how high the floor can go. Dry systems for tiled floors come in the forms of thin wires and mats. The installation process itself is short and has minimal disruptions to the household. Unlike warmwatersystems that require digging up of floors for installation, electric systems can be fitted directly onto the existing subfloor and simply covered bythe chosen flooring. Installation can be completed in a matter of hours, and is a great option for time-tight projects. Convenient access to the systems helps too. Should it not be feasible for the retailer or trade counter to stock the systems, it is usually possible to place an order for direct delivery. Good underfloor heating suppliers are able to provide handy next-working-day deliveries to most locations, or two days for more for far-flung regions. Aside from wiring-which is required by British regulations to be completed by a qualified electrician the electric heaters do not need to be installed by someone with specialist skills and tools and can usually be taken on by any competent tradesman or DIY-er.
Peace of mind
Once fitted, neither retailer, installer nor homeowner need to worry about future servicing sessions since there are no pipes to bleed or clean. Should any issues arise though, the plethora of warranties,
including popular lifetime guarantees available, provide a security blanket.l nstallers do not lose out either Warmup offers a unique SafetyNet installation guarantee whereby if accidental damage to a heater is incurred initially, a replacement heater will be sent out free of charge, so long as the tiles have not been laid down. More details on this guarantee can be found on wvwv.warmup.co.uk. Functional yet affordable, electric underfloor heatlng not only meets fundamental needs, but also acts as a viable heating solution for the requirements of busy modern lifestyles. Best of all, in the processof helping the customer to add value to their property, suppliers have also added value to themselves. That is always a good thing for repeat, long-term business.
Printed in Tile UK - June 2008: download pdf
Printed in Heating Ventillation and Plumbing - June 2008: download pdf
