Running costs of Electric Underfloor Heating

 With the price of fuel increasing between 15%-20% a year, the running costs of any heating system becomes an important consideration. This article speaks about the costs of running electric underfloor heating and how to reduce them. Please dont hesitate to contact us directy (01932 784848, info@rayotec.com) our main website  to discuss your particular project.

 Table of running costs

The table below shows the average running cost of different rooms within a family home. The calculations are based on an average cost of 10 pence per kWh and the room being insulated up to current building regulations, including the appropriate floor insulation.

Room	Bedroom 1	Bedroom 2	Bedroom 3	Bathroom & Hall	Living Room & Kitchen
Room Area	12m2	16m2	18m2	12m2	26m2
Heated Area	10m2	12m2	14m2	10m2	22m2
Running Cost/hr	15p	18p	21p	15p	33p
Average Daily Cost	60p	72p	84p	60p	£1.32

 The average daily costs are based on keeping a room warm for 16 hours and with a 25% duty cycle. Matting is based on a 150W/m² model with a Rayotec digital thermostat and either Insomax or Palziv.

• What affects the running costs?

Insulation

The most important thing that effects running costs is insulation. The insulation of the floor, roof, walls and windows.

 Height of room

Rooms with vaulted ceilings need more energy to heat them up due to the higher volume of air. However underfloor heating is much more effective at heating rooms with high ceilings when compared to radiators. The heat of the radiators (convectional) tends to heat the top of the room before it reaches the bottom. Underfloor heating actually heats the area where people stand and sit making it more fuel efficient.

 Heat loss

Bathrooms or toilets with extractor fans will suck out all the warm air making the heating stay on for longer. Draughty rooms let the warm air escape also, increasing the amount of heating required.

 Desired temperature of room

The warmer the room the more energy is required for heating. It is best to keep rooms to the standard temperatures of 18C for bedrooms & hallways, 21C for living spaces and 23C Bathrooms.

 Period of Heating

The longer you heat up a room the more it will cost. Each room should only be heated when it is being used to reduce running costs.

• What can I do to reduce running costs of my underfloor heating system?

Insulation

New Concrete floors: For a new concrete floor, insulate the subfloor with as much insulation as possible and install minimum 10mm insomax insulation on top of the screed.

Suspended floors: In a suspended wooden floor insulate with a good quality foil faced insulation between the joists to reflect the heat upwards.

All floors: Always insulate with Palziv or Insomax insulation. Insomax comes in various thickness’s - try to use the thickest possible.

Cavity Wall insulation: Many UK homes do not have cavity wall insulation. Typical costs are just £150-£350 with a typical payback in just 2-3 years. It is an absolute must to reduce fuel bills.

Loft insulation: By increasing loft insulation from 100mm to 270mm you can further decrease your energy bills with minimal costs (typically £100-£300).

 

 Control

Good control is key to reducing fuels bills. All Rayotec underfloor heating systems are “zoned”. This means that every room or open space will have its own thermostat. This allows you to have full control with each room on the correct temperature. By having a digital programmable thermostat this added level of control becomes incredibly easy.

 Solar Electricity / Photovoltaics

By installing a Photovoltaic system you can generate free electricity for your building. This free electricity goes to the fuse box and is distributed to which ever appliance is calling for power at the time (including electric underfloor heating). Rayotec has been installing solar systems for over 25 years and would be happy to provide you with a proposal for your property. Please see our main website for further details (www.rayotec.com).

      • Cost of Electricity vs Gas

Although the cost of electricity is currently higher than the cost of gas they are getting closer in cost. Even though it is predicted that the cost of electricity will go up by 14.1% this year (2012) the price of gas is predicted to go up by 19.8%! (source: bbc news website).

 Rayotec can give indicative running costs for your project. Please contact out team (01932 784848 info@rayotec.com) or look on our website http://www.rayotec.com/electric_underfloor_heating/