From manifolds and heating controls to insulation and heat pumps, a few things worth considering when planning your extension.
Ever wondered what all these pipes and valves are for? This is an underfloor heating manifold, tucked neatly into a utility room cupboard in one of our recently completed projects in Bramhall.
A manifold is the central distribution point for a water-based underfloor heating system. It sends warm water through the different loops of pipework beneath your floors, controlling how heat is distributed around your home.
It’s a fairly substantial piece of equipment, and one that people don’t always think about when designing a new kitchen or extension. You need to allow space for it, ideally somewhere accessible like a utility room or cupboard.
But before you get to that stage, there are a few decisions to make about underfloor heating itself.
Electric or water-based underfloor heating?
There are two main types, and they suit different situations.
Electric underfloor heating uses heating mats or cables installed beneath the floor. It’s relatively straightforward to fit and particularly useful in smaller spaces such as bathrooms, where you might want warm tiles for a short period in the morning.
It’s usually cheaper to install than a water-based system, but it can be expensive to run, particularly over large areas.
Water-based underfloor heating uses pipes beneath the floor, carrying warm water supplied by a gas boiler or an air-to-water heat pump.
It’s generally more expensive to install but can be more economical to run, especially in larger spaces such as kitchen extensions and open-plan living areas.
If you’re already digging up or replacing floors as part of a renovation, that’s a good opportunity to consider installing it.
Insulation first, heating second
There’s little point investing in a new heating system if you’re losing heat through poorly insulated floors, walls and roofs.
Underfloor heating works best in a well-insulated home, with adequate insulation beneath the pipes to direct heat into the room rather than into the ground.
If you’re renovating an older property, it’s worth considering whether you can improve the insulation elsewhere too.
Internal wall insulation may be an option where external insulation isn’t practical, although it needs careful detailing to manage moisture and condensation.
At Pride Road Architects, we encourage homeowners to think about the performance of the whole house, rather than treating an extension as a completely separate space.
Think about heating zones
One thing to watch out for is installing underfloor heating without considering how different rooms will be used.
You don’t necessarily want to heat the entire house just because you want the kitchen warm.
With a water-based system, different areas can be arranged into heating zones, with thermostats controlling when heat is needed.
A kitchen, living room and bedrooms may all have different requirements.
It’s also worth remembering that water-based underfloor heating, particularly in a traditional screed floor, is slower to respond than radiators. It can take time to warm up and cool down.
Getting the controls and heating schedules right is important. Constantly turning the system on and off may not be the most efficient approach, particularly in a well-insulated home.
Future-proofing for a heat pump
If you’re considering installing an air source heat pump in the future, water-based underfloor heating is a good option.
Heat pumps work most efficiently at lower water temperatures than traditional gas boilers typically use for radiators.
Because underfloor heating distributes warmth over a large floor area, it can heat a room effectively using lower-temperature water.
You could install wet underfloor heating as part of your extension now, connected to your existing boiler, and switch to an air-to-water heat pump later.
However, make sure the heating system is designed for that possibility from the outset. Your heating designer will need to consider the pipe spacing, heat output, insulation and controls.
Don’t forget the practical details
Returning to our Bramhall project, the underfloor heating manifold was installed within a purpose-made cupboard beneath a worktop in the utility room.
The cupboard keeps the equipment out of sight while allowing access for adjustments and maintenance.
It’s a neat solution, but it does take up valuable cupboard space.
When you’re planning your kitchen or utility layout, it’s worth asking your heating installer about the size and location of the equipment before the cabinetry is finalised.
And remember that underfloor heating also affects your floor construction. You’ll need to consider insulation, floor build-up, finished floor levels and the suitability of your chosen floor finish.
These are all much easier to resolve at the design stage.
Planning an extension or renovation?
At Pride Road Architects, we look at the whole house during our architectural design workshops, not just the area you’re extending.
That includes how spaces connect, how natural light reaches the existing rooms and how practical requirements such as heating, insulation and storage can be incorporated into the design.
It’s about making sure your home works as well as it looks.
Thinking about extending or remodelling your home? Book a free online consultation at www.prideroad.co.uk
