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Floor heating for high ceiling buildings such as Churches
Churches are great examples of buildings that get the most benefit from an efficient floor heating system. The architectural features and heating requirements of a typical church mean there are multiple advantages of the Coldbuster carpet heaters floor heating system that makes it the most efficient heating system
1. High Ceilings
Churches typically have high ceilings and a large volume of air to heat. Considering air conditioning is a ‘convective’ heating system, it will attempt to heat all the air in the room. Consequently, much of the energy is wasted as hot air rises and heat is lost to the ceiling, rather than being focused at body height on the congregation.
With a radiant floor heating system like Coldbuster, the energy consumed goes mostly into heating the air space at the floor level. This is of particular benefit considering the congregation is mostly seated during a church service, their bodies being closer to the ground. The cut off thermostat is normally controlled by a floor sensor rather than a sensor mounted higher up, say on an air conditioning unit. A floor heating system means less energy is lost to into the air above head height. The Images below showing the red heating before the carpet is layed at St Andrews Church and the workmen on the right give the photo good perspective on how much heat can be lost to the ceiling.
2. Zoning
Every electric heater has a certain ‘power output’ that determines it’s ability to generate heat. Being an electric element under the floor finish, Coldbuster effectively takes this power output and spreads it out evenly across the area of the floor giving a much more efficient distribution of heat. The heating reaches those in the middle pews just the same as those at the front or rear pews. Consequently, this avoids the common situation where those sitting closest to an air conditioner feel too hot and those sitting further away, too cold.
By using multiple thermostat controls, separate zones of the floor (or rooms in a house) can have the heating turned ‘on’ or ‘off’ according to patronage and heating demand. Using the All Saints Church heating system photo and heating plan/diagram as an example (below), the entire system can be turned on for a busy Sunday service. Alternatively, during a mid-week service, only the middle two zones are turned on, effectively halving the running costs.
3.Quick response heating
Many churches choose carpet as their floor finish, as the alternative to the hard finish of tiles or the cold feel of timber.
Coldbuster carpet heating is a unique product with the advantage of being a 1.5mm thin element, giving it the ability to sit just below the carpet, but on top of the underlay. The element is thin enough not to be felt through the carpet and by sitting on top of the underlay, is insulated by the underlay from the cold subfloor below. The result? A direct delivery of heat into the room, usually 20-30m warm-up time, much faster than other thicker floor heating cable where installation usually requires it be set in a cement screed below the underlay. (this cable also uses more power as it needs to heat the cement first before heat is delivered into the carpet and the room.)
The Coldbuster carpet heaters are designed to be strong enough to withstand the combined weight of people seated in a church pew, even when its full! The Coldbuster element is also fully waterproof so it is safe for the church carpets to be steam cleaned.
In addition to these main advantages, Coldbuster is fully earthed, electrically safe and can be programmed to run automatically at different periods of the day, different days of the week. To get a quote for your carpet heating requirements, fax, email or upload a plan to Coldbuster today for a free, no-obligation quote.
Click here to find out more about our carpet heaters or watch the installation video below!
The simplest way to get the right product and the right size of product is to Get A Free Quote
Need Electric Underfloor Heating?
Key Factors Affecting the Running Costs of Electric Floor Heating from Coldbuster
There are many factors and assumptions that may influence the costs of running electric floor heating.
Please note that the factors and the assumptions that underpin this Running Cost Calculator mean that results should only be used as a rough guide, as conditions (some of which are listed below) can vary greatly.
The efficiency and cost of the electricity used for heating directly impact running costs. More efficient energy sources and favourable electricity tariffs reduce overall expenses. Electricity prices vary by provider and plan. Choosing an energy-efficient tariff and monitoring peak and off-peak rates can help minimise heating costs.
The assumption in this running cost estimate model is that your energy source is cost-effective and the electricity tariff is optimised for heating needs.
The total time the heating system is operational impacts energy consumption. Running the system only when necessary and using programmable thermostats to create heating schedules can optimise usage.
The assumption in this running cost estimate model is that your heating is running only when necessary and optimised accordingly.
A duty cycle for electric underfloor heating represents the percentage of time the system is actively heating versus its total operational time. After the floor reaches its set temperature, the system cycles on and off to maintain it. The calculator factors this in and assumes a 50% duty cycle.
The temperature set on the thermostat directly affects energy usage. Lowering the thermostat temperature by just a few degrees can significantly reduce running costs without compromising comfort. Programmable and smart thermostats can optimise heating schedules, reducing energy use during non-peak times and enhancing overall efficiency. Setting the thermostat to an optimal temperature (e.g., 20-22°C) during occupied times and lowering it (or even better turning it off) when not in use can significantly affect running costs.
The assumption in this running cost estimate model is that you are using one of Coldbuster’s smart programmable thermostats to manage heating schedules effectively and that the settings are optimised for both comfort and efficiency.
Proper insulation reduces heat loss, making the heating system more efficient. Effective insulation in your floors, walls and roofs will help maintain the desired temperature with less energy consumption. Better insulation helps retain heat within the room, minimising the energy required to maintain comfort.
The assumption in this running cost estimate model is that your building has high-quality insulation materials installed in the walls, roof, and floor.
The type of floor substrate affects heat retention and energy efficiency. Concrete floors, for example, retain heat longer, while timber floors may require more energy to maintain warmth.
The assumption is that your floor substrate is conducive to efficient heating, with thermal insulation boards used where necessary to enhance heat retention.
Different floor coverings have varying thermal properties. Materials like tile and stone conduct heat efficiently, while carpets and wood may require higher energy to achieve the same comfort level.
The assumption in this running cost estimate model is that your flooring material is chosen with consideration of its thermal conductivity and compatibility with the heating system.
Draughts from poorly sealed windows and doors, as well as other gaps, can lead to heat loss and increased energy consumption. The type and quality of windows and doors significantly impact heat loss and gain. Double-glazing and well-sealed frames reduce draughts and improve thermal efficiency.
The assumption in this running cost estimate model is that your windows, doors, and other potential gaps are well-sealed to prevent drafts and heat loss.
The overall energy efficiency of a building, including factors like construction quality, age, design and energy ratings, all affect its thermal efficiency and hence impacts heating costs. Older buildings may have more heat loss compared to newer, energy-efficient constructions.
The assumption in this running cost estimate model is that your building is relatively modern or has been updated to meet contemporary energy efficiency standards.
The local climate influences heating needs. Colder outdoor temperatures increase the demand for indoor heating. Regions with milder winters require less heating and would therefore typically have lower running costs compared to areas with harsh winter and cold conditions.
The assumption in this running cost estimate model is based on average climatic conditions specific to the region in Australia where you are located and where the system is installed.
The efficiency of the underfloor heating system itself plays a crucial role. The efficiency determines how effectively it converts electrical energy into heat. Modern systems with advanced controls and high efficiency like Coldbuster use less energy to achieve the desired warmth.
The assumption in this running cost estimate model is that your heating system is running efficiently at all times.
The ability to control heating in different zones or rooms independently allows for more precise energy use, heating only the areas that need it.
The assumption in this running cost estimate model is that your heating system is designed with zoning capabilities for customised temperature control.
The design of the heating system, including the layout, spacing, and type of heating elements, affects heat distribution and overall efficiency. The size of the room in relation to the heater’s capacity is crucial. An appropriately sized heater ensures efficient heating without overworking the system.
The assumption in this running cost estimate model is that your heating system is designed and installed by experienced Coldbuster installation professionals or other suitably qualified professionals to ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency.
Consistent and predictable usage patterns help in planning and optimising energy consumption. Irregular or excessive use can lead to higher costs.
The assumption in this running cost estimate model is that your usage patterns are regular and not excessive.
Higher ceilings result in larger volumes of air to heat, which can increase energy consumption. Rooms with standard ceiling heights are more energy efficient.
The assumption in this running cost estimate model is that your ceiling heights are standard (2.4 to 2.7 meters) to maintain optimal energy efficiency and minimize excess energy use.
