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🔥 Discover the Unmatched Elegance of Electric Floor Heating: The Superior Choice Over Hydronic Systems! 💡✨

It is important to outline the many benefits electric floor heating has over hydronic, including:

  • The capital cost of hydronic is far higher than electric.
  • Electric is perfectly suited to not only new building projects, but also renovations as well as new rooms. You can easily install electric floor heating to any single room or area, extension or granny flat. You can add electric underfloor heating at any time you are altering your flooring. Hydronic is, in essence, a new build process only as it is installed prior to pouring the slab.
  • Labour costs are minimal for electric floor heating.
  • Compared to hydronic floor heating, the electric installation process is simple and uncomplicated. It is also far quicker.
  • Electric floor heating has no moving parts or maintenance requirements while the hydronic heating system comprises a boiler, pumps, manifolds with valves with regular maintenance requirements.
  • Damage or failure of a hydronic system would result in substantial and expensive consequences, as this could involve significant structural damage to the concrete slab.
  • There is still a preconceived notion that ongoing heating costs for hydronic are far cheaper than electric. However, this idea was built over time before recent large increases in gas prices and furthermore can be completely negated by additional benefits like Colbuster Advanced Thermostats, as well as the offset through the use of solar energy.
  • The electric system is independently controlled per room, which enables rooms not in use to be switched off. With hydronic heating, the boiler needs to fire up to warm the water, whether one or all the rooms are in use.
  • It is far quicker for electric heating to achieve the required temperature. Hydronic can take over a day, meaning more cost and far less convenience, while electric heating is on demand.
  • Where a floor has significant thermal mass and the electricity provider offers time-of-use electricity rates, much heat can be stored when the electricity is cheap to carry its warmth throughout peak electricity tariffs, whereas this is not possible with hydronic.
  • Electric floor heating will heat the floor evenly, while hydronic heats the areas closer to the boiler at a higher temperature than areas further from the boiler. This uneven floor heating can be quite noticeable depending on the design of the hydronic system.

Further benefits of electric floor heating in comparison to hydronic:

Electric
Hydronic
All energy delivered to the heating element
Yes
No
Suitable for all floor coverings
Yes
No
Mechanical room required
No
Yes
Outside venting required
No
Yes
Minimal floor height added
Yes
No
No high voltage / hot surfaces or combustible gases
Yes
No

Finally, underfloor electric heating is a perfect solution that does not compromise your design. The beauty of underfloor electric heating is that it is unseen and therefore does not compromise any design features at all. It simply fits around the hardware in your room. It is also extremely safe for children and pets as there is nothing hot to touch. No risk of fire or burns. And allergy friendly – does not emit V.O.C.’s (volatile organic compounds).

If you would like a free no obligation quote to provide electric radiant under floor heating, please send us a plan or design to [email protected] and we’ll get back to you quickly with a drawn-up plan along with your quotation.

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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.