Benefits of Hydronic Underfloor Cooling

When we talk of hydronic underfloor systems most people only think of heating. But the same system can also be used to cool your home. Find out why combing both cooling and heating in your floor can have big advantages.
Underfloor Cooling

How does underfloor cooling work?

Similar to underfloor heating, an underfloor cooling system works by the transfer of energy by radiant heat exchange.
Radiant heat is when warmth is passed to cooler objects so when the floor is cooled to a temperature cooler than the surrounding air, the floor then absorbs radiant energy proportional to the temperature difference between the surface and the room. This reduces the radiant air temperature more than the temperature of the floor.
By continuing to pass cool water through the floor, the floor will continue to absorb warm air from the room through the floor. This all achieved in a consistent manner, with no air blowing in the room or cool/hot spots created.

Benefits of underfloor cooling

  • Energy and cost efficient: When combined with a renewable energy source such as solar, a heat pump and a hydronic underfloor heating system, using the same system to cool your home will provide a low energy, low carbon solution with low running costs.
  • Ascetically pleasing: As it is fully integrated under the floor there is no need for unsightly fans or air conditioners. You are free to design your living spaces as you wish without having to work around cooling or heating obstructions.
  • Healthier:Hydronic systems improve the air quality. Draughts are eliminated, reducing the chances of airborne diseases spreading and makes for a more comfortable environment for those suffering from respiratory conditions such as asthma. With less physical devices in the room used for cooling or heating, dust is less likely to gather.
  • Safe: With no sharp-edged radiators or similar devices within reach, accidents are less likely to happen, especially for families with young children.
  • Comfort: Nothing beats the feeling of walking on a cool floor on a hot day. With no draughts created by blowing air, a floor cooling system distributes heat evenly, leading to a more uniform temperature being reached throughout the room.
  • Flexibility: Some hydronic systems allow you to set different temperatures in different rooms. So if one rooms gets a lot of sun during the day you can increase the cooling from the floor, while in a back room you can leave the cooling off.

If you are interested in installing underfloor cooling in a new build or as part of a renovation,  or just want to find out more about how it might work for you, just give us a call or send us a message online.