10 myths about underfloor heating

Underfloor heating has been the subject of numerous myths over the years. In fact, many of these beliefs stem from ignorance or misinformation and do not reflect the true benefits of underfloor heating. It's time to dispel these myths and take a look at how modern underfloor heating technology can change your home for the better.

To summarize:

• Underfloor heating is healthy and ensures optimal temperature distribution in the room, promoting the comfort and health of the occupants.
• It can be successfully used in bedrooms, ensuring a restful night's sleep thanks to their ability to precisely regulate temperature.
• Installation of underfloor heating systems is simple and fast, thanks to modern installation solutions delivered by KAN-therm.
• Operating underfloor heating is easy and intuitive.
• Installing underfloor heating may seem expensive, but the long-term benefits and lower running costs make it a worthwhile investment.
• Thanks to modern automation, underfloor heating systems can react quickly to temperature changes.
• KAN-therm surface systems are suitable for retrofitting older buildings with underfloor or wall heating.

There's more to underfloor heating than just myths. Find out the 7 most important facts about underfloor heating.

Over the years, surface heating and cooling systems have become the subject of many myths, misconceptions and plain misrepresentations. It is worth clearing them up and setting them straight. Many of the widespread negative opinions stem not from the nature of the system itself, but from faulty design, sloppy installation or poor quality materials. And sometimes the cause of myths is simple ignorance or lack of trust in new technologies.

Myth 1: Underfloor heating is... unhealthy? Nothing could be farther from the truth!

Among the myths surrounding underfloor heating, its impact on health is one of the most frequently repeated concerns. In reality, underfloor heating is a solution proven in the home, where warmth and comfort of the occupants come first.

Underfloor heating offers an ideal temperature distribution in line with human physiological needs. The heat is most intense at floor level, where the temperature is around 24-28°C, and gradually decreases towards the ceiling, reaching around 18-20°C at torso and head height. This temperature gradient is optimal for the human body, providing not only thermal comfort but also promoting well-being and health.

Parents of young children will particularly appreciate this solution. The floor, which is an obvious play area, becomes more pleasant to the touch thanks to its gently warm surface. For toddlers and those sensitive to cold, underfloor heating is a blessing. It allows you to enjoy warmth without having to constantly wrap yourself in layers of clothing.

And here we come to the point. Properly designed and installed underfloor heating does not lead to a 'heavy legs' effect or be harmful to health. On the contrary, it ensures even distribution of temperatures, which is optimal for the human body. In this way, underfloor heating not only promotes thermal comfort, but also reduces the possibility of fungal and mould growth, which is particularly important in rooms with high humidity, such as bathrooms and kitchens.

These facts dispel the myth of the unhealthy nature of surface installations. In fact, underfloor heating is one of the most comfortable and healthy home heating solutions.

Myth 2: Peaceful sleep? Underfloor heating cannot be used in bedrooms? Nonsense!

This is another belief that is not grounded in reality. Underfloor heating in the bedroom is synonymous with a restful and healthy sleep, provided the temperature is properly managed. Thanks to the use of weekly controllers and automatic controls, it is possible to fine-tune the temperature in the bedroom to individual needs of residents, especially at night. By lowering the temperature at preset times, you can create the ideal conditions for resting, without worrying about overheating, sweating in your sleep or dry air.

Underfloor heating - warm in winter, cool in summer

But there's more! In summer, underfloor heating systems can be switched to cooling mode to ensure comfortable bedroom conditions even on the most sweltering nights. And all this without the oppressive hum of air conditioners and tormenting blasts of cold.

Importantly, as low as 7 cm above the floor, temperature of the air aligns with the temperature in the room. The heat is distributed evenly without causing discomfort or excessive heat in the sleep zone. This is the key to a healthy and deep rest in optimal conditions, without sudden changes in the bedroom microclimate that could disturb a good night’s sleep.

Underfloor heating in the bedroom also ensures a higher level of hygiene. This system minimises air movement. This means less airborne dust and allergens irritating the airways and causing discomfort at night.

Myth 3: A shaggy rug means no underfloor heating? Wrong!

Let's dispel another myth that having underfloor heating precludes the use of carpets or rugs. Nothing could be farther from the truth! In fact, underfloor heating is fully compatible with a variety of floor finishes, including shaggy rugs, which add warmth and cosiness to interiors.

The key to maintaining the high efficiency of surface systems, even when using carpets, is to choose products specifically designed with this type of heating in mind. Such carpets are designed to transmit heat, allowing the room to maintain an optimum temperature without sacrificing thermal comfort.

Of course, it is important to bear in mind that thicker layers of carpet may somewhat reduce the heating efficiency. But there is a solution for this too. A denser layout of pipes in the floor or using wall or ceiling heating to assist in the emission of heat from the floor may help with the issue.

The use of carpets on a heated floor is also a way of providing additional thermal insulation and comfort when walking barefoot, without sacrificing the benefits of warmth underfoot. By choosing the right materials and adjusting the heating system at the design and installation stage, you can enjoy both the beauty and functionality of carpets in a home with surface heating and cooling.

So let's not be fooled by myths. Underfloor heating offers great flexibility in interior design, allowing you to create cosy, warm and stylish spaces using your favourite carpets. This proves that modern technology can go hand in hand with traditional home design.

Myth 4: Installing surface heating and cooling systems is difficult - not true

These beliefs are quickly dispelled when we look at the modern and intuitive solutions offered by KAN. The installation of these systems is both quick and simple. For this reason, surface heating and cooling systems are becoming increasingly popular.

Choose KAN products and see for yourself that underfloor heating is easy

With an extensive range of pipes, insulation and fixings such as the KAN-therm Tacker, Profile, Rail and TBS systems, the installation can be tailored to suit any type of room and user need. What's more, the range of KAN-therm systems includes solutions for both wet and dry installation. This provides a high degree of flexibility and the possibility to use products from one manufacturer for a variety of projects.

It is also important to note that by choosing KAN-therm solutions, you will gain a complete range of installation components. This allows the installation to be freely arranged and easily integrated into the home's water system. All of our products are designed to be easily and securely assembled in line with user expectations.

The key to this is not only advanced technology, but also a growing number of experienced installers. We respond to the needs of the modern construction business by providing investors with a wide network of certified specialists. With the appropriate training, they are prepared to work with the latest surface heating and cooling systems.

Myth 5: Operating a surface heating system is difficult and unintuitive - in fact, it is fabulously simple

It is enough to note that surface (wall, ceiling and floor) heating does not require complex maintenance to dispel this myth. The post-heating season inspection of the installation is a mere formality. However, it is worth taking a closer look at the issue.

In fact, underfloor heating does not require any user interventionafter commissioning and initial calibration. Nowadays, the entire burden of operation falls on automation and remote control. Sensors, intelligent manifolds, programmable boilers and heat pumps take all the hassle out of managing the installation for the resident. In practice, human intervention is only required to set the preferred room temperature according to the time of day, which can now be done in the mobile app. It couldn't be simpler.

Myth 6: Underfloor heating is very expensive to install - a misconception

The belief that the construction of underfloor heating involves high costs is one of the most frequently repeated myths. The truth is much less scary, especially considering the long-term benefits and total cost of ownership of the installation.

To begin with, it is important to emphasise that an investment in a high-quality surface heating system does not have to be a major financial burden. The cost of purchasing and installing proven heating systems is only 2% of the total housing project. Compared to the potential losses resulting from the choice of poor-quality materials - which can reach up to 70 per cent of the investment in the event of failure - it is a really small sum.

Floor heating helps save money in the long term

“If installation components of inadequate quality are used and fail, repairing the damage caused by water, i.e. dampness, repairing the structure, renovating floors, walls, etc., can ruin the investor financially,” warns Mariusz Choroszucha, director of the Technical Support Department of KAN Group.

In his opinion, taking the cheap option is not worth it also because at present, the required outlay for the installation of surface heating and cooling is not much different from the costs of alternative solutions, such as radiators.

He also stresses that real savings are generated not at the purchase stage, but through the failure-free and efficient operation of the system for decades. Although it may seem a little more expensive than traditional heating systems at first, underfloor heating quickly pays for itself through lower energy consumption and reduced need for servicing or upgrades.

Renewable energy and surface systems - the perfect duo

Heating bills can be significantly reduced through the use of renewable energy sources. This means that the subsequent operation of the surface system can be not only cheaper, but also more environmentally friendly.

This discussion should also take into account:

• durability of the installation. In the case of KAN-therm solutions, this is estimated to be over 50 years. This is virtually the same as the life cycle of the entire building;
• the potential for annual savings of 10-15% on energy, fuel or boiler fuel costs;

Estimates indicate that investment costs can be amortised after just two years of operation of the installation.

This shows that the myth of exorbitant costs of installation of surface heating and cooling systems has no basis in reality. In the long term, they are not only a cost-effective solution, but also one that provides greater comfort and reduces the negative impact of construction on the environment.Początek formularza

Myth 7: Underfloor heating is not suitable for all types of buildings - KAN-therm products refute this belief

A common perception is that underfloor heating is not suitable for use in all types of buildings. Nothing could be farther from the truth! KAN-therm underfloor heating proves its versatility, being the ideal solution for both small private homes and large commercial buildings, including even football stadiums.

KAN delivers solutions for all building types

One of the main advantages of surface heating systems is their versatility. Thanks to its extensive product range, KAN-therm enables installations to be tailored to the specifics of each project. Whether you need floor, wall or even ceiling heating, systems such as KAN-therm Tacker, Profil, Rail or NET offer the necessary components to set up an efficient heat distribution system.

“For many years, we have been developing and promoting modern and user- and environment-friendly surface heating systems," says Mariusz Choroszucha, Director of the Technical Support Department at KAN Group. "We provide our business partners with a complete range of compatible products. These include manifolds, cabinets and automation components. They enable developers to fine-tune the installation to their expectations. Importantly, we offer a range that will work for both indoor and outdoor installations.”

Heating systems for non-typical projects

The availability of a variety of solutions allows surface heating to be used in a wide range of spaces - from intimate flats to spacious homes to expansive office spaces or halls. Surface heating is also ideal for buildings with unusual requirements, such as timber structures or adapted lofts. In such places, KAN-therm Wall, used for dry lining, will prove its worth.

As you can see, the myth of the limited use of underfloor heating is not reflected in reality. KAN-therm’s systems prove that modern solutions can be used in virtually any type of building, providing comfort, energy efficiency and interior aesthetics.

Myth 8: Underfloor heating can damage wood floors - it all depends on the type of wood

The common fear that underfloor heating can negatively affect wooden finishes is now outdated. In fact, this system can be perfectly integrated into wooden surfaces, offering not only warmth and comfort, but also preserving the beauty and durability of natural floors.

Thanks to advances in building materials, surface systems can be easily used not only under traditional ceramic tiles, but also under planks, staves and parquet. The key to harmoniously combining underfloor heating with a natural material lies in the right choice of wood type and installation technology. Layered boards are also worth looking into. This is a solution created with floor heating in mind.

If you have doubts about using underfloor heating because of the existing parquet you want to keep, you can always consider wall heating as an alternative solution. This is an effective method of providing thermal comfort in the home without affecting the structure and appearance of the floor.

Myth 9: Underfloor heating systems are slow to respond and cannot heat a room quickly - in fact, they respond instantly

This common myth can be easily dispelled by remembering that you don't have to wait for the heat at all. Thanks to automation, underfloor heating systems can quickly adjust the temperature to your expectations, guaranteeing comfort and savings around the clock.

In fact, managing the temperature in a building has never been easier. Modern underfloor heating allows it to be programmed in advance. You can easily set the system to start distributing heat around the house before you wake up or return from work. With just a few clicks on your smartphone or laptop, you can activate the heating and enjoy warm flooring whenever you need it. For complete convenience, you can leave everything to automation and forget about having to do any adjustments at all.

Remote control of heating in the home

Modern heating automation, such as KAN-therm Smart, interacts with wireless sensors and controllers. This allows easy and intuitive operation from anywhere in the world, provided there is Internet access. With a dedicated app, controlling the temperature in your home is simple, convenient and tailored to your family's lifestyle.

Myths about the slow response of underfloor heating systems have therefore been definitively dispelled by modern technology. The reliability and efficiency of such installations, combined with their ease of use, make them the ideal solution for anyone who values comfort and modern home temperature management.

Myth 10: Underfloor heating is only suitable for new buildings - KAN knows how to deal with this issue

Looking at KAN's product range, there are two surface systems ready for use in older buildings. These are:

• KAN-therm TBS system;
• KAN-therm Wall System.

The first system is designed for the installation of underfloor heating in dry technology, i.e. without a floor screed. It can be used in light timber structures as well as on the floors of old houses, both on the ground level and upstairs. It does not weigh down the structure or drastically reduce the height of the room - foil and floor panels can be installed directly on polystyrene panels. This allows upgrading older houses and flats in apartment blocks or tenement buildings.

If for some reason the design of the house does not allow the installation of an underfloor system, you can always opt for heated walls. This is what the Wall system is for. It is designed for both dry technology, such as with plasterboard, and wet technology, such as ceramic tiles.

As you can see, residents of old houses and flats do not have to give up the advantages of surface heating and cooling at all. The wide range of KAN-therm products offers solutions tailored to their needs.