Why You Should Choose Underfloor Heating with an Air Source Heat Pump
A comprehensive study conducted at a climate change laboratory in Manchester, UK, examined the performance of various heating systems under different weather conditions, including extreme cold and heat. The findings highlighted that combining air source heat pumps (ASHPs) with underfloor heating delivered the most consistent and efficient results. This pairing ensured reliable warmth at a reasonable cost, even during freezing temperatures. For homes with upper floors, incorporating traditional radiators alongside underfloor heating further optimized heating performance.
Comparing Common Heating Alternatives
Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different systems can clarify why air source heat pumps with underfloor heating are superior.
Infrared Heaters
Advantages: Heats rooms quickly and saves space.
Drawbacks: High operational costs—up to three times those of heat pumps—and ineffective in evenly heating larger spaces.
Radiators
Advantages: Easy to integrate into central heating setups.
Drawbacks: Bulky and requires wall or floor space, Less efficient than heat pumps; electric versions can lead to high running costs.
Traditional Heat Pumps (Ground Source or Ducted)
Advantages: Dual functionality for year-round use.
Drawbacks: Requires significant space for outdoor units and ducts or pipes, and its outdoor units can produce some noise.
What is an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP)?
An air source heat pump is a highly efficient heating system that extracts ambient heat from the air—even in cold conditions—and transfers it indoors.
How It Works:
Heat Extraction: Captures heat from outdoor air using a refrigerant cycle.
Heat Amplification: Compresses the extracted heat, raising its temperature.
Heat Transfer: Delivers the amplified heat to a water-based system (e.g., underfloor heating) or directly to the air.
Left: Warmth.NZ’s R290 DC Inverter Air Source Heat Pump
Advantages of Air Source Heat Pumps:
High Energy Efficiency:
Coefficient of Performance (COP): ASHPs deliver 2–4 times more heat energy than the electricity they consume.
Sustainability: Uses renewable energy like Warmth.nz R32 Heating & Cooling & DHW Monoblock DC Inverter Heat Pump, and R290 DC Inverter Air Source Heat Pump, making it more efficient than traditional heating systems.
Performance Across Temperatures:
Effective in climates as cold as -25°C.
Ideal for maintaining steady, low-temperature heating.
Cost-Effectiveness:
While the initial cost can be high, reduced running costs—especially with underfloor heating—offer significant long-term savings.
Eco-Friendly:
Reduces carbon emissions as it doesn’t rely on burning fossil fuels.
Can achieve a near-zero carbon footprint when powered by renewable electricity.
Left: Warmth.NZ’s R32 Heating & Cooling & DHW Monoblock DC Inverter Heat Pump
Why Choose Underfloor Heating?
Underfloor heating offers a modern, efficient, and comfortable heating solution that complements air source heat pumps perfectly.
Key Benefits:
Consistent and Comfortable Heat:
Eliminates cold spots by evenly distributing heat.
Provides radiant warmth, enhancing comfort in colder months.
Energy Efficiency:
Operates efficiently at low temperatures, typically around 30–40°C, making it ideal for pairing with ASHPs.
Low-temperature operation results in lower energy consumption.
Space-Saving and Silent:
Removes the need for bulky radiators, providing more design flexibility.
Operates silently, unlike traditional heating systems.
Improved Indoor Air Quality:
Reduces airborne dust and allergens compared to systems that circulate heated air.
Health and Practical Benefits:
Keeps floors dry, which is particularly useful in bathrooms and kitchens.
Reduces moisture-related issues, improving overall indoor comfort.
Why Combine Underfloor Heating with an Air Source Heat Pump?
Pairing underfloor heating with an air-source heat pump creates the ideal heating solution for modern homes. Here’s why:
Unmatched Efficiency:
The combination offers the lowest daily running costs, even in extreme cold:
$4.89 at 5°C
$13.68 at -5°C
Maintains consistent and comfortable temperatures with minimal energy consumption.
Optimal Performance:
Air source heat pumps perform best with low-temperature systems like underfloor heating, maximizing their COP (up to 3.7 in tests).
Flexible Design:
Underfloor heating is ideal for ground floors, while traditional radiators can be used for upper levels to balance installation costs and performance.
Sustainability:
Together, these systems significantly reduce carbon emissions and align with sustainability goals, especially when powered by renewable energy.
For homeowners seeking an efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly heating solution, underfloor heating combined with an air-source heat pump is the optimal choice. This pairing delivers consistent warmth, long-term savings, and sustainability, making it the ideal solution for modern and retrofitted homes.
(Note: Data are from the above Climate Change Laboratory Study and products’ testing reports.)