Could underfloor solutions foot the bill for home heating?
A recent report by the Committee for Climate Change called for a ban on domestic gas boilers by 2025. The report – UK Housing: Fit for the Future? – wants the government to ensure that new homes are not connected to the gas grid and that domestic heating is decarbonised by switching to electric heating and away from gas boilers.
In his Spring Statement, Chancellor Philip Hammond also said new standards should “mandate the end of fossil fuel heating systems in new homes from 2025, delivering lower carbon and lower fuel bills”.
So what is the answer to this fossil fuel problem? There are several ‘renewable’ energy solutions available in the market today including hydropower, wind power, solar power, geothermal energy and bioenergy.
All of them are suitable in certain circumstances, but not all are suitable for most developments as they can be costly upfront, take up a lot of valuable land space and have high ongoing maintenance costs.
For the majority of UK builders, these options are going to be reserved for top-of-the-range projects. But what about the 60-70% of other houses and flats?
An alternative is quick-fix, easy to install and no-maintenance electric underfloor heating (UFH) and infrared heaters.
The international expert
Flexel International Ltd has been manufacturing and supplying innovative electric underfloor heating systems and accessories to the world market since 1978. Its range includes UFH, ceiling heating, frost protection cables and far infrared heating panels.
As part of the Fenix Group of companies, with production facilities in the UK, France, Spain and the Czech Republic, it is now one of the largest and most influential companies involved in the manufacture and marketing of large surface area radiant heating.
Flexel exports to countries where gas imports are too expensive and electricity is the primary energy source, with its products used as a primary heat source rather than a secondary back-up system.
As you’d expect from a company that’s been manufacturing for over 41 years, it’s fully compliant with all current regulations and requirements, including EN 60335-2-96 and ICE 60800. And most importantly, Flexel is approved to comply with the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations.
The hottest technology
All Flexel products utilise radiant heating – also known as far infrared heating – which heats the objects in the room, rather than the air. This creates a comfortable and even heat throughout the area and also reduces drafts and dust movement, so it’s great for allergy sufferers.
Electric UFH is a highly efficient, low-cost way to heat a building or home. Most of Flexel’s UFH systems operate at 150w per m² and use floor probes to feed back the temperature of the floor. This allows its thermostats to be very accurate and cuts running costs by managing the floor temperature, rather than the ever-changing air temperature caused by a water-based, oil-based or electric convection heater system.
Flexel’s infrared heaters are more efficient too, with a 0.5Kw model typically the equivalent of a 1.2Kw standard electric convection heater – offering great energy savings to customers.
The company’s UFH systems can be installed under almost any surface and are completely invisible and quiet. Unlike conventional warm water radiators, which don’t contribute to the room’s aesthetics and can take up space, a radiant floor or ceiling heating system allows more flexibility to create the perfect living environment. In addition, Flexel works closely with an established network of approved distributors consisting of all national and independent electrical wholesalers across the UK.
It also offers a free design service to ensure that electricians are able to specify the correct products and accessories for their customers.
For more information, email ch@flexel.co.uk call 07377 357 708 or go to www.flexel.co.uk
Sign up for free training seminar
Flexel is holding a free training session in association with SELECT on Wednesday 26 June at its factory at Glenrothes.
The seminar will cover information, installation and controls for a range of the latest Flexel products, including a live hands-on installation demonstration of EcoFloor. The session will also count towards a half day of CPD, with a certificate issued after completion if required.
To book a space on the seminar, which runs from 9.30am to 1pm, contact SELECT Training on 0131 445 5577 or e-mail training@select.org.uk
