Underfloor heating has always been considered the more luxurious form of heating, only because the upfront cost of installation is a lot higher than other systems used to heat your home. It means hard floor surfaces are warm to the touch and the system is completely silent, there is no warm air being blown around your home. The system does not take up any wall space and is completely hidden from view. Underfloor systems can run at much lower temperatures than radiator systems, which increases the efficiency of the boilers and heat pumps used to supply the heat. What is underfloor heating? Underfloor heating is a hydronic heating system that uses a gas boiler or hot water heat pump to produce a supply of warm water. The warm water is circulated through your home via plastic pipes installed within the concrete slab. The pipes within the slab conduct warmth to the surface, which pushes the heat energy to the room above. This system gives even heat to your entire home and is completely safe around children. Installation options An underfloor central heating system is very difficult to retrofit to an existing home as the hot water pipes are embedded within the concrete slab. However, these systems are suited to new build homes. It is very important to plan the underfloor heating well in advance as it is fitted in the slab very early on. Underfloor options There are a few different options when it comes to underfloor heating. The different manufacturers use slightly different technology to achieve the central heating of you home. In-slab This is the most common warm water underfloor heating system in New Zealand. This is mainly because it is the most cost effective to install in a standard home with a concrete floor slab, but it will require special considerations from the architect and builder. A typical Kiwi Inslab system will provide heating to the designated rooms in eight hours and is generally left on low continuously. European screed underfloor heating This is usually around 50mm thick and has reduced thermal mass when compared to in-slab. This is completely insulated from the rest of the building and outside, which means lower heat losses, higher efficiency and faster response to controls. Multitubo micro-screed This is a much thinner system using smaller pipes laid into a special moulded floor plate. A screed is spread over the pipes, with the flooring laid over the top. Due to its low weight and height, this method is more suitable for installing over existing timber floors as well as concrete floors. Metal plate timber floor system Alloy plates to spread heat are laid under floor boards or timber panel floors. The pipes are clipped into the plates which conduct the heat away from the pipes. This can be used to retrofit an existing home if the existing floor is strong enough and the raised floor level is acceptable. Installation costs Installation costs may be less than you expect. This will also vary depending on the type of underfloor heating you’ve picked for your home. Some options cost a lot more than other to install, but may have lower running costs in the long run. It is important to consider the space that needs to be heated, not the floor size of your home. Most people would not insulate their garage. A house smaller than 100sqm would see a higher installation cost per square metre; while a home bigger than 250sqm would have lower installation costs. The type fuel source you use may also impact the installation costs and should be factored in when making your decision. Running costs Running costs can vary depending on the source of heat: Natural gas has an estimated monthly running cost of $285 per month LPG has an estimated running cost of $575 per month Diesel has an estimated running cots of $410 per month Firewood has an estimated running cost of $250 per month Air to water heat pump has an estimated running cost of $285 per month Things to consider before installing Underfloor Heating The location of your home may determine which system you use and how much heating is required. Houses in colder parts of New Zealand require more heating. Natural gas is not available in the South Island. The energy source available to you will impact installation and running costs. While there are many different fuel source available to provide the heat, they all have different running costs, some cheaper than others. In most cases, investing in an efficient system will save you money on running costs in the long run. Installing a cheaper system may save on installation costs, but you may end up spending more on running costs in the long run. The way your home has been designed also impacts you household heating requirements. The heat loss of a home in any given location is affected by insulation, amount of glazing, size of windows, lack of curtains, height of ceiling and the complexity of the build. Your lifestyle will also have an impact on how much you spend on heating your home. The amount of energy used for heating is highly dependent on temperature preference and operating hours. You can also install a split system, where you have a mix of underfloor heating and radiators. It’s very important to make a decision and involve your heating specialists early on in your build. The underfloor heating will be some the first things done during the build and need to be right from the start. Contact us today for a consultation about your options for underfloor heating and installation costs.
Jan
After a number of calls from Villa owners asking why everyone is moving to radiators again I thought maybe I should attempt to answer the question for the benefit of all Villa and Bungalow owners. Radiators in Villas The majority of Villas and Bungalows are found in the older more established parts of Auckland, many close to 100 years old and more. I just bought one in Mt Eden last month and it is apparently built between 1920 and 1929. Old houses, often drafty, generally built the wrong way around for sun, high ceilings, everything you do not want, if what you want is a warm home. Have you ever been in a warm Villa, possibly not. There are a few and in most cases they have radiators for heating, or a duct ed warm air system, and most heated by gas. You will know some have fires, open fires, and multiple fires, but even they are pretty hopeless when it comes to heating, more just for ambiance and cooking toast. Modern Radiators and Why they suit Villas You will also notice all these old houses are on piles, up off the ground, no concrete floors. This makes fitting a new radiator heating system great. You can fit radiators in the rooms you wish, drop connections under house, loop a circuit of flow and return pipes around back to a gas boiler, connect up the gas and a thermostat, and bobs your uncle, you’ll never be cold again in your chilly old Villa. It is probably a bit harder and more time consuming to fit than the paragraph above, but none the less, easily completed in a few days, not super costly, and adds luxury to your home. This will not replace the spark and crackle of a fire, but it will safely and effectively heat your home. Radiators are Safe The fantastic thing about radiators is they are a safe form of heating. No one will get burnt, the house wont catch on fire, no naked flames. Yes there is still a heating component to the system with gas and energy, but much safer than a fire. Heating with Radiators – Radiant Heat Radiators are simply amazing in respect to how they heat the room. There is nothing worse than standing in front of a little heater from the super store, or a heat pump, that blows on you, making you feel warm, and the moment you walk out of the heat you freeze again. Install a radiator and you will have a warm room, even temperature through out. No hot air blowing, then cold 2 meters away. Even controlled heat. It makes total sense that the growing trend is for radiators again. Think of the Radiators at School Radiators were what we grew up with. Think back to the frosty mornings at school. What did you do, go and sit on the radiator. Of course hottest by the radiator, but even the whole class room was toasty warm. There is always new stuff coming out. But really, some times you just cant beat a good old heating system that works. Of course technology has advanced, the actually heating part of the system, or the gas boiler unit, has advanced, the systems are much more efficient than days gone by, but fundamentally, its just a modern version of what you had at school. Join the growing trend. Get radiators fitted in your home today. I’ll be Fitting Radiators in my Villa When I renovate the little Villa I just bought in Mt Eden I will be adding radiators without a doubt. It is a cold little place, right by mountain, sun is limited, drafty, has insulation, but still will be freezing, the tenant told me. But guaranteed… add a radiator or two, fit a gas boiler up to it, and she’ll be the warmest house in the street – more than likely. Join me and many others… Never be cold again. Get radiators installed in your place now. You will not be disappointed. CLICK HERE For great deals on radiators – or to find out more…. Or if you want to speak to one of the heating technicians just call 0800 PLUMBER | 0800 758 623
Jan
RINNAI GAS FIRES We have a number of our customers asking us about Rinnai gas fires. They want to know why they are so popular, and more about gas fires in general. They are often contemplating removing their old wood fire and upgrading to a gas fire. Gas fires are a great option to consider. They will tick all the boxes. WHY ARE RINNAI GAS FIRES POPULAR? Rinnai gas fires have become trendy and popular as a stylish and modern answer to the typical wood fireplace. Rinnai gas fires will heat your home in a cost effective and efficient manner. This will save you money on heating costs. Also worth noting is the reduced environmental impacts. There is nothing quite like a flame that flickers. The ambiance created by a gas fire in the living room is fantastic. A gas fire offers that feeling of a real fire, along with all of the benefits of gas. Noted – no more need to chop and store firewood! Every home has a different look, so you’ll need a fireplace that fits your home. Take a look at the range of Rinnai gas fires and compare the options. You are sure to find the one that works in your place. RINNAI GAS FIRES Rinnai is a brand trusted throughout New Zealand, offering top quality, efficient gas fires. They come in a range of designs, including flue-less gas fires and those with ceramic logs for a wood burner look. Whatever you need, Rinnai will have a gas fire to meet your needs. INBUILT RINNAI GAS FIRES / FIREPLACES – WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES? There are many ways in which inbuilt gas fires offer more than the traditional wood burner. They provide a constant and reliable heat, with no waiting for the fire to take hold and no replenishing of logs. No more need to cut and store firewood, saving a lot of time and in some cases, money. A built-in gas fireplace eliminates sparks and mess. They are more efficient than electric heating systems. You will find Rinnai gas fires stylish, and will enhance your living room. They are easy to operate and can even be remote-controlled. Inbuilt gas fires have many advantages that make them as an ideal heat source. There is a large range of them to keep your home warm and toasty. RINNAI GAS FIRES – GREAT FOR OUTDOORS ALSO Another growing trend is to have an outdoor fire. Wow! this really adds life to your outdoor area. Not only does it enhance the area, it allows you to use the area for a much greater amount of the year. Kiwis love to sit outside and enjoy what NZ offers, but it can be cold. Make your area comfortable all year round with a new Rinnai outdoor gas fire. If you have pondered about getting a gas fire for long enough, its time to make the switch. Some people put it off as they don’t have gas in the street. Or even if they do, it is not yet connected. Either way, don’t delay any longer, call Regency Plumbing and let us help you upgrade. You will never regret upgrading to gas. Imagine just being able to start your Rinnai gas fire with the click of a button. No more wood chopping, no more storing wood. Just simple, effective gas heating, with no mess, all controlled by a small remote. It has never been easier to make the switch to gas than it is today. CALL OUR FRIENDLY TEAM ON 0800 PLUMBER | 0800 758 623WE WOULD LOVE TO HELP YOU!
Jan
RINNAI GAS HEATER A great way to heat your home is with the Rinnai gas heater. The gas heater is well worth considering when you need effective and efficient heating. In many cases there is no better way to provide real warmth to your home than with a Rinnai gas heater. With an extensive range of flued and portable gas heaters to choose from, you are pretty sure to be able to find a gas heater model that is just right for you. WARM YOUR HOME FASTER THAN A HEAT PUMP WITH A RINNAI GAS HEATER A gas fired Rinnai Energysaver gas heater heats your home faster than a heat pump of the same output. You’ll be amazed how quickly it warms your home, making it comfortable and a great place to live. You can connect them to either natural gas or LPG. They are also approved by the Sensitive Choice programme of the Asthma Foundation. These gas heaters draw in external air to maintain the quality of air in your home. The gas heater is backed with a 2 year warranty. FEATURES OF A RINNAI GAS HEATER These are easy to operate Cost effective heating They have power output up to 6.9 kW Available features include thermostats, programmable timers, remote controls, multi-speed fans and electronic ignition Safety features may include tilt switches, oxygen depletion sensors, flame failure safety system, dress guards and child locks You can be sure you will find a gas heater that is just right for you. They also operate on both LPG and natural gas. RINNAI GAS HEATER – EASY TO CONTROL With a simple and modern control panel, heating your home has never been easier. The gas heater is easy to programme and operate in a way that suits your lifestyle. Have it come on and off when you need it most. This all helps to have a cozy home, yet still be economical to run. RINNAI GAS HEATER – PORTABLE OPTIONS AVAILABLE Is some homes you will already have a gas bayonet on the wall from a previous heater. This makes it quick and easy for you to connect your new Rinnai portable gas heater. Just purchase the LPG or natural gas model you require, take it home and you’re ready to roll. Just be sure to check the output and required air space to operate the heater are within the required limits and specifications. If you need help with this be sure to call an Rinnai installation expert. So, if you find yourself with a house that is rather chilly and needs a warm up. Grab yourself a gas heater. Even if you don’t have gas in your street, you can run it on LPG bottles. They just make sense in so many cases. They are also really efficient and push the heat out at low level. And where do you go when you need one… Regency Plumbing. We have a team of licensed gasfitters who would be most happy to fit one for you. Don’t spend another winter freezing when Rinnai have a whole warehouse full of these heaters do nothing in a box. CALL OUR FRIENDLY TEAM ON 0800 PLUMBER | 0800 758 623WE WOULD LOVE TO HELP YOU!
Feb
Are you tired of being cold and want to find out more about underfloor heating? UNDERFLOOR HEATING Is underfloor heating expensive? Is underfloor heating economical to run? There are many different underfloor heating systems… which is best for me? We will try and help you with a few questions on underfloor heating in this blog. WHAT IS UNDERFLOOR HEATING? These systems are hydronic radiant floor heating systems. They use a gas boiler or heat pump to produce a warm supply of water. This is then circulated via a small pump through plastic pipes installed within the concrete slab. The pipe in the floor carries heated water that conducts warmth to the surface of the floor where it then pushes heat energy to the room above. It is a very clever system which gives you even heat/warmth across the entire house. This has got to be one of the ultimate luxuries for your new home. ARE THESE SYSTEMS EXPENSIVE? It all depends on how you see it. Everyone forms their own opinion of what value for money is. Most people have different priorities in life. Everyone makes their own choice as to what they will spend their money on, whether or not, investing in underfloor heating systems is important to them. When you consider the complexity, the amount of work in setting up underfloor heating, the cost is well and truly justified. But, yes for most the cost / investment upfront is significant. After you experience the long term benefit of underfloor heating, your first warm winter. The bitter pill you had to swallow (the cost) doesn’t seem much more than a panadol tablet. The kiwi way has always been to just pull on another jumper or jersey. These days, people are starting to expect more. Heating for the home is a key part of the design. Even down to the basic insulation, every home must have it. At some point no doubt, every home will have to have a heating system. New Zealand gets cold. The environment we live in is often damp, especially in winter. For a dryer, healthy, warm home of luxury, look into underfloor heating systems. The long term benefits of underfloor heating, for your health and the homes health will be significant. So is underfloor heating expensive, yes, but it all depends on what is a priority for you. Some people will buy a car knowing they will lose $20,000 the moment they drive out of the dealership. You could spend $20,000 on an underfloor heating system and it will go up in value with the home. So it is an investment for sure, and well worth considering. THE COST OF UNDERFLOOR HEATING SYSTEMS Why does the cost vary so much? This is an interesting question. Can I quickly say, the difference is justified. The installers are not all scammers. There are 2 real considerations in my view. Maybe 3, but we’ll start with 2. What energy source do you have available. What underfloor heating systems are going to be available to you. Sometimes you will have to run with a gas boiler. Or sometimes you will have to run with a heat pump. Possibly you may be able to use diesel, or waste oil. There are many options. Obviously if you are on a small section in the city though, you are not going to want a big diesel tank. Or if you don’t have access to natural gas, you could use LPG, however most systems are not as cost efficient on LPG. So maybe not always a good choice. Some areas may not allow certain energy sources. So number one, what system you can have will have a large bearing on cost, as every system is very different in upfront cost. The more you pay up front, the cheaper it will be to run long term. Not 100% accurate, but as a rule, spend more money up front for an efficient system, and you can run is efficiently for ever. Buy the cheapest possible system you can get up front, and you will pay for it as you go. Even worse, if you are on LPG bottles you are really aware of the cost as you have to keep replacing them. The cost does not change, but as the bottle truck turns up every week, you are very aware of gas consumption and the cost. Based on my experience now, I feel LPG for heating is the last resort. It works fine, but customers are left really aware of the cost and inconvenience to run. TIP – You may not be getting ripped off. You may not need to go and get a 5th quote after-all. just to find it is different again. What you may need to do is ask more questions. Understand why the underfloor heating systems vary so much in price. Then be sure to understand the long term running cost differences. They are extreme differences that you need to be aware of before finalizing your decision. Sometimes a split system can be ideal. WHAT IS A SPLIT SYSTEM? When I refer to a split system, I refer to a system with say a mix of underfloor heating and radiators. Having a mix can be very effective, and also economical to run. Getting good advice from a reputable installer like Regency Plumbing right at the beginning, is a good idea. You may just find the perfect solution for your new home is not as costly as you first thought. Also you may find you can get a system that saves you money long term in operating costs. Radiators are also now very sleek, stylish, and well worth considering – to find out more [CLICK HERE] I hope you have found this blog useful, helpful, and interesting. If you need any more help, information, or a quote, we would be more than happy to help you. For underfloor heating systems, Regency Plumbing have an expert design and installation team. CALL […]
