Houten Vloer met vloerverwarming en warmtepomp

Datum: 18 januari 2023
Leestijd: 6 minuten
Auteur: Uipkes Houten Vloeren

A wooden floor goes well with underfloor heating and a heat pump. Discover the possibilities here.

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Wooden floor with underfloor heating and heat pump, is that possible?

Yes, a wooden floor in the form of engineered wood flooring goes well with underfloor heating connected to a heat pump. Lamel parquet is a layered floor with a bottom layer of cross-glued waterproof birch plywood with a top layer of solid oak wood. The underlay ensures that the floor hardly expands and/or shrinks.

What is a heat pump?

A heat pump is a system that generates heat from the outside air or groundwater. The heat pump uses electricity and not natural gas, making a heat pump a lot more sustainable and energy efficient compared to a central heating boiler.

Although the investment is higher than with a central heating boiler, you will eventually earn it back.

Heat pumps come in a number of variants. Below is a brief explanation:

  • An air-water heat pump extracts heat from the outside air via a unit located outside. The heat is passed on to a refrigerant which passes it on to the heating system. An air-water heat pump is almost always a hybrid heat pump and can be used for both heating and cooling.
  • The water-water heat pump extracts heat from the groundwater, two wells are placed for supplying and removing water. A permit must be applied for before drilling for water. The 
  • The ground-water heat pump extracts heat from the soil or groundwater. This contains pipes containing liquid. The fluid absorbs heat and releases it via a heat exchanger to the heating system. 
  • The air-air heat pump (air conditioning system) works on ventilation air and is a hybrid system. It extracts the energy from the air which is converted into heat. The heat is blown into the room via wall or ceiling units. An air-to-air heat pump system can also cool by blowing cold air into the room through the units.

A heat pump system only works efficiently when you combine the system with underfloor heating . A heat pump functions best at lower temperatures and underfloor heating makes a room comfortably warm at lower temperatures. If you combine the heat pump with underfloor heating and a wooden floor, you choose one of the most sustainable and environmentally friendly options available.

Inspiratie & Informatie

Which heat pump can be efficiently combined with solar panels?

It is possible to combine a heat pump with solar panels (PV panels). Since heat pumps run on electricity, solar panels can provide the energy for the heat pump. The extent to which you can achieve a good return partly depends on your living situation, such as the insulation value of your home, the number of solar panels you need, the size of your home and whether you use underfloor heating as main or additional heating.

An air-water heat pump is most efficient in combination with solar panels. The heat generated by the solar panels can be used to support the heat pump, which extracts heat from the outside air, in heating water for underfloor heating .

Another option is a water-water heat pump that you connect to a solar heat pump. This system works efficiently by using solar heat in combination with surface water.

For the heat pump to function efficiently in combination with underfloor heating , you need a home with a low energy requirement. This means that a home needs a higher energy label, such as A or B. This means that you must have floor insulation, energy-efficient windows (HR++), doors, walls and roofs, among other things. Good air ventilation and energy-efficient lighting are also necessary for these energy labels.

To reduce installation costs, you can see if you qualify for a sustainability loan for the heat pump , solar panels and floor insulation. To find out what the best solution is for your unique situation, it is best to consult an installer

Liever thuis advies ontvangen?

Low temperature underfloor heating and the RC value of wooden floors

Heat pumps are often combined with low-temperature underfloor heating . A water temperature of 30 to 40 degrees is sufficient to make it comfortable.

For traditional radiators, the water must be heated between 60 and 75 degrees to generate sufficient heat. This results in significantly higher energy consumption.

Due to the low temperature of the underfloor heating , it is important that the thermal resistance (the Rc value) of the wooden floor is not too high, so that the heat can pass through the floor properly.

At Uipkes we have two types of engineered wooden floors with low heat resistance:

  • Vincent (Rc 0.088 kW per m2, with a top layer of 4mm solid oak)
  • Floortje (Rc 0.070 kW per m2, with a top layer of 3mm solid oak)

The thinner the wooden floor, the lower the heat resistance. At Uipkes we have more than 25 years of experience in installing wooden floors in combination with underfloor heating . We can also take care of the installation of underfloor heating . This means you have only one point of contact for your project.

Inspiratie & Informatie

Advantages of a wooden floor with underfloor heating

  • Your living comfort increases because you are not bothered by a cold floor
  • Your energy bill will be reduced because a water temperature of 30 to 40 degrees is sufficient for underfloor heating
  • Aesthetically speaking, underfloor heating is the most beautiful solution to heat your home or business premises
  • You do not have to worry about dust accumulation in radiators

Custom wooden floor with underfloor heating

To ensure that your new wooden floor with underfloor heating meets all your needs, we supply custom floors. You can choose from:

  • 90 exclusive floor colours
  • 17 installation patterns
  • Various width and length sizes for the floorboards

With a wooden floor from Uipkes you always get a floor that meets all your needs.

Would you like to know more about wooden floors and underfloor heating ?

Visit one of our showrooms in: Amsterdam or Alphen aan den Rijn

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I combine a heat pump with underfloor heating and a wooden floor?

Yes, it is possible to combine a heat pump with underfloor heating and a wooden floor. In fact, this is a popular and efficient combination that provides comfortable and energy-efficient heating in the home.

Are there specific considerations when using underfloor heating with a wooden floor?

When using underfloor heating with a wooden floor there are some important considerations:

  • Wood type: Not all wood species are suitable for underfloor heating . It is important to choose a wood specie that is resistant to temperature fluctuations and shows little impact, such as oak.
  • Thickness of the floor: A thinner floor can improve heat transfer, so preferably choose a wooden floor with a limited thickness.
  • Installation: It is essential that the wooden floor is installed correctly with underfloor heating . Consult a professional floor installer with experience in installing wooden floors on underfloor heating systems.

How does underfloor heating affect the sustainability and energy efficiency of a heat pump?

Underfloor heating can enhance the sustainability and energy efficiency of a heat pump. Underfloor heating operates at lower temperatures than traditional radiators, allowing the heat pump to work more efficiently. The even heating of the floor allows the heat pump to operate at a constant, lower temperature, resulting in lower energy consumption and fewer CO2 emissions.

Are there risks for the wooden floor when using underfloor heating ?

When using underfloor heating with a wooden floor, some risks may arise, such as:

  • Expansion and contraction: Wood can react to changes in temperature and humidity, which can lead to expansion and contraction. It is important to choose the right wood specie and the right installation method to minimize this effect.
  • Dehydration: Underfloor heating can reduce the humidity in the home, which can lead to the wood drying out. Ensure sufficient humidity to prevent this, for example by using humidifiers.
  • Discoloration: Some wood species can discolor over time under the influence of heat and light. However, this can also depend on the finish of the floor.

Do I need to use extra insulation when combining underfloor heating and a heat pump with a wooden floor?

Additional insulation can contribute to better energy efficiency and performance of the underfloor heating system and the heat pump. It is advisable to improve the insulation of the floor, especially with a wooden floor with underfloor heating , to minimize heat loss and increase efficiency. Consult a professional to determine which insulation measures are suitable for your specific situation.