Yes, cooling with underfloor heating is possible provided you use the right system. With a system that can both cool and heat, you will be less bothered by cold and hot days, because the temperature in the house is always pleasant. In this blog article we will tell you all about the possibilities of cooling with underfloor heating .
Cooling with underfloor heating is only possible using a reversible heat pump. This type of heat pump can both heat and cool the water in the system. There are different types of reversible heat pumps:
Air/water heat pump
Hybrid heat pump
Ground/water heat pump
Water/water heat pump
Air/water heat pump
This heat pump uses the outside air or ventilation air as an energy source. The pump converts the energy into cold or heat, which cools or heats the water in the floor system.
Hybrid heat pump
A hybrid heat pump consists of a combination of an air/water heat pump and a high-efficiency boiler. On days when it is too cold or too hot and the hybrid heat pump cannot heat or cool the home sufficiently, the HR boiler takes over.
With this heat pump, a pipe system is installed in the ground through which a fluid is pumped around. Cold or heat is created with the help of this liquid. You do not need to replace the fluid and the pipe system is closed. That is why we also talk about a 'closed system'.
Water/water heat pump
This system extracts energy from the groundwater with which the water can be heated or cooled. Compared to other types of heat pumps, the installation costs for a water/water heat pump are high.
Is cooling with underfloor heating possible with just a central heating boiler?
No, if the underfloor heating is connected to a central heating boiler and no heat pump is used, cooling is not possible. This is because the liquid temperature for cooling must be lower than the ambient temperature.
An example to clarify this: if it is 30 degrees in the house, the temperature of the water in the central heating system is also 30 degrees. This means you cannot use the water for cooling.
Can underfloor cooling cause condensation?
Yes, but only if the underfloor cooling temperature is set too low. You can easily solve this by choosing a system with a dew point protection that prevents condensation. If this is not possible, we can apply a "moisture barrier" to the subfloor.
Underfloor heating and cooling in combination with a wooden floor
Contrary to popular belief, underfloor heating and cooling go well with wooden floors. A wooden floor in the form of a engineered floor is made of cross-glued waterproof plywood with a top layer of solid wood.
This structure of the floor parts ensures that both cooling and heating have little influence on the working (shrinking and expanding) of the floor. The work on the floor is so minimal that it is even possible to install the wooden floor tightly against the wall without skirting boards.
Would you like to know more about the options for having a wooden floor installed in combination with underfloor heating and underfloor cooling? Then visit one of our showrooms in Alphen aan den Rijn , Amsterdam or Naarden. Want to get some first inspiration? Then request our magazine for free.
Yes, underfloor heating can also be used for cooling, this is known as underfloor cooling. The principle is similar to underfloor heating , but instead of circulating warm water through the pipes, cold water is used to cool the floor. This can ensure pleasant and even cooling of the room.
How does underfloor cooling work with underfloor heating systems?
Underfloor cooling with underfloor heating systems works by circulating cold water through pipes in the floor. The cold water absorbs heat from the room and cools the floor, lowering the temperature in the room. The cooled water is then returned to the cooling system to be cooled again. The cooling process can be controlled via a thermostat, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your comfort level.
Are special adjustments required for underfloor heating systems to provide cooling?
Yes, underfloor heating systems that are suitable for cooling usually require additional components, such as a heat pump or a chiller. These devices are responsible for cooling the water flowing through the underfloor heating pipes. The pipes and control systems must also be suitable for cooling the floor. It is important to check whether your existing underfloor heating system is suitable for cooling or whether adjustments are required.
What are the advantages of underfloor cooling with underfloor heating ?
Even cooling: Floor cooling ensures even cooling of the room, because the cold air rises from the floor.
Energy efficiency: Underfloor cooling can be more energy efficient than traditional air conditioning systems, especially when combined with an energy-efficient heat pump.
Comfortable: Cooling from the floor is often experienced as more comfortable, because the cooling is evenly distributed and no drafts arise.
Space saving: Because the cooling is built into the floor, no additional space is required for air conditioning units or radiators.
Are there any limitations when using underfloor heating for cooling?
Although underfloor heating is suitable for cooling, there are some limitations that should be taken into account:
Limited cooling capacity: Underfloor cooling may not provide sufficient cooling in extremely hot climates or at very high outdoor temperatures.
Slow response: underfloor cooling generally takes a longer time to cool because it is a slower system.
