In the search for efficient and sustainable heating systems, the heat pump and underfloor heating are two technologies that stand out for their high energy efficiency and their ability to provide exceptional thermal comfort. But what happens when we combine these two technologies? The answer is a highly efficient and comfortable heating solution. We invite you to read this article where you will find out more about this exceptional combination.

What is the underfloor heat pump?

The heat pump with underfloor heating is an air conditioning system that combines aerothermal heat pump technology with underfloor heating.

Underfloor heating is a heating system based on the distribution of heat through cross-linked polyethylene pipes that are hidden under a layer of cement mortar and a final screed. In winter, the mortar absorbs the heat from the pipes and transfers it to the screed above, which in turn transmits this energy to the walls and ceiling of the room by radiation and to a lesser extent by natural convection. In summer, the process is reversed and the floor absorbs the heat by radiation and convection from the walls and ceiling, which is then transferred to the mortar bed and the underfloor heating pipes and finally transported through the water to the outside of the house.

The heat pump, on the other hand, is a technology that harnesses the energy of the outside air to generate heat in winter and cooling in summer, using a heat pump. The basic configuration of the underfloor heating system by heat pump consists of the impulsion of water at medium temperature (around 40ºC in winter and 16ºC in summer) driven by the aerothermal heat pump through circuits of cross-linked polyethylene pipes. In this way, heat is transmitted or extracted from the home, adapting to the thermal needs of each season of the year.

The combination of these two technologies offers numerous advantages. Firstly, high energy efficiency is obtained, which translates into significant energy savings. The good efficiency of the aerothermal heat pump and the pleasant heat distribution of underfloor heating come together in this heating solution, allowing exceptional thermal comfort to be obtained with really low energy consumption.

How does a heat pump underfloor heating system work?

The heat pump is a technology that harnesses the renewable energy present in the outside air to generate heat and cooling inside the home. The heat pump consists of two units: the outdoor unit and the indoor unit.

In summer, the indoor unit absorbs heat from the air in the house and transports it to the outside via the outdoor unit. The cold water is distributed through the underfloor heating by means of a collector, thus achieving uniform and comfortable air-conditioning in all rooms of the home.

In winter, the process is reversed. The outdoor unit absorbs the thermal energy present in the outside air and transports it to the interior of the home via the indoor unit. The thermal energy is transferred to the water, which is sent to the underfloor heating to heat the rooms in the home.

Thanks to this system, high energy efficiency is achieved, as the renewable energy present in the outside air is used to generate heat and cold inside the home. In addition, underfloor heating is a very comfortable air conditioning system, as the temperature is distributed evenly throughout the home.

The heat pump underfloor heating system is very versatile and adaptable to different types of homes and thermal needs. By dimensioning the installation to work at low temperatures (between 30 and 50 degrees for heating), a higher degree of energy efficiency is achieved. Likewise, temperatures and operating times can be adjusted according to the needs of each user, which allows for greater control and personalisation of the system.

How much does it cost to install underfloor heating with a heat pump?

The average cost of installing an underfloor heating system with heat pump varies depending on the size of the house and the specific characteristics of the installation, ranging from €10,000 for small houses to more than €20,000 for large houses of more than 200m2. Although this price may seem high in comparison with other heating systems, such as the installation of gas with radiators, it should be taken into account that the combined system of underfloor heating and heat pump can reduce energy consumption by up to 65-70%, which allows the investment to be recovered in the medium and long term. It is generally estimated that a heat pump system will pay for itself in approximately 7 years.

In addition, it should be considered that the installation of underfloor heating with a heat pump is more versatile than other heating systems, as it allows both heating and cooling of the house. This means that, in the medium and long term, it can be more cost-effective to install this system due to the savings on energy bills. It is also important to mention that in some countries and regions there are grants and subsidies for the installation of efficient heating systems, such as underfloor heating with heat pumps, which can further reduce the initial cost of installation.

Advantages and disadvantages

Although the heat pump with underfloor heating has many advantages, there are also some disadvantages to consider:

Advantages:

• High energy efficiency: The use of the heat pump together with underfloor heating allows for high energy efficiency, which translates into significant electricity savings and a significant reduction in consumption bills.
• Renewable energy: The heat pump is considered a renewable energy according to the CTE, as it uses the heat from the air as clean energy.
• Sustainability: The heat pump air conditioning system with underfloor heating is sustainable, as it can be powered by renewable energies, such as solar energy, which allows for optimal operation.
• Thermal comfort: Underfloor heating allows a pleasant distribution of heat, offering exceptional thermal comfort.
• Adaptability: The heat pump underfloor heating system is very versatile and adaptable to different types of homes and thermal needs.
• Energy efficiency: By dimensioning the installation to work at low temperatures (between 30 and 50 degrees for heating), a higher degree of energy efficiency is achieved.
  Control and customisation: Temperatures and operating times can be adjusted according to the needs of each user, allowing greater control and customisation of the system.

Disadvantages:

• High initial cost: the installation cost of a heat pump system with underfloor heating can be higher than other conventional heating or air conditioning systems, although in the long term the investment is recovered due to the high energy efficiency and savings on electricity bills.
• Space requirements: underfloor heating systems require space for their installation, so it is important to consider whether the house has enough space for their installation.
• Heating time: underfloor heating, being a system based on the distribution of heat through the floor, requires a longer heating time than other heating systems, so it is necessary to plan its ignition in advance.

Conclusion

The installation of underfloor heating with a heat pump can be an excellent option for those who are looking for an efficient, sustainable and thermally comfortable heating and cooling system. It is important to consider both the advantages and disadvantages before deciding to install this type of system, and always rely on qualified professionals for its design, installation and maintenance.

At ClimaMarket we are specialists in air conditioning and we offer a wide variety of heat pump systems from the best manufacturers on the market. If you are interested in purchasing a heat pump system for underfloor heating, do not hesitate to visit our website where you will find a wide selection of high quality products at competitive prices. We also offer personalised advice through our multilingual customer service team, experts in air conditioning, to solve all your doubts and help you choose the best option for your needs. Trust ClimaMarket for your air conditioning projects and start enjoying the advantages of the heat pump with underfloor heating today!