Often, big companies are pioneers in improvements, applying every piece of tech to aid their operations and save time and resources in the process. Although underfloor heating has been present on the market for a long time, it doesn’t seem that its benefits are known to a wide range of company owners. However, underfloor heating for commercial buildings has too many advantages for businesses and employees to be overlooked for too long.
What is an underfloor heating system?
Underfloor heating uses a system of electrical cables or water pipes set into the floor to heat it directly. In essence, it generates heat between the floor surface and its occupants. Both electrical and hydronic systems have many variants depending on the space available and heating requirements. However, underfloor heating, in general, has found its most prominent use in commercial buildings such as production facilities, warehouses, exhibition halls, and workshops, and for a couple of very good reasons.
When is the right time to consider the installation of underfloor heating?
Installation of underfloor heating often comes as the first step in setting up commercial space. However, the greatest number of established companies consider it before moving their warehouses or production facilities to a more convenient location. Commercial relocations are projects that involve great investments and manpower, and they are time-demanding. Careful planning is key to making a simple relocation to your new building possible but also starting your business operations on the right foot after the move.
Why is underfloor heating for commercial buildings a good choice?
A great variety of commercial facilities asks for different solutions when it comes to heating and cooling. A simple heating system that works in the office of a well-insulated commercial building may not suffice in a large, poorly insulated warehouse. This is why the first thing business owners must consider is the differences between radiators and underfloor heating and which solution serves their workspace best.
Regarding large, frequented commercial spaces such as production or storage facilities, underfloor heating is an optimal choice. Its features have a significant positive impact on
- Employee retention and productivity
- Operating costs and energy saving
- Use of space in production facilities
- Environmental protection efforts
- Maintenance and service life.
When regarded more closely, the five above-mentioned elements are the most important aspects of a successful business. And each one of them is greatly affected by the right choice of a heating system. When even a small change can make a drastic impact on business operations, considering the system that benefits both the company and its employees is vital.
An adequate level of comfort and employee retention
Where employee retention is concerned, high-quality work conditions are among the top-ranking factors. Unfortunately, industrial buildings are known for being the most overlooked spaces regarding employee comfort. A path to higher employee satisfaction is embedded with an underfloor heating system.
Such a system creates a zone of warm air right where it should be, at floor level. At the same time, it maximizes the comfort of employees and limits heat losses. Moreover, it ensures constantly dry floors eliminating the risk of slips. And finally, without the need for fan-forced heating, the circulation of dust, bacteria, and industry-related fumes is significantly reduced.
Lower energy use and savings
Heating the air evenly in a facility with high ceilings is never an option because it’s neither feasible nor cost-effective. Therefore, underfloor heating for commercial buildings is used to avoid thermal stratification and heat losses. This system requires a lower operating temperature to heat the floor uniformly, resulting in heat and energy preservation as well as reduced operating expenses. This makes it the most efficient and economical heating solution, especially for large, spacious commercial buildings.
Better use of available space
An underfloor heating system doesn’t take up valuable space. It also allows for the placement of heavy machinery needed in the production facilities as it is set into the floor slabs. These two factors together provide numerous options to arrange the ideal layout of any commercial facility. Without the necessity for additional heating units, the entirety of the industrial floor, wall, and ceiling space are available for use. This aspect benefits not only industrial facilities but also sports halls and fair pavilion buildings.
Environmental protection benefits
Both in terms of a safe work environment and environmental protection, underfloor heating systems come out as a perfect option. This system’s gradual and even heating results in dry floors and the absence of drafts and circulation of allergens and germs. On the other hand, low operating temperature leads to energy savings but also lower consumption of fossil fuels.
Likewise, low operating temperature makes it compatible with sustainable energy sources, especially with geothermal heat pumps and solar thermal collectors. There is also a possibility of using waste heat from the processes within the facility as an energy source for underfloor heating.
Little to zero maintenance and longer service life
While it is true that underfloor heating requires a higher initial investment, it pays off in the long term through highly reduced energy bills. Compared to other heating alternatives, the same high initial expenses pave the ground for even further savings – lower maintenance costs. A kind of thermoplastic used for the underfloor pipes is specially designed for endurance and reliability. This leaves a pipeline manifold, which doesn’t take much space nor requires much supervision after installation.
A couple of key takeaways
With the proper quality insulation, underfloor heating for commercial buildings is a solution that benefits businesses on several levels. In the era of companies ranking for environmental responsibility, a business striving to remain competitive can’t afford to neglect it. The best heating solution is not only considerate to the environment in a general sense but to the employees directly exposed to it. With savings coming with higher worker retention, reduced energy losses and maintenance costs, and profits arriving from a better-utilized workspace, it is clear which heating option is the right one.