Underfloor heating in conservatories and garden rooms: embracing indoor-outdoor living all year round

As the summer months approach, homeowners across the UK are gearing up to make the most of their conservatories or garden rooms – or preparing to get one built.

However, there’s something that can make conservatories and garden rooms usable all year round – underfloor heating!

With over 30 years’ experience in the underfloor heating market, we’ve taken a look at the benefits of underfloor heating in garden rooms and conservatories – and what to consider when installing it.

What is underfloor heating?

Underfloor heating is an efficient heating system that works by radiating heat from the ground up.

A popular alternative to traditional radiator- and boiler-based heating systems, it involves installing pipes or electric heating elements which generate warmth beneath the floor.

Underfloor heating offers many advantages, including comfort, energy efficiency and aesthetics. Plus, where space is a premium, in rooms such as conservatories and garden rooms, it is the ideal choice!

Is underfloor heating suitable for conservatories and garden rooms?

In short, yes!

While they hold their warmth in the summer months, conservatories and garden rooms can be difficult to heat during the colder weather, rendering them somewhat unusable through the winter.

Underfloor heating can provide gentle, consistent warmth across the entire floor, ensuring that every corner of the room stays comfortably warm even on the coldest days, allowing the space to be enjoyed year-round.

There’s a number of system types and designs available – the most suitable will depend on the project.

Things to consider when installing underfloor heating in conservatories or garden rooms

There are a number of things to consider when installing underfloor heating in conservatories and garden rooms, including:

System

There are two main types of underfloor heating systems:

Electric underfloor heating

This system uses electric heating elements – typically cables or mats – which are installed directly beneath the floor’s surface.

When the system is turned on, the heating elements generate warmth which is transferred to the floor and radiated evenly throughout the room.

Wet underfloor heating

A wet underfloor heating system features a network of pipes installed within the floor.

Warm water circulates through the pipes from a central heating source, such as a boiler or heat pump. As the water flows through the pipes, it transfers heat to the floor, which in turn warms the room above.

The right system for your conservatory or garden room will largely depend on the nature of the project, including the size, existing heating infrastructure and whether it’s a new-build or an existing structure.

Installation

The installation of underfloor heating in a garden room will depend on the type of system used and the type of project.

Electric underfloor heating is relatively easy to install, especially heating mats which can simply be rolled out and connected to an electricity supply. This makes them well suited to a retrofitting project in an existing conservatory or garden room.

Wet underfloor heating, on the other hand, has a more complex installation process as it often requires more scope for floor build-up. This would make it more suitable for a new-build conservatory or garden room project.

Insulation

Conservatories and garden rooms are often built with large glass windows, so sufficient insulation is crucial.

Proper insulation will help prevent heat loss, ensuring that the warmth generated by the underfloor heating system remains within the room, in turn reducing heating costs.

What are the benefits of underfloor heating in conservatories or garden rooms?

Suitable for all floor types

Whether the conservatory or garden room has tiled, laminate or wooden floors, underfloor heating can be installed beneath almost any type of flooring material, providing warm floors without compromising on style.

Underfloor heating is particularly suitable for tiled floors as they are thermally conductive – so it’s not surprising that tiles are the most commonly chosen flooring for conservatories and garden rooms!

Energy efficiency

Underfloor heating is incredibly efficient – especially when used with renewable energy sources like heat pumps.

Often considered to be around 40% more efficient than traditional radiator and boiler systems, underfloor heating can run at a temperature of around 35°C, whilst radiators run at around 70°C. This temperature takes less time to reach, so consumes less energy for the same, if not better, warmth.

Plus, with programmable thermostats and zoning capabilities, the systems can be easily controlled, further optimising energy usage.

Cost-effective

Due to its energy efficiency, underfloor heating is very cost effective.

Underfloor heating systems distribute heat more evenly compared to traditional radiators and run at a lower temperature. This means that energy consumption is lower, so energy bills are lower.

Plus, they typically require minimal maintenance, so after the initial installation cost, additional spend is reduced in comparison to traditional heating methods which often require regular maintenance.

Space maximisation

Conservatories and garden rooms are often smaller rooms – and underfloor heating can help you make the most of a smaller space.

Traditional radiators can be bulky and take up valuable wall space. With underfloor heating, there’s more room available, allowing homeowners to fully utilise every inch of their conservatory or garden room.

How can Amber help?

Here at Amber Underfloor Heating, we supply the retail sector with effective, efficient and durable underfloor heating systems.

For over 30 years, we’ve supplied the trade with underfloor heating via our extensive network of stockists, including electrical wholesalers, distributors, kitchen, bathroom and tiling showrooms and plumbers’ merchants.

If you’re a retailer seeking more information about our offering, discover more about becoming an Amber reseller.

If you’re looking for a seller of Amber products, you can find your local stockist now.