We understand that creating a healthy environment within healthcare settings is of considerable importance, underfloor heating’s radiant heating style prevents the movement of dust particles, reduces humidity and mould, creating a healthy environment for sufferers of allergies or respiratory issues.
Additionally, providing thermally comfortable surroundings for both staff and the patients they care for, is important too. A warm and cosy environment can mitigate any discomfort or distractions around being too cold or hot and is proven to be conducive to health and wellbeing. The warmth provided is evenly distributed from the ground up, eliminating cold spots through proper planning of ‘heated zones’, which means that heat is available where needed and absent where it is not.
An ideal indoor climate can be achieved through the discreet, gentle nature of the radiant heat technology provided by underfloor heating (UFH). It is one of the preferred heat emitters stated by NHS England because of reduced infection risk, increased safety and maximising useable space.
Looking to upgrade dated heating systems?
As the UK moves towards a zero-carbon future, there is no time like the present to invest in heating systems that integrate well with low carbon heat sources to minimise carbon impact, like underfloor heating which is increasingly being used as an alternative to more traditional heating methods.
If your project is inclusive of heat pumps, then there is even more reason to consider underfloor heating, as the two work perfectly together because they work at their most efficient when at low temperatures.
Reasons To Consider Underfloor Heating for Healthcare Settings
Health and Wellbeing
- UFH is a great low temperature alternative to traditional heating methods such as air conditioning or radiators that heat via convection and can harbour mould, dust and dirt. Underfloor heating uses radiant heat and does not lift dust and dust mites along with other airborne allergens around in the air, resulting in improved air quality and a reduction in potential triggers for those with asthma or other respiratory illnesses.
- Radiant heat is how UFH heats a space and is similar in feeling to the warmth of the sun as it heats the surface of the earth, providing a gentle and comfortable level of heat
- There are no exposed surfaces that could scald or burn, so UFH offers a safer option for facilities specialising in care for the frail or elderly.
- Opting for UFH means a reduction in moisture on and within floor coverings reducing risks of slips and inhibits bacterial growth.
Safety and Thermal Comfort
- Radiators can prove to be safety hazards in medical settings for those who may be unsteady on their feet and may reach out for a radiator to steady themselves and end up with serious burns and injuries. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that heating systems should not exceed maximum surface temperatures of 43°C, and if they do, then steps should be taken to reduce flow temperatures, guard heated areas and ensure heat sources are located out of reach, etc.
- By nature, UFH works to low flow temperatures meaning no risks of scalds or injuries and no extra expense to conceal or lower the flow temperature.
Energy Efficiency
- Energy efficient, low temperature heating systems are especially key when heating healthcare premises 24/7. Underfloor heating is designed to be on continuously and at low flow temperatures between 35- 55˚C, considerably lower than the 80˚C traditional radiators work to.
- You can expect to see between a 15-40 % decrease in energy costs when using underfloor heating, increased more so when paired with low temperature heat sources like heat pumps.
Product Longevity
- UFH requires very little maintenance, and the five layered PE-RT (polyethylene at raised temperature resistance) pipes used are guaranteed by WMS for 50 years, giving you ultimate peace of mind in the reliability of your heating system.
- Ideally, radiators need to be replaced after 25 years. This means that within the lifetime of an underfloor heating system, premises using radiators would require replacements up to three times.
Environmental Considerations
- Low carbon heating will steadily become more important to be conscious of the carbon impact we have and to be conscious of the carbon impact of the things we use. Underfloor Heating is 93% less carbon intensive than radiators.
- PE-RT pipe is environmentally safe and can be easily melted down and recycled at the end of its life. Underfloor heating requires less material by volume, lasts longer and plastic uses 58% less carbon to produce than iron and steel.
Government published statistics state that the manufacture of –
Iron and Steel Products = 7.1 MTCO2e
Plastic Products = 3 MTCO2e
*MTCO2e = metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent
Our Healthcare Projects
WMS have extensive experience in the system design and install of underfloor heating for healthcare settings, and you can rest assured that your project plans will remain on track with us. Here are a few of our projects within the healthcare industry:
WMS used the AmbiClip and AmbiTak underfloor heating systems for this project and acted as a one stop shop from subfloor to the screed.
WMS were tasked with providing underfloor heating to communal areas of the new state-of-the-art hospital and in turn free up wall space. Using the AmbiTak system with central plant boilers as the primary heat source.
Thinking about water-based underfloor heating for your hospital, nursing home or medical practice? WMS specialise in the design, supply and install of a variety of UFH system types to suit your individual project requirements.