What is In Slab Heating?

Hydronic slab heating is an energy efficient and cost effective form of in-home heating, where the pipes that carry heated water are typically laid during the time of the home being built. Its method includes heating water with a gas boiler, which is then distributed through concrete flooring in an upwards cycle. This allows for an even heat temperature throughout the home while eliminating any form of forced air similar to regular ducted heating. Hydronic in slab heating is the perfect heating solution for large open spaces such as dining, living and kitchen areas with a concrete slab beneath them.

What is In Screed Heating?

An equally effective form of hydronic heating, is in screed heating. In-Screed Hydronic heating systems are installed using an insulation barrier (polystyrene foam) over the structural concrete slab. The polythene ‘floor circuits’ are then fixed on top of the insulation barrier before a smaller, top layer of screed (concrete) is applied.

In screed hydronic heating has its pipes positioned closer to the top of the structural slab within a concrete screed which allows for reduced heat loss and a faster reaction time, dramatically improving operational running cost. 

Common Questions

Will the floor get too hot to walk on?

The floor’s heating is controlled by a thermostat. Once the floor has been heated to a temperature that you have set and are comfortable with, it will turn off it off until it begins to cool, where it will then begin to heat it back up again. This is done through a thermostat which assists in regulating the temperature in your space. 

How long will it take the floor to heat up?

The time it takes to heat up your floor will depend on the type of flooring you have, as well as the insulation being used. 

What floor surfaces can in slab and in screed heating work with?

Read our blog post Best Floor for Slab Heating here!

Benefits of using hydronic underfloor heating

Reap the benefits of an underfloor hydronic heating system; delivering a silent, comfortable and convenient solution to in-home heating, choosing the perfect heating system has never been so easy. Along with being completely flexible in terms of placement, underfloor hydronic heating can be up to 35% more cost effective than regular ducted heating.

Other underfloor heating benefits include:

  • Superior Comfortability: Where regular ducted heaters need to be positioned somewhere in your home, underfloor heating provides gradual heat from below your feet. In doing so, it gently warms the space in the room and reduces the loss of heat in the room.
  • Out-of-the-way: True to its name, underfloor hydronic heating is installed under the floor. With other forms of heating systems having to be placed somewhere in the home, you won’t even notice in slab heating but reap the benefits instead.
  • Silent: Along with not being visible, you won’t hear it either. Hydronic underfloor heating will deliver consistent heat without any irritating noises.
  • Allergy friendly: As there are no vents or small crevices to collect dust particles or bacteria, underfloor hydronic heating is the proven in-home heating system of choice. Unlike other heating systems where warm air is pushed out through vents, polluting the air with dust mites, underfloor hydronic heating creates a cleaner environment by producing its heat beneath your feet.
  • Durable: Just as the slab itself, hydronic underfloor heating is just a durable. With the additional factor of being hidden below the floor’s surface, it has less of a likelihood to come in contact with external factors. 

At Hydrotherm Hydronic, we offer both In Slab and In Screed Hydronic Heating installation. Get in touch for a quote at [email protected], or speak to one of our experts on (03) 9464 4622 today!

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