UFHN installs innovative underfloor heating system into new Maggie’s Centre in London.

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In a step toward enhancing patient comfort and energy efficiency, the team at UFHN have successfully installed a state-of-the-art underfloor heating system at the newly constructed Maggie’s Centre, located within the Royal Free Hospital premises in London.

The foiled floating floor system HALO is lightweight, offers a fast heat response and is a nice system to install. No wet trades are needed so we can complete our aspect of the project on time without delaying other areas of the programme.

The Maggie’s Centre, renowned for its dedication to providing emotional and practical support for people affected by cancer, has taken a progressive stride by integrating this innovative heating technology into its design. The underfloor heating system is anticipated to contribute significantly to the centre’s commitment to creating a welcoming and soothing environment for patients and their families.

The installation of HALO comes as part of a broader initiative to optimise the facility’s energy consumption and ecological footprint. UFHN’s underfloor heating system distributes heat evenly across the entire floor surface, maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the building. This not only ensures a more comfortable experience for patients and visitors but also reduces the need for additional heating elements, minimising energy consumption and associated costs.

Paul Lines, MD of UFHN expressed his enthusiasm about the project, saying, “we are thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with the Maggie’s Centre. Our underfloor heating system aligns perfectly with their vision of a holistic healing environment, providing gentle warmth and comfort to those who need it the most”.

To find out more about underfloor heating systems offered by UFHN, click here.

Maggie's Centre, London.

Kicking off pre-season with Chris Billam Smith.

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The WBO Cruiser Weight Champion, Chris Billam Smith teamed up with Bransgore Youth FC for a spot of pre-season training on a very miserable Sunday in Bournemouth last weekend.

Chris took the boys for a 5k run around the pier and seafront, including zig-zag hill steps and uphill sprints. A fabulous opportunity for the team and a big thank you to Chris to put them through their paces.

Guidelines for sizing Air Source Heat Pumps in a new build property.

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Sizing air source heat pumps are crucial when it comes to heating a new build property efficiently and sustainably. Air source heat pumps (ASHP’s) are becoming an increasingly popular choice with this technology harnessing the natural warmth present in the air, converting it into usable heat.

1. Understanding the concept of sizing.

In the context of air source heat pumps, sizing refers to determining the right capacity of the heat pump to adequately meet the heating demands of the property. An undersized heat pump may struggle to maintain desired temperatures, leading to discomfort, while an oversized one can result in energy wastage and higher upfront costs. Achieving the right balance is vital for efficiency and performance.

2. Evaluating the heat load.

One of the primary considerations for sizing an air source heat pump is calculating the heat load of the property. This involves assessing the heat loss through the walls, windows, doors and roof, as well as accounting for factors such as insulation levels and air leakage. A thorough investigation of the property’s thermal characteristics is essential for accurately determining the required heating capacity.

3. Utilising heat load calculation tools.

Fortunately, advanced heat load calculation tools are available that take into account various parameters and offer precise estimates for air source heat pump sizing. These tools consider the building’s location, orientation, construction materials and thermal performance to calculate the heat load accurately. Engaging an experienced heating engineer or contractor to perform these calculations ensures reliable results.

4. Considering the climate and the location.

The local climate plays a significant role in sizing an air source heat pump. Colder regions require higher heating capacities to cope with the increased demand for warmth. In contrast, milder areas may necessitate smaller heat pumps.

5. Contemplating the property design and layout.

The architectural design and layout of the property impact the distribution of heat. Factors such as the number of floors, room sizes and open spaces all influence the heat pump’s workload. Proper zoning and selecting appropriate heat emitters such as underfloor heating contribute to a balanced and effective heating system.

6. Futureproofing and energy efficiency.

When sizing an air source heat pump, it’s essential to consider the future needs of the property. A well-sized heat pump should accommodate potential expansion or renovations, ensuring that your heating system remains efficient in the long term. Moreover investing in a high-efficiency air source heat pump will contribute to lower energy consumption and reduced environmental impact.

Summary

Selecting the right size of an air source heat pump is a critical aspect of achieving a comfortable and energy-efficient heating solution for a new build property. By understanding the heat load, utilising calculation tools, considering climate and location and contemplating the property’s design a well-informed decision can be made. A well-sized air source heat pump not only enhances the property’s comforts but also contributes to a greener and more sustainable future. Consulting with heating professionals and industry experts such as ourselves will undoubtedly help you navigate the complexities to choose the perfect fit for your heating needs.

At UFHN we can design, supply and install an energy efficient underfloor heating system and supply air source heat pumps for a whole-house heating solution. For more information please contact us or give us a call on 01202 894976.

Air Source Heat Pump

UFHN launches charity raffle contest

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Support a great cause! Enter our charity raffle to win!

We’re excited to announce our raffle event to raise money for our charity of the year Mosaic – supporting bereaved children.

We’ve curated a fantastic hamper worth £350, filled with treats for everyone. Here’s what you can expect…

  • Heatmiser neoHub Mini HW Kit
  • Delicious drinks including red & white wine and beer
  • Tasty treats to share or for yourself (we promise we won’t tell)
  • £10 Greggs voucher
  • 4 ball voucher to play at Ferndown Forest Golf Club
  • £66 Go Ape family voucher
  • Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf family ticket
  • Dorset Tea Gift Set
  • UFHN Polo shirt & mug

Taking part in the raffle is easy. Simply pop in to see us, phone us on 01202 894976 to order your tickets or send us an email stating how many tickets you’d like and we’ll do the rest.

A winner will be announced at the beginning of September.

A big thank you goes out to Dorset Tea, Go Ape, Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf, Ferndown Forest Golf Club and Greggs for their generous donations!

Is underfloor heating right for your home?

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Save energy and enjoy comfort all year round

Are you tired of cold floors and high energy bills during the winter months? Look no further than underfloor heating to transform your home into a cosy haven while saving on energy costs.

Underfloor heating is a revolutionary technology that provides a luxurious and efficient heating solution. By distributing heat evenly across the entire floor, it creates a warm and comfortable environment in every room, eliminating the need for bulky radiators or space-consuming heaters. But that’s not all – underfloor heating also offers significant energy savings, as it operates at lower temperatures than traditional heating systems. This reduces your carbon footprint and helps you cut down on your monthly energy bills.

Say goodbye to chilly mornings and hello to a cosy and cost-effective home. In this article, we will delve into the benefits of underfloor heating and why it’s a smart investment for any homeowner looking to enhance their comfort and save on energy consumption.

How underfloor heating works

Underfloor heating works by using a network of pipes or electric heating elements that are installed beneath the floor surface. These pipes or heating elements are connected to a central control system that allows you to adjust the temperature in each room individually. When the system is activated, warm water or electricity flows through the pipes or elements, heating the floor from below. The warmth then radiates upwards, creating a comfortable and consistent heat throughout the room.

One of the main advantages is its ability to distribute heat evenly across the floor. Unlike traditional heating systems that rely on radiators or heaters that create pockets of warm and cold air, underfloor heating ensures that every inch of the floor is heated to the desired temperature. This eliminates cold spots and drafts, providing a more comfortable and consistent heating experience.

Benefits of underfloor heating

Underfloor heating offers a wide range of benefits that make it an attractive option for homeowners. Firstly, it provides a more comfortable living environment. You no longer have to deal with cold floors in the morning or the discomfort of walking on icy tiles. Instead, you can enjoy the luxury of warm floors that create a cosy atmosphere throughout your home.

In addition to enhanced comfort, underfloor heating also offers improved aesthetics. Without the need for bulky radiators or space-consuming heaters, you have more freedom in designing your living space. You can place furniture wherever you like without worrying about blocking radiators or compromising the flow of heat. This opens up new possibilities for interior design and allows you to create a more visually appealing and functional living environment.

Another significant benefit is its energy-saving potential. By operating at lower temperatures compared to traditional heating systems, underfloor heating can reduce your energy consumption and lower your monthly energy bills. The even distribution of heat across the entire floor means that the system can achieve the same level of comfort as a traditional heating system while using less energy. This not only saves you money but also reduces your carbon footprint.

Energy-saving advantages

Underfloor heating is renowned for its energy-saving advantages. One of the key reasons for this is the lower operating temperatures required, compared to traditional heating systems. While radiators or heaters need to reach higher temperatures to provide sufficient warmth, underfloor heating can achieve the same level of comfort at lower temperatures. This is because the heat is distributed evenly across the entire floor, creating a more efficient and effective heating system.

Lower operating temperatures also mean that the system can take advantage of renewable energy sources. For instance, if you have a heat pump or solar panels installed in your home, you can easily integrate them with your underfloor heating system. This allows you to harness the power of renewable energy to heat your home, further reducing your reliance on fossil fuels and lowering your carbon footprint.

Additionally, underfloor heating eliminates heat loss through walls and windows. With traditional heating systems, warm air rises and can escape through poorly insulated walls and windows. This results in heat loss and energy wastage. However, with underfloor heating, the heat radiates from the floor upwards, minimizing heat loss and ensuring that the heat stays where it’s needed the most – in your living space. This not only improves the overall efficiency of the heating system but also helps you save on energy costs.

Increased comfort

One of the main reasons homeowners opt for underfloor heating is the enhanced comfort it provides. Unlike traditional heating systems that create pockets of warm and cold air, underfloor heating ensures that every inch of the floor is heated to the desired temperature. This eliminates cold spots and drafts, creating a more comfortable and pleasant living environment.

Underfloor heating also offers the benefit of radiant heat, which is considered to be the most comfortable form of heating. Radiant heat warms objects and people directly, rather than heating the air like traditional heating systems. This means that even if there are drafts or open windows, you will still feel warm and comfortable as the heat is radiating from the floor upwards.

Furthermore, underfloor heating allows for zoned heating, which means you can adjust the temperature in each room individually. This is particularly beneficial if you have different heating preferences for different areas of your home. For example, you may want your living room to be warmer than your bedroom. You have the flexibility to set different temperatures for each room, ensuring optimal comfort throughout your home.

Underfloor heating for all seasons

While underfloor heating is known for its ability to keep your home warm and cosy during the winter months, it can also be used to cool your home during the summer. Some systems have the option to switch to a cooling mode, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable indoor temperature all year round.

During hot summer days, underfloor cooling can provide a refreshing and pleasant experience. The system works by circulating cool water through the pipes or using a heat pump to extract heat from the floor, creating a cooling effect. This eliminates the need for air conditioning units or fans, saving you money on energy costs and reducing your environmental impact.

Types of underfloor heating systems

There are two main types of underfloor heating systems: water-based and electric. Water-based systems, also known as hydronic systems, use hot water from a boiler to heat the floor. This type of system is typically more expensive to install but offers more efficient and consistent heating.

Electric underfloor heating systems, on the other hand, use electric heating elements to generate heat. These heating elements are installed beneath the floor and connected to a thermostat for temperature control. Electric systems are generally more affordable and easier to install, making them a popular choice for retrofitting existing homes or smaller spaces.

When choosing the type of system that’s right for you, it’s essential to consider factors such as your budget, the size of the space you want to heat, and your heating preferences. Our consultants can help you determine the best system for your specific needs.

Installation considerations

Before installing underfloor heating, there are several factors to consider to ensure a successful and efficient installation. Firstly, it’s important to assess the suitability of your existing flooring. Underfloor heating can be installed beneath a variety of flooring materials, including tile, stone, laminate, and carpet. However, certain flooring types may require additional insulation or adjustments to accommodate the heating system.

Additionally, it’s crucial to properly insulate your home to maximize the efficiency of underfloor heating. Good insulation helps retain the heat generated by the system, preventing heat loss and reducing energy wastage. This can be achieved through insulation materials such as foam boards or reflective foil, which are installed beneath the heating system.

Another important consideration is the type of control system you choose. Various options are available, including manual thermostats, programmable thermostats, and smart thermostats. Manual thermostats allow you to manually adjust the temperature, while programmable thermostats allow you to set different temperatures for different times of the day. Smart thermostats offer even more advanced features, such as remote control through a smartphone app and integration with other smart home devices

Maintenance and care tips for underfloor heating

Once your underfloor heating system is installed, it’s important to maintain and care for it to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Here are some maintenance tips to keep in mind:

1. Regularly check the system for any leaks or damage. If you notice any issues, contact our team to assess and repair the system.

2. Keep the floor clean and free from any debris or obstructions. This will ensure that the heat can radiate evenly throughout the room.

3. Avoid placing heavy furniture directly on top of the heating elements or pipes, as this can damage the system. Use furniture pads or rugs to provide insulation and protect the floor.

4. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for temperature settings and avoid setting the temperature too high, as this can increase energy consumption and potentially damage the system.

5. If you have a water-based system, have it serviced regularly to ensure that the boiler and pipes are in good working condition. This will help prevent any issues and maintain the efficiency of the system.

By following these maintenance tips, you can prolong the lifespan of your underfloor heating system and ensure that it continues to provide you with comfort and energy savings for years to come.

Conclusion: Why underfloor heating is a smart investment for your home

Underfloor heating offers a range of benefits that make it a smart investment for any homeowner. From enhanced comfort and improved aesthetics to significant energy savings and year-round heating and cooling capabilities, underfloor heating provides a luxurious and efficient heating solution for your home.

By distributing heat evenly across the entire floor, underfloor heating eliminates cold spots and drafts, creating a more comfortable and pleasant living environment. It also allows for zoned heating, giving you the flexibility to adjust the temperature in each room individually.

Moreover, underfloor heating operates at lower temperatures than traditional heating systems, resulting in significant energy savings. This reduces your carbon footprint and helps you cut down on your monthly energy bills. With the option to integrate underfloor heating with renewable energy sources, you can further reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Whether you’re building a new home or renovating your existing space, underfloor heating is a smart investment that will enhance your comfort, save you money, and provide you with a cozy haven all year round. Say goodbye to chilly floors and hello to the warmth and luxury of underfloor heating.

To find out more or speak to a member of our specialist team, contact us via the website or give us a call on 01202 894976.

Celebrating 10 years with UFHN

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It’s a special week for us here as we celebrate the work anniversary of one of our incredible team members, Liam Cullen.

Over the past 10 years, Liam has been an invaluable asset to our underfloor heating family. From day one, he has shown unwavering dedication and support to colleagues throughout the business. Liam joined us as a trainee estimator and has worked his way up through the different departments to his current role within the Contract Team, going above and beyond for colleagues and clients.

As we celebrate Liam’s work anniversary, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on the incredible growth and innovation of the company over the past decade. Over the years the underfloor heating industry has evolved significantly. We’ve witnessed advancements in smart controls, efficient heat distribution systems and integration of renewable energy sources. These innovations have not only improved heating performance but have also contributed to energy savings and reduced environmental impact.

Liam Cullen (Left) receiving his 10 year reward by Craig Davis (R) Contracts Manager.
Liam Cullen (on the left of this picture) accepting his 10 year award.

UFHN joins The Dorset Chamber

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UFHN has taken the next step in their business growth strategy and has joined The Dorset Chamber, a move that is expected to open up new opportunities to expand its network, establish new partnerships and grow business further.

With expertise in energy-efficient underfloor heating systems and a commitment to sustainability, UFHN is poised to expand its reach in the region’s landscape. The membership is an important milestone for UFHN as it reaffirms the company’s commitment to pursuing sustainable growth while delivering innovative and high-quality solutions to its customers.

Paul Lines, Managing Director comments, “I’m really pleased that we’re Dorset Chamber members and the opportunities that it will give us to access a range of networking opportunities, training and development resources and a platform to contribute to discussions and debates on issues that are important to the sustainable energy sector and the wider business community.

Click here to find out more about The Dorset Chamber.

Baking a difference for Mosaic.

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There’s no better way to unite people than over a slice of delicious cake. And when that cake sale is for a good cause, the impact is even sweeter!

At the beginning of May, we held our first fundraising event for our nominated charity of the year, Mosaic – supporting bereaved children. Whilst the country was building up for the coronation celebration, we got the bunting out, paper plates, napkins and cake stands to host a bake sale fit for a king! From French fancies and lemon drizzle cake to chocolate brownies, coffee & walnut and more, we were spoilt for choice.

Thanks to everyone involved, we raised £150 for Mosaic which would pay for three counselling sessions for children/young people and could include Early Bereavement Intervention (these are for shortly after the death of a loved one), or Pre-Bereavement counselling. It would also pay for three children/young people to attend of the activity days.

To find out more about the work that Mosaic does to support young people and their families, click here.

Just a selection of some of the cakes available on our trade counter.

UFHN fundraising for Mosaic – supporting bereaved children

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UFHN are pleased to announce its fundraising pledge to local Dorset charity, Mosaic – supporting bereaved children.

The award-winning underfloor heating company has several fundraising events planned for the year to help raise vital funds for Mosaic, which are based in Milborne St Andrew, Blandford. The charity was established in 2007 following the identification of a clear gap in the provision for bereaved children in Dorset.

Whilst there was a small amount of support offered to children whose parents were dying of terminal illnesses, there was no support for other causes of death. Mosaic provides support to any young person who has experienced the death of a parent, grandparent, sibling, other close relative, friend or loved one and is finding it difficult to understand and express the overwhelming feeling grief can bring.

Paul Lines UFHN Managing Director says, “To lose a close family member at such a young age has a profound impact and the work that Mosaic does to provide a cohesive framework of support before, during and after the death of a loved one can make a huge difference to young people and their families”.

“All the staff at UFHN will do all we can to help contribute to the counselling sessions, activity days and residential weekends that Mosaic provides to our local community”.

Zoe Minogue Hughes, Mosaic’s Corporate Fundraiser said, “We are thrilled that UFHN has chosen to sponsor and fundraise for Mosaic. As a charity, we rely on generous donations, grants and support from corporate and community work.

“It has been a challenging time for all charities following the pandemic along with the current economic uncertainties, so we are very keen to raise awareness of Mosaic – supporting bereaved children across Dorset – partnering with UFHN will certainly help us do this. It is a privilege to work with so many families at school and in their homes. Our therapists have skills to really make a difference to families we work with to allow children to work through their grief and look forwards”.

To find out more about Mosaic, visit the website https://mosaicfamilysupport.org.

Bath Abbey continues to win awards

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In 2020, UFHN won a ‘highly commended’ accolade at the H&V News Awards for our involvement in restoring Bath Abbey. Two years on, Bath Abbey has been awarded a highly commended accolade in the Completed Buildings: Religion category at the World Architecture Festival; and recognised by UNESCO as a site of international importance.

Read our case study to see how we contributed to this inspiring project and enabled it to operate efficiently for years to come.

Laying the floor at Bath Abbey.