Underfloor heating and a heat pump: why they complement each other

Underfloor heating and a heat pump are ideal partners. Underfloor heating heats over a large area and therefore only needs a lower water temperature – exactly the conditions in which a heat pump works most efficiently.

Why a low water temperature helps

The less a heat pump has to heat the water, the less electricity it uses to do so. We explain the principle in the article How an air-to-water heat pump works.

Benefits of the combination

• even heat distribution in the room,
• no radiators on the walls,
• high heat pump efficiency,
• with a suitable system, the possibility of gentle cooling in summer.

Cooling through the floor

Some heat pumps can send cooler water into the floor in summer. Cooling through the floor is gentle and limited – the water temperature must not fall so far that moisture condenses on the floor. Air conditioning is more suitable for cooling rooms significantly. It requires a suitable type of unit and controls.

Underfloor heating or air conditioning for heating?

Underfloor heating with a heat pump is suitable as the main source of heat for the whole house. An air conditioner heats quickly, but only the room it is in – it is more suitable as a supplement or in spring and autumn (Heating with an air conditioner: is it worth it?). Many houses combine both: a heat pump and underfloor heating for heating, and air conditioning for summer cooling.

What to consider

• floor coverings affect heat transfer,
• underfloor heating responds more slowly – it suits stable operation,
• the controls should take the outdoor temperature into account.

System design

If existing underfloor heating does not heat evenly, see heating system flushing. If you are building or renovating a house with underfloor heating, we will propose a Daikin heat pump with the right output – What heat pump output do I need?. Contact us · Daikin heat pumps