Have you ever wondered if you can put underfloor heating under a fridge freezer? If you are planning to install underfloor heating in your kitchen, you might be concerned about the potential effects of heat on your appliances and food. After all, you don’t want to end up with melted ice cream or spoiled milk.
In this blog post, we're going to clear up these concerns and give you some easy tips on how to do it right. We'll also tell you why underfloor heating is a great choice for making your home more comfortable.
Let's dive into how you can keep your kitchen warm without messing up your food or appliances.
What is Underfloor Heating and How Does It Work?
Underfloor heating is a type of heating system that uses pipes or cables embedded in the floor to distribute heat evenly throughout the room. Unlike radiators, which heat the air near them and create hot and cold spots, underfloor heating creates a comfortable and consistent temperature across the entire floor surface. Underfloor heating can be used with any type of flooring, such as tiles, wood, laminate, or carpet.
There are two main types of underfloor heating: water-based and electric.
- Water-based underfloor heating uses hot water from a boiler or heat pump to circulate through the pipes in the floor.
- Electric underfloor heating uses electric cables or mats to generate heat directly from the electricity supply.
Both types can be controlled by thermostats and timers, allowing you to adjust the temperature and timing of the heating according to your needs and preferences.
What are the Benefits of Underfloor Heating?
Underfloor heating has many advantages over conventional heating systems, such as:
Energy efficiency
It operates at a lower temperature than radiators, which means it uses less energy and reduces your heating bills. Underfloor heating can save you up to 15% on your heating costs compared to radiators.
Comfort
It provides a pleasant and uniform warmth throughout the room, eliminating cold spots and draughts. It also improves the air quality, as it reduces dust and allergens that can be circulated by radiators and fans.
Space saving
It frees up wall space, as you do not need radiators or other heating devices. This gives you more flexibility and creativity in designing your interior layout and décor.
Aesthetics
Underfloor heating enhances the appearance of your flooring, as it does not interfere with the visual appeal of your chosen material. It also creates a modern and sleek look for your home.
Safety
Underfloor heating is safer than radiators, as it does not pose a risk of burns, scalds, or injuries from sharp edges or hot surfaces. It also reduces the risk of fire, as it does not have any exposed wires or elements.
Can You Put Underfloor Heating Under a Fridge Freezer?
The short answer is yes. You can put underfloor heating under a fridge freezer, as long as you follow some precautions and guidelines. The main concern with putting underfloor heating under a fridge freezer is that the heat from the floor could affect the cooling efficiency of the appliance, making it work harder and consume more energy. This could also shorten the lifespan of the fridge or freezer and increase the risk of malfunctions or breakdowns.
However, there are ways to prevent or minimise this problem, such as:
Choosing the right type of underfloor heating
Electric underfloor heating is generally more suitable for putting under a fridge freezer than water-based underfloor heating, as it is easier to control and isolate.
You can use a separate circuit or switch for the area under the fridge freezer and turn it off when the appliance is in use. You can also use a lower wattage or a thinner cable for the electric underfloor heating under the fridge freezer to reduce the heat output.
Using insulation
You can use insulation boards or sheets to create a barrier between the underfloor heating and the fridge freezer to prevent the heat from reaching the appliance. You can also use insulation pads or mats under the fridge freezer to protect it from the heat and reduce the noise and vibration.
Make sure that the insulation material is compatible with the type of underfloor heating and flooring you have and that it does not compromise the ventilation or stability of the fridge freezer.
Leaving a gap
You can leave a small gap between the underfloor heating and the fridge freezer to allow some air circulation and heat dissipation. The gap should be at least 10 cm wide, and you can fill it with a non-conductive material, such as wood or plastic.
You can also leave a gap of at least 5 cm between the fridge freezer and the wall to improve the airflow and cooling efficiency of the appliance.
Checking the manufacturer’s instructions
You should always check the manufacturer’s instructions and specifications for both the underfloor heating and the fridge freezer to make sure that they are compatible and safe to use together. You should also follow the installation and maintenance guidelines for both products to ensure optimal performance and durability.
Conclusion
Underfloor heating is a great option for your kitchen, as it provides comfort, efficiency, and style. However, if you want to put underfloor heating under a fridge freezer, you need to be careful and follow some guidelines to avoid any issues. By doing so, you can enjoy the benefits of both underfloor heating and a fridge freezer without compromising their performance or safety.
If you are looking for a trusted and experienced professional to help you with your underfloor heating project, look no further than BuildPro. We have the expertise to install underfloor heating using high-quality materials and equipment at a competitive price.
Contact us today for a free quote and consultation, and let us help you transform your home into your dream space.
