Problem addressed

Carbon emissions from heating buildings. It is no secret that the way we heat buildings must change. Currently this contributes to almost a quarter of all UK carbon emissions. With the UK Government committed to “net zero” greenhouse gases by 2050 , its Heat and Buildings Strategy (published on 19th October 2021) sets out plans to significantly cut emissions from the UK’s 30 million homes and workplaces. Whilst a lot of the plan centres around residential properties, it also sets out objectives for decarbonising commercial buildings including minimum efficiency standards and performance-based energy ratings. One of the key drivers in achieving these ambitious targets is the move to alternative heating systems, namely, very high efficiency electrical heating and heat pumps. Underfloor heating is the ideal partner to heat pumps, as it can operate at lower temperatures than boilers and radiators, yet still provide comfortable heat. However, the traditional systems that incorporate water pipes or electric mats can be problematic to install and remediate, especially for commercial applications.

Solution overview

To overcome these issues, IOBAC UK Ltd in conjunction with NexGen Heating have developed Ezy-Warm Underfloor Heating. This ultra-thin, super simple system can be powered by renewable energy sources such as solar panels, using far infrared radiant heating for maximum heat and cost efficiency.

The system is easy to install, comprising 3 layers: an Ezy-Warm Heated Mat, an approved underlay and floor covering options including carpet, Luxury Vinyl Tile, laminate and wood. As it is powered by less than 24V supply (AC or DC), specialist electricians are not needed for its installation, and the floor covering can be uplifted for repairs and easy access to the heating element.

Performance testing has demonstrated that the system uses 55% less power than traditional electric mats, with running costs 15% less than main gas (based on 2019 pricing).

NexGen have years of experience of developing heating films incorporating patented graphite and graphene based nano-technology. Hailed as a wonder material, graphene is incredibly lightweight and flexible and can conduct heat better than almost any other material, resulting in the Ezy-Warm Heated Mats’ super-efficient heat conducting properties, generating far infrared heat. Far infrared underfloor heating directly heats humans and objects in the room, rather than the entire space. The infrared energy is absorbed, turning the objects into sources of warmth. In turn, they gradually emit the energy, gently and evenly warming the room, with no heat loss. Ongoing energy costs are significantly reduced vs traditional convection heating which works by inefficiently heating the air around us.

Adding IOBAC’s expertise in adhesive-free magnetic flooring installation means that Ezy-Warm is compatible with a wide choice of floor coverings including carpet, Luxury Vinyl Tile and Engineered Wood. When used with IOBAC’s Ezy-Install Underlay, floor tiles can be installed and uplifted cleanly for easy repairs, access and design changes.

Cost benefit

The material cost of Ezy-Warm Heated Mats is £32 per sQM (based on 84% coverage), plus the power supply at £14 per square metre. Returns include:

Lower installation costs – Costs are saved due to the Ezy-Warm installation process being much quicker and simpler than traditional water pipe and electric mat systems. Powered by a less than 24v supply (AC or DC), installation can be done by a tradesperson or competent DIYer, rather than having to wait and pay for a professional plumber or electrician. Fewer materials are required, and the ultra-thin profile (0.6mm) means that there is no need to rectify doors due to raised floor height.

Negligible Maintenance Costs – The system is maintenance-free, so no annual servicing costs are needed. And as the heated mat is quickly and easily accessible, repairs are easy with no need to dig up the floor to locate pipes. Individual floor tiles can quickly be switched out if damaged, and even complete design changes to repurpose spaces are straightforward.

Lower Energy Costs – The Ezy-Warm Heated Mat’s ultra-thin profile means that it is very energy efficient. In conventional systems, the heat source is buried under extra layers of adhesive and material, which the heat energy must pass through and heat before it reaches the top flooring surface. This uses excess heat energy and cost. Independent testing using Dynamic Building Simulation has demonstrated 15% less running costs versus mains gas powered boilers (based on 2019 pricing) and 64% less carbon emissions.

Case study

• Gold Award in the National Flooring Innovation Awards in the Environmental category.
• Featured in Barratt Homes’ “Z House Project”, a zero carbon prototype home at Salford University.
• Included in leading modular homes provider Project Etopia’s demo home showcasing best-in-class sustainable technologies at BRE’s Innovation Park.
• Labelled by the Solar Impulse Foundation as one of their 1000 solutions protecting the environment in a financially profitable way.
• Described by Octopus Energy’s Future Technologies Evangelist as “a truly game changing piece of tech” “a ground-breaking new way to heat a building without burning gas”
• Customer feedback examples:
  – “As a flooring contractor, we were surprised how quick and easy install was with no screed needed, The heat is a constant even temperature” Flooring Contractor, School installation
  – “We have estimated a saving over 50% compared with LPG. It’s also a nicer, even heat” Home owner replacing LPG Heating
  – “It maintains a perfect ambient temperature, consistently and cost effectively. I have previously installed both wet and electric (coil) underfloor heating systems and this is a significant improvement over both.” Business, Construction
  – “This product is brilliant. Quick and easy install. No mess, no self levelling or screed. Very impressed.” CDAB Builders.
  – “The heat is much more pleasant, it feels like it’s heating you. It’s like a sauna with less heat and no sweating! We still at the moment have radiators in some rooms. The heat in the other rooms does not feel as welcoming or consistent. Some areas heated by radiators are warmer than others.” Home owner