Hot under the floorboards
The current downward trend with regard to new builds has prompted builders to integrate unique products that appeal to prospective buyers.
One of the technologies builders have been looking to, especially in the cooler States, is underfloor heating. For the average consumer, how their home is heated isn’t of great concern; just as long as they can achieve a comfortable temperature on demand. Underfloor heating provides a unique twist on a common necessity. This is especially important in a show house environment; allowing potential buyers to walk around bare foot and feel radiant heat showcases a luxury which may boost the likelihood of a sale.
Traditionally, forced air systems warm and scorch air. This works well, however, because hot air rises, underfloor systems produce a natural, even distribution of radiant heat from the ground up, which can eliminate draughts and cold spots. This also eradicates the common discomfort of having a hot head, yet cold feet in the home.
Who to look to
Australian business Auspex was formed in 1996, but its Radiant Underfloor System is a relatively new venture for the company.
The technology works through an advanced polymer pipe, known as PEX pipe, which is laid out in slab beneath the floor, allowing the heat to radiate evenly. Connected through a central manifold, hot water is circulated and maintained by an energy efficient gas boiler.
Auspex manager Glenn Bines says that as well as being a comfortable way of heating a home, underfloor heating can also more efficient and thorough than more traditional methods, such as ducted systems and reverse cycle air conditioning.
“It actually works out cheaper for the user to heat a whole house instead of individual rooms. If you heat one room and then open the door, the heat gets sucked out. This means that the heating needs to work harder to get back to the previous level. If the temperature is even everywhere, you don’t have to worry about the boiler charging up multiple times,” he says.
“Once you have the system on, it’s just a matter of maintaining the heat.”
Consequently, this efficient way of heating the home can yield substantial savings for the end user.
“It’s probably initially cheaper to just install a reverse cycle air conditioning or traditional ducted system, but that’s not taking into account money that is spent on the ongoing energy bills. We estimate that with this system, you can get a double figure percentage savings.”
Additionally, the Auspex Radiant Underfloor System provides a healthier alternative to more traditional heating systems.
Because a ducted system blows air, it spreads dust around the home, which can be irritating and uncomfortable – especially for asthma sufferers and people with allergies.
Underfloor heating to upskill plumbers
For plumbers, offering underfloor heating can provide several advantages. One of the biggest of which is the opportunity to upskill yourself as a professional and adding another ‘string to the bow’ that is attractive to potential clients.
“If you’re a plumber and you’ve only dealt with hot and cold water supply systems, or maybe a bit of roofing and drainage, this is a new appeal you can add easily to your business. We train you and issue a ticket to prove you’re certified. This then opens up avenues to builders who are looking to underfloor heating to provide an extra incentive to consumers.
“At the moment, builders are looking for options for underfloor heating, but this way, if you’re trained, you can offer it along with any general plumbing work you might be undertaking on a home.”
For these projects, the planning and installation couldn’t be simpler – especially with Auspex’s optional in-house design service.
To benefit from this, Auspex requires you to provide plans for the home, along with a note of any windows, doors, floor coverings and distance to the manifold. Following this, the Auspex team will supply a solution that is calculated specifically for the home, with everything needed for the installation contained in just one box, removing the arduous task of travelling to different outlets to purchase various parts individually.
The design takes into account every slight specific of the project, so the result is completely tailor made to the specifications of every singe room of a dwelling.
“One of our designs for a room in Sydney would be completely different to one in Queensland. We use NASA information on ambient temperatures, so it’s all very precise,” Glenn says.
Glenn adds that ever since Auspex’s formation, the company has always had a close-knit relationship with plumbers, which is an important quality to have in the industry.
“For those that have been customers of ours for a long time, we have been able to add value to their business. With the Auspex Radiant Underfloor System, we feel we will be able to grow their revenue even more.
“Auspex is closer to its plumbers than most companies. From the manufacturing process all the way to the guys who use the product, we’re very visible as a group. We can get plumbers to come in and watch the product being made, which not many manufacturers in Australia can do.”
Auspex is currently establishing training bases in each State across Australia to accredit plumbers in installing the Auspex Radiant Underfloor System. Most of these courses are experiencing increasingly significant demand, with many sessions oversubscribed across Australia.