Forced air is considered the "usual" form of heating homes in the UK by UK residents and is done via a heat source like a wall unit or a radiator.
Though forced air is considered typical, underfloor heating is quickly becoming popular.
Underfloor heating is a form of central heating that distributes heat via a conduction mechanism and radiant heat.
Forced air is usually transferred through a convection heating system.
Heat is transferred throughout a house via a variety of systems including heaters, cables, film, or mesh.
Water can be used in underfloor heating as well.
Though Underfloor heating feels like a modern convenience it was first implemented by the Romans more than two centuries ago.
When the system was first used, the heat was produced in a furnace that was usually kept in a cellar-type room underneath the rest of the house.
Someone would light the furnace and the heat from the furnace fire would fill the cellar room and then move upward, warming the rest of the house as it went.
Sometimes, if the furnace was contained on the first floor of a house, there would be channels connected to the furnace that would be used as a conduit for the heated air to be transported to the other rooms in the house.
The underfloor heating that is used today is based upon a method introduced in the 1960s.
Electric resistance cables were run through concrete foundations of rooms and then heated with an electric current during the night.
Most people did not like this method of underfloor heating because the temperature of the cables and floors could not be controlled, but this method did serve as the inspiration for the mechanisms in place today.
One of the biggest benefits of having underfloor heating is the amount of money that can be saved on utility bills.
This helps keep the temperature of a room constant, as opposed to the heat provided by forced air which dissipates quickly.
Underfloor heating is also contained so home owners do not have to worry about losing space to or accommodating wall heaters or radiator units.
This method of heating is also better for those who have allergies as it does not stir up dust.
The installation of underfloor heating should be done by a professional.
There are do-it-yourself kits that some companies put together, but if a home owner does not have experience with plumbing, insulation or working with a house's foundation, he/she should not attempt to install underfloor heating him/herself.
Doing it without a professional's help could result in structural damage to the home.
Professional installation is not expensive and can be done relatively quickly.