The Benefits of Underfloor Heating for Prefab Homes

Underfloor heating for prefab homes are increasing in popularity across the world, offering a more sustainable (and much quicker) method of housebuilding. If you’re thinking about purchasing a prefab property, then it’s a good idea to consider its heating method too. In this guide, we’ll explore what makes underfloor heating so suitable for these kinds of projects. You’ll learn more about:

• What constitutes a prefab house 
• The best heating options for these kinds of properties 
• Which underfloor heating system is most suitable for prefabs 
• Whether you can use UFH with solar-powered prefab homes  
• How to purchase floor heating for your project

What is a prefabricated house?

A prefabricated house describes the construction method of the property: if most of a building’s elements have been manufactured within a factory setting (such as its finished walls and floors, with integrated windows and plumbing and electrical services) before being assembled on-site, then it may be considered a prefab. These kinds of homes are typically made using concrete, steel or timber, making them much cheaper and quicker to build than traditional brick-and-mortar buildings – allowing you to simply join the pieces of the building together on your piece of land. ‘Modular’ homes may also be considered prefabs as they also use pre-assembled pieces, oftentimes entire rooms, which can be slotted together to construct a larger property.

Is it easy to heat prefab and modular buildings?

Because prefab properties don’t use traditional masonry, one of the most common queries regarding their functionality is if they are easy to keep warm. As they are contemporary structures, most prefab suppliers will build their units in accordance with the most up-to-date building standards including high levels of insulation and an airtight design, so you won’t need to worry too much about this. But deciding which kind of heating system to specify for your project is still an important decision. You can choose from a range of heating options for a prefab property: from traditional gas or oil-based central heating systems and wood-burning stoves alongside more modern methods such as HVAC systems, infrared heaters and underfloor heating. 

Is underfloor heating suitable for prefabs? 

Underfloor heating is a great choice for prefabricated buildings and you can use a UFH system with almost all floor finishes and in any room of your home. 

A floor heating system can be installed quickly in a prefabricated home as part of the building’s on-site construction. Because underfloor heating is installed discretely beneath your floor finish, it will greatly improve the feeling of a spaciousness in your home – especially important in prefabs as they are often smaller than other types of properties, meaning that wall-based radiators can feel particularly cumbersome. Floor heating requires much less energy to reach optimal comfort temperatures than gas-fed central heating systems and is much more sustainable too; with this enhanced energy performance, you could enjoy savings on your energy bills. And, unlike HVAC systems, underfloor heating also operates silently, making your home as peaceful a space as possible.  

Which floor heating system is best? 

The StickyMat System is an ideal electric floor heating solution for prefab projects. Featuring a 1.8mm heating wire ready-spaced for optimal heat output on to pre-sized self-adhesive backed heating mats, the StickyMat can be used with a wide range of floor finishes and will not raise floor levels. 

Looking for a heating system for floating floor finishes? Warmup’s Foil Heater is a great choice for rooms featuring carpets, laminate or vinyl flooring. As it offers a ‘dry’ installation method, with no need for adhesives or screeding, it can be fitted into a modular home quickly and cleanly.   

A water floor heating system can also provide a perfect heating solution for prefabs. Fully compatible with ground and air-source heat pumps, water underfloor heating offers even greater long-term value for money. The VLo line of low-profile floor heating systems have been specifically designed for projects with fixed ceiling heights such as prefab and modular homes and each VLo system has been specifically developed to allow a hassle-free installation with a robust and low-weight construction. If you’re considering water floor heating for your upcoming project, speak with your prefab supplier to see if the system can be installed as part of the house’s construction within the factory. If you’re looking for more information about the different use cases for electric and water underfloor heating systems, read our in-depth guide.  

It’s worth nothing that all floor heating systems should be installed alongside high-quality insulation to maximise on its energy efficiency as well as a system-dedicated heating controller to provide precision warmth tailored to your needs.  

Can I use underfloor heating in a solar-powered prefab house? 

Yes, you can. The DCM-PRO Heated Decoupling System for low wattage projects is ideal for use in prefab homes with low levels of heat loss. Featuring a flexible heat output of 41.3 W/m² – 82.5 W/m², using this system with solar panels and accompanying batteries can provide a 100% renewable energy solution. This means that your prefab can be heated entirely by zero-carbon, self-generated electricity which can dramatically reduce your home’s long-term running costs too.  

Want to learn more about the benefits of using UFH with solar energy? Read our expert article to discover more everything you need to know.  

How do I buy a heating system for my prefab home? 

Wondering how much a new floor heating system will cost for your project? Get a free quote today to discover which system is best for your home’s requirements and find out exactly how much it will cost to purchase.  

All Warmup systems are covered by market-leading warranties and we offer 24/7 365-days-a-year customer support if you have any questions about your heating.