Hydronic Underfloor Cooling: Efficient Comfort for Your Home

Hydronic underfloor cooling works similarly to hydronic underfloor heating, except instead of circulating warm water, it circulates cool water through pipes installed beneath the floor. This system helps absorb heat from your indoor space, maintaining a comfortable temperature without relying on traditional air conditioning. It’s a great, eco-friendly option that complements your existing forced air-cooling system.

How It Works

Just like hydronic underfloor heating, hydronic underfloor cooling circulates water through pipes installed under the floor. The difference is that cool water is used to absorb heat from the room as it circulates, helping to keep the space at a comfortable temperature. It’s important that the water is not too cold, as it may reduce the system’s efficiency and effectiveness. Properly regulated temperatures ensure optimal performance.

Best Used with In-Screed Systems

For optimal performance, hydronic underfloor cooling works best with in-screed systems. In this method, pipes are placed in a positioning board on top of a pre-poured slab and then covered with a layer of screed. This ensures efficient heat transfer and provides more responsive cooling compared to other installation methods.

Available with Hydronic Heat Pumps

Hydronic underfloor cooling is only available when paired with hydronic heat pumps, either air-sourced or geothermal. These systems allow you to switch between heating and cooling modes as needed. After winter, when the heating mode is no longer required, you can easily switch the hydronic heat pump to cooling mode, providing efficient underfloor cooling during the warmer months. This flexibility not only saves energy but also ensures year-round comfort, without the need for additional cooling systems.

Complementing Forced Air Cooling

Hydronic underfloor cooling is not designed to be a complete cooling solution for your home. Think of it as a supplement to your existing forced air cooling system. While air conditioning systems are great for quickly lowering the temperature, they often need to run for long periods during hot weather. Hydronic underfloor cooling helps take the edge off the temperature, meaning your forced air system doesn’t have to run as long, saving energy and providing more consistent comfort.

When to Choose Hydronic Underfloor Cooling

Hydronic underfloor cooling is ideal for homes or commercial buildings in warmer climates that already have a forced air-cooling system but want a more energy-efficient, eco-friendly solution to keep temperatures comfortable. It’s especially beneficial when paired with in-screed systems and hydronic heat pumps, which allow for a seamless transition between heating and cooling modes, providing efficient year-round comfort.