Calculating the heat required in the kitchen can be extremely difficult to measure because of the different appliances that give off heat. Always remember that the oven isn’t the only thing that gives off heat. Other appliances such as fridges and your stove top give off heat when turned on.
The walls in the kitchen are typically thinner because they are created to maximize kitchen space and accommodate all the different kitchen installations. Suppose you’re thinking of installing a heating system in your kitchen while you have your furnace tune-up service. We will give you some ideas of different heating systems you could use.
Types of Heating Systems
We will look at a few heating systems and their advantages and disadvantages associated with using them in the kitchen area.
Electric Plinth Heaters
An electric plinth heater is perfect if your house doesn’t have central heating. You can use the wasted space by the plinths and place your heater there. The installation is simple, but you need a 13Amp electrical supply.
Advantages
- It’s reasonably priced
- The installation process is simple
Disadvantages
- You need a 13Amp electrical supply
- It tends to have a heat dust smell when not utilized.
Heating Your Kitchen With Radiators
Radiators are a traditional method that dates back to 1855 and was the most common type of heating found in a kitchen. The initial ones are powered with steam and not hot water like now.
Advantages
- It’s reasonably priced
- Low noise
- Installation is simple
Disadvantages
- If you require high heat in terms of output, the size of the radiator can be large
- The wall space it takes up can’t be used for anything else
- It gives a good distribution of heat in the room
Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating systems can be complex in terms of installation. Commonly these were very popular and installed in new buildings. this has since changed because you can now fit an underfloor heating system to extensions or even your kitchen.
Advantages
- Heat distribution is even
- Works well with hard stone floor finishes
- It can be incorporated with low floor temperatures associated with renewable heating systems.
Disadvantages
- Installation can be costly because ground excavation
- Raised floors can be a problem when retrofitting
Hydronic Plinth Heaters
Plinth heaters have been around since the 1970s and are considered The best heating solution for kitchens. They use a fan convector principle whereby the water in the central heating is sent to a heat exchanger with a small fan blowing across it. this then sends out the warm air in the front of the unit, heating the space.
Advantages
- It uses wasted space under the plinth, making it discreet and compact.
- It has a fast response with wireless thermostat control and a high heat output
- It is considered low cost when buying it and reasonable for service and repairs.
Disadvantages
- You need a fused spur electrical connection
- It must be connected to the central heating system
Electric Underfloor Heating Mats
This type of heating is commonly used in bathrooms, but other people use this method as a heating solution in the kitchen. It all depends on the type of floor. You can always order the output that you require.
Advantages
- It’s cheaper than wet underfloor heating
- If you’re a DIYer, you can install it yourself
- You can select different heat outputs for your floor.
Disadvantages
- It’s not an energy saver and has high running costs
- It’s prone to fault and failure
- You’ll need to insulate the floor
Conclusion
When it comes to the heating system you select, it’s a personal choice. Some heating systems help you to save on things such as your energy bill.
