In the article, it's mentioned that after 24 hours of room temperature above 20°C, even with snow outside, people can walk barefoot on the floor. While this might sound tempting, the warmth from underfloor heating can actually increase indoor pollution. Many homes with heated floors show significantly higher levels of formaldehyde when tested, especially after the system is turned on.
Zhang Tao, a home improvement designer, has been working on several projects involving underfloor heating. Although central heating in southern China remains a topic of debate, more and more people in Hangzhou are starting to embrace the idea. As the cold weather hits, there's been a noticeable rise in inquiries about underfloor heating systems, particularly from those living in older buildings who want to enjoy warmth without major renovations.
Zhang Tao, a seasoned decorator with over six years of experience, notes that the popularity of underfloor heating has grown since 2008. He estimates that at least 20% of his projects include this system. Many northern migrants who now live in Hangzhou opt for underfloor heating due to the harsher winters in the south. Additionally, residents near rivers or mountains tend to install it more often, as they face colder and more humid conditions.
One customer who lived by the Third Bridge initially didn't consider underfloor heating, but her mother, who experienced the cold firsthand, advised her to install it. “I definitely recommend it,†Zhang says. “Floor heating is much more effective than air conditioning. Some of my clients have found their wind pipe systems to be inefficient.â€
Wu Cheng, from Zhejiang Geiger Heating Technology Co., Ltd., confirms that many newly built apartments in Hangzhou now come with underfloor heating. Companies that previously focused on air conditioning are now shifting toward heating solutions. To cater to those who don’t want to renovate, Wu’s company also offers surface-mounted pipes — a quick and easy solution that can be installed in two to three days.
Despite its comfort, underfloor heating comes with concerns, especially regarding cost and maintenance. A 130-square-meter house can cost around 1,500 yuan per month in gas bills, which many find expensive. Installation costs are also high, with boilers and piping adding up to around 20,000 yuan for a 100-square-meter apartment.
Another issue is indoor air quality. Gu Gong from Hangzhou Campanula Environmental Protection Technology warns that underfloor heating can accelerate formaldehyde release. Laminate and engineered wood flooring contain a lot of glue, and when heated, the formaldehyde inside is released in large amounts. This makes the indoor air worse, especially if windows aren’t opened regularly.
Gu Gong suggests using high-quality materials and treating the floor before installation to reduce formaldehyde emissions. For example, applying a formaldehyde remover or pre-warming the floor can help minimize the risk. Tiles are safer and more environmentally friendly, but they are still rarely used in bedrooms due to aesthetic preferences.
Overall, while underfloor heating offers great comfort, it also brings challenges. It’s a popular choice among those with the means to afford it, but careful consideration of health and safety is essential.
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