Sunflow Hydronic Underfloor heating (Uses warm water to transfer heat)

(BRANZ Appraised)

Sunflow Heating Systems circulate heated water through heating tube inbedded in the floor. The tube is laid in circuits and when warm water flows, the floor becomes a high volume, low temperature radiator. Because the "radiator" is large compared to the room size…most of the heat emitted is very comfortable "radiant heat".

We've designed and installed this sort of heating since 1993 and now have about 800 systems in operation. What people like is the subtleness of the warmth, the lack of visible heating equipment and the ease of use. Running costs can be minimised because the lowest cost energy available can be used. There is also the opportunity to "upgrade" a system if the extra cost is warranted. This might be a "high efficiency" gas or diesel boiler (108%) or extra thermostatic control. The concept of "future proofing" can also be explored.

Radiators and / or domestic hot water can be added to the system if appropriate.

Currently the most commonly used heating units are gas boilers, heat pumps and diesel boilers but Sunflow Heating can be connected to any heat source. The water is circulated via a "control panel" (top middle image) which houses the circulation equipment. It is usually located in the garage or an understair cupboard. The temperature is controlled by a centrally located 24 hour, 7 day programmable thermostat. Only the thermostat need be visible in the home. Further control is possible by controlling the water flow. For even finer control, separate thermostats can be installed.

Image on the right shows a Perry seven day programmable thermostat. Some relevant links Sunflow Underfloor Heating Proprietory System Nationwide Sunflow Distributors Master Spec (Registration to their site required) Building Research Association of New Zealand