Anyone who has looked into hydronic floor heating will probably be aware that there are a variety of ways to power the system, including fire. There aren’t many companies that deal with or install woodfired systems here in Melbourne, and it leads us to question whether there is a reason for this or not. In this article, we have taken a closer look at heating using firewood and tried to answer the question of whether it’s an avenue to be considered.

How do these systems work?
Basically, these systems burn firewood to heat water, which is then passed beneath the floors of the home in a series of pipes. The heat from the water passes up through the floor and into the room beyond. These sorts of systems tend to be favoured by those living in more rural areas, as mains gas may not be accessible and other fuel sources might be otherwise inaccessible. This sort of system does, however, need to be incorporated from the design stage.

Where is the firewood burned?
The firewood is placed inside of a boiler, which has been especially designed for such a purpose. The general design consists of a grate, ash pan, separate firebox, ash pan door, a special damper and air controls. There are two different forms of boiler to choose from – the first comprises an attractive display inside the home, whilst the second is installed outside the home in a separate housing. They’re also available in different sizes for your convenience.

Are these systems efficient?
These days, many homeowners are concerned with the efficiency of hydronic floor heating. The good news is that woodfired systems are generally efficient – in some cases, modern day units don’t even need to burn a whole lot of wood, as design advances and fuel burning technology have allowed for small logs to be burnt very efficiently. It should be noted, however, that these units are the most expensive and they can be difficult to source here in Melbourne.

Don’t they require a lot of firewood?
Whilst there have been changes in woodfired systems and they have generally become more efficient, they do still require access to plenty of firewood. If you are unable to regularly upkeep your supply (and let’s face it, purchasing pre-cut loads can prove to be quite expensive), you will be pleased to learn that dual-fuel units are available. These boilers can also be powered via gas or electricity if there isn’t enough heat coming from the woodfired section.

How much do these systems cost?
Another concern for homeowners in this day and age is how much a hydronic floor heating system is going to cost them. It’s important to keep in mind that many brands of woodfired boiler can be quite expensive – they tend to range between $3000 and $8000 (or even more) depending on the size of the unit. The costs of installation can also vary depending on the size of your home and the complexity of the site. It is definitely recommended to get a quote.

Are you looking for Hydronic Heating System in Melbourne? Cambro Hydronic Heating provide all type of hydronic heating related services in Australia.