Can someone confirm a theory for me based on Helens home that claims "The polished concrete floor can store as much heat as 20 oil heaters burning continuously": Our 15 year old home lounge has large ranchsliders facing north and west with lots of sun but carpet on the concrete floor. We don't really like carpet so have been considering taking it up. If we leave the concrete floor bare the sun on the floor will heat our lounge in winter? Our home, concrete floor, roof and windows (not double glazed) are well insulated. Thanks
Submitted by Debbie Vickers on 11 November 2008 13:57:14
Comments
Hi Debbie. Thanks for your comment and welcome to our community. Helen's house was design along the principles of passive heating which harnesses the power of the sun for heating.
I'm pretty sure the concrete floor has to be specially design and insulated before it can act as a passive heating source, but your best bet would be to check with the Department of Building and Housing for more information. You could also try contacting your local Eco Design Advisor who can provide you with free, practical advice.
Submitted by Andrew on 14 November 2008 11:44:41
My understanding (without having read the links so usefully provided by Andrew) is that any large solid mass like concrete, bricks, rockwork, etc will act as a heat sink and help keep your home warm.
Debbie, you are probably already benefitting from this to a certain extent because the floor will be getting warm under the carpet - but exposing the concrete under-floor is likely to make it much more effective. Perhaps not as good as 20 oil heaters(!) but certainly better than what you have now.
Other thoughts on the matter:
- Darker colours absorb heat better, so a darkish paint or stain on the floor is worth considering (if you like that look).
- Think hard about the eves on the house to maximise the amount of sun that heats the floor in winter, but minimise it in summer. I lived in a house with large north-facing glass doors onto the deck, and no eves. It was unbearably hot in summer and we spent a lot of time & effort trying to cool it down. (It was often 40 degrees or more inside the house when we got home from work.)
Submitted by Lindis on 17 November 2008 13:29:14
Hi Andrew and thanks for the reply. The links were very interesting.
Hi Lindis thanks for the reply and the thought about the dark floor. All good food for thought.
Submitted by Debbie Vickers on 4 January 2009 17:32:09
Now i came to know that The polished concrete floor can store as much heat as 20 oil heaters burning continuously.
Submitted by msc on 28 October 2009 23:55:00
Now i came to know that The polished concrete floor can store as much heat as 20 oil heaters burning continuously.
Submitted by msc on 28 October 2009 23:56:00