Ceiling heating renovation in old building

Efficient radiant heat for old and new buildings.

Room after the installation of a ceiling cooling/heating
Room before the installation of a ceiling cooling/heating

A cozy warm home, free from visible radiators and unpleasant drafts – that's what ceiling heating offers. Especially in renovations and modern new buildings, it is becoming increasingly popular as an unobtrusive, energy efficient alternative to traditional heating. But what makes it so special, and how easy is it to retrofit? In this article, you will learn about the advantages of ceiling heating and how it combines comfortable warmth and cooling in one system.

Ceiling heating briefly explained

Ceiling heating is an energy efficient surface heating system that radiates heat invisibly through the ceiling into the room. It uses pleasant radiant heat – similar to sunlight – and creates a uniform, draft-free indoor climate. It works particularly efficiently with low flow temperatures, making it ideal for use with heat pumps, whether in renovation or new construction.

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Why a ceiling heating renovation?

The renovation of a ceiling heating is an ideal solution to heat living spaces comfortably and energy efficiently. Radiant heat ensures a pleasant indoor climate without drafts or dust turbulence – a plus for allergy sufferers and anyone who values clean air. 

Especially in times of rising energy costs, a ceiling heating with low-temperature operation offers a sustainable alternative to conventional heating, which is also unobtrusively integrated into the room structure, allowing space for individual room design. An additional plus: The ceiling heating can also be used for gentle surface cooling in summer. Comfort meets energy efficiency – from above.

Pleasant Radiant Heat

Low flow temperatures

How does a water-based ceiling heating work?

A water-based ceiling heating is a surface heating system. This means: Heating pipes, laid out evenly and over a large area, carry water heated to 26 to 34 °C. The ceiling heating uses the entire surface to release the generated heat in the form of radiant energy. 

Radiant heat works similarly to sunlight: It does not heat the air but transfers the heat through infrared waves. When the waves hit a solid object, they are converted and release the absorbed energy as radiant heat into the room. Humans are warmed from the inside, which we find particularly pleasant.

Drywall Construction Ceiling Cooling is attached to the substructure.

How does the renovation of a ceiling heating proceed?

The installation process

The renovation of a ceiling heating system is usually quick and efficient. In collaboration with a knowledgeable installer, the planning and installation can be completed in a short time.

Planning and Consultation: 
In the first phase, the local conditions are analyzed. The condition of the ceiling and the heating requirements play a central role.

Proper Installation: 
The ceiling heating is installed directly in or on the ceiling. Variotherm offers customized solutions that optimally fit the structural conditions and individual heating requirements.

Commissioning and Adjustment: 
After installation, the heating is put into operation and optimally adjusted to the heating needs of the room.

Ceiling heating renovation: What systems are available?

Drywall

The Variotherm module panels, which are biologically tested and fireproof gypsum fiberboards, are attached to a substructure made of wood or metal. This system is particularly suitable for old buildings and attic spaces where limited space and uneven ceilings make the use of traditional heating systems difficult. The panels are flexibly adaptable.

Plastered construction

The aluminium multi-layer composite pipes are directly attached to the ceiling using the VarioRail and then covered with plaster. The construction height is only about 27 mm, which makes this system particularly attractive for renovations where a discreet installation is required.

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Costs of a ceiling heating

The costs for a renovated ceiling cooling system depend on several factors: material costs, installation costs, and operating costs. A significant cost factor is the choice of components. Purchasing individual parts such as heating pipes, plasterboards, and screws separately can often result in higher overall costs. 

Here, complete systems offer an economical alternative: by combining all necessary components into a coordinated system, not only can material costs be reduced, but installation times can also be shortened, which in turn reduces labor costs. Additionally, complete solutions guarantee optimal coordination of the individual elements, leading to higher efficiency and a longer lifespan of the system. 

Regarding operating costs, there is the following clear calculation example:

Calculation example: Electricity cost comparison of a heat pump with surface heating 35 °C vs. radiators 55 °C in a 135 m² single-family house.

One system - many advantages

With a ceiling heating from Variotherm, you choose a modern, energy efficient, and comfortable heating solution that can be optimally integrated into any home. 

Quickly to temperature

Thanks to the widespread heat distribution, the room quickly reaches the desired temperature. This significantly enhances living comfort. 

Continuously save energy.

Due to the low flow temperatures, the Wall Heating operates particularly efficiently. This leads to a reduction in heating costs and lower energy consumption. 

Heating and Cooling

A ceiling heating can not only provide pleasant warmth in winter, but also serve as Ceiling Cooling in summer.

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FAQ about ceiling heating

Yes, the Drywall Construction system is suitable for old buildings and also listed buildings, as it can be installed quickly and flexibly and does not require any structural changes to walls or floors.

Yes, the ceiling heating is silent and free from drafts, which makes its operation particularly pleasant in bedrooms and at night.

The installation time depends on the area and the chosen system. With good planning and preparation, smooth construction progress is possible, as the systems are specifically designed for renovations and quick retrofits. Thus, the pipes are already integrated into the panel.

 

Another important aspect for efficiency is the coordination between the installer and the drywall construction: Close cooperation between the two trades can significantly speed up the installation. This way, the heating can be retrofitted in a few days and directly integrated into the further construction progress without disrupting the process.

With a water-based ceiling heating, heating costs can be reduced by up to 25%, especially in combination with a heat pump or solar thermal energy. The low flow temperatures contribute significantly to efficiency.

Surface heating systems have many advantages. One major advantage is that you can not only heat in winter but also cool in summer, provided they are water-based surface heating systems. This means that with ceiling heating, you can both heat and cool. This creates comfortable and pleasant temperatures in every season with a high feel-good factor thanks to the cozy radiant heat and mild radiation exchange. So, even in older buildings, you no longer have to endure a drafty air conditioning system but can heat and cool with one system.