Discover the long-awaited new systems transforming underfloor heating and split-system cooling in NZ

Underfloor heating throughout New Zealand has for too long relied on the “inslab” method: embedding heating pipes within thick concrete foundations. While effective in producing radiant warmth, this technique certainly comes with downsides.

“Effectively, the heating pipes are captured inside the construction slab of the building, and just to put it in perspective, in a 180-square-metre house, you have around 50 tons of concrete in the floor,” says Steve Gledhill, National Sales Manager at Waterware.

The slab’s bulk results in slow response times and high energy demand. Also, with the system all in one slab, it’s difficult to vary the temperature of different rooms.

Internationally, particularly in Europe and North America, the screed floor system is preferred, which is an insulated layer topped with pipework and a thinner screed. “While this system works better, it’s expensive as you’re pouring the floor twice and raising the flooring height significantly,” says Steve.

To address cost, responsiveness, and retrofitting challenges, Waterware has launched a lightweight pre-insulated aluminium overlay system under the Ritter Radiant brand. 

“The Ritter Radiant extruded polystyrene board (XPS) is only 20 millimetres thick and wrapped with aluminium. “The low thermal mass and high conductivity allows for rapid heating and temperature adjustments, and this new product is around 60 per cent less expensive than comparable products,” says Steve. “You simply stick this lightweight product down to the floor like a jigsaw puzzle piece and walk your pipe into it.”

This system offers game-changing performance as aluminium is an excellent conductor, and a timber floor can be laid directly over the top with no requirement for screed.

“Depending on the house, heating an in-slab system can take six or eight hours from cold; whereas you can heat a room with the Ritter Radiant overlay system in about 40 minutes.”

Combining the benefits of underfloor heating and radiator heating, the system allows for lower temperature operation (30-35 degrees compared to 40-45 degrees for in-slab), which significantly improves heat pump efficiency, reducing heating bills.

According to Steve, material cost has also seen a dramatic shift: “We reduced the cost of the product by around 60 per cent by finding a new manufacturer and now it’s at a price point that opens up the market potential.”

While Ritter Radiant redefines floor heating, Ritter Air reimagines the rest of the home for all seasons with versatile, 100 per cent water-based heating and cooling convected air systems. Unlike traditional split heat pump systems (also referred to as ducted heating and reverse-cycle air conditioning), Ritter Air completely removes refrigerant use within the home.

As the system is water-based, there is no refrigerant circulating within the building envelope, reducing environmental and health risks, which is especially important in high occupancy buildings. “In hotels, for example, they could evacuate the entire building if they have a refrigerant leak because these substances are toxic,” says Steve.

Ritter Air offers multiple installation options, wall-mounted, ducted and ductless, for maximum aesthetic and functional flexibility. Steve remarks, “By not taking up precious wall space, it becomes a really nice-looking solution. You can mount these grills anywhere: low, up high, even inside an island bench.”

Steve notes that the system is particularly well-suited for New Zealand’s climate, “In New Zealand we have a much longer heating season than we have a cooling season, but in many places we still need some cooling for comfort in the warmer months especially in houses with large amounts of north or west facing glass.”

Ritter Radiant and Ritter Air can create a desirable hybrid option for home design. “You’ve got this nice combination of flexible, fast heating and cooling upstairs or in sleeping areas; and luxurious underfloor heating in your living spaces.”

Whether retrofitting older homes or designing efficient new builds, the Ritter Radiant and Ritter Air heating and cooling systems are faster to install, easier to control and more affordable than ever. Waterware is equipping homeowners, architects, and builders with the tools they need to elevate the quality of home comfort in every project.

Learn more about Ritter Radiant and Ritter Air on the Waterware website or contact the team on ArchiPro.