Basic things you need to know when installing underfloor heating

Underfloor heating is a great and increasingly popular way to keep your home warm. However, despite its many benefits (it is comfortable to walk, it distributes heat evenly around every corner of the room and allows you to place shelves or paintings at a potential radiator location), it can be expensive to install such heating, especially in older homes, so it is advisable to think carefully before making a decision.

This guide explains everything you need to know before you decide to install underfloor heating.

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What is underfloor heating anyway?

How much do we even know about underfloor heating? We know it's a system that virtually converts the floor into a heater, into a radiator and prevents leaks in your home. Although it is best to install underfloor heating in a new building, it is possible to retrofit underfloor heating in your existing home by choosing the low profile option.

Underfloor heating involves installing piping in the floor so that all rooms are heated from the ground up. There are two main types:

• ’hot water’ or wet underfloor heating

•    electric underfloor heating.

You are probably wondering what the differences are between the two heating systems and which one is more suitable for your household. We will try to explain some of the advantages and disadvantages of both these modes of underfloor heating:

• Electric underfloor heating is a network of wires under your floor, while wet underfloor heating is a series of pipes linked to a boiler or solar panels that pump hot water under the floor.

• Electric underfloor heating is easy to install and you can do it yourself, while a wet underfloor heating system will require a professional.

• Electric underfloor heating is cheaper.

• Electric underfloor heating runner costs are higher than water-based underfloor systems.

How much does it cost to install a floor heating system?

Installation costs will vary depending on the size of the room being heated, the amount of heating the building needs and whether it is a new building, renovation or conversion.

Prices for floor mats for electric underfloor heating start at around £18 / m2. Besides, you have to count on the cost of insulation board, screed and heating controls. You will also need to pay a qualified electrician to connect it to your electricity supply.

The cost of installing a wet system may vary depending on factors such as proximity to the boiler room. However, it will certainly be more expensive than installing electrical floor mats, especially if it is necessary to raise existing wooden floors or excavate concrete floors. It can cost from around £ 20 / m2 to £ 40 / m2 installed.

Underfloor heating is more expensive to install than a comparable radiator system, 20% -50% more.

And keep in mind: underfloor heating takes a while to get started, so you'll need to adjust the timer to start it at the right time before you can enjoy its warmth.

Which flooring works well for underfloor heating?

Materials that absorb heat rather than insulate are used as the optimum substrate, allowing heat to radiate into the room, ie tiles or stone. Wood floors can tend to insulate and reduce efficiency, but thinner wood flooring can play a conducive role.

How is underfloor heating controlled?

The controls of the underfloor heating system have two main parts:

a digital zone controller to be used to determine the temperature of each room/area, and the manifolds and valves operated by the zone control. It will be positioned where the homeowner can make adjustments, while manifolds should be placed where they will not be conspicuous - under the stairs or in the closet.

There is no regular maintenance mode associated with underfloor heating, but if things go wrong, it will usually be with the control systems, not the system itself.

Choosing the right floor heating supplier

As with everything you invest in your home, you will need a reliable supplier with proven quality and design for underfloor heating. There are special floor heating companies that are often in the best position to achieve this.

Finally, if you decide to pair underfloor heating with heat pumps, it is a good idea to choose a supply and installation company. Both of these systems are complex, and the whole heating system to work in perfect harmony can be difficult.

Professionals should also be hired to determine the right thickness of screed because thick screed will give a longer reaction time (the time taken to warm up and cool down), while thin screed will have a quicker reaction time.

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