Underfloor Heating FAQs

We know it’s important to get all the information you need when choosing a new system. You’ll find the answers here.

Underfloor Heating FAQs

We know it’s important to get all the information you need when choosing a new system. You’ll find the answers here.

Is underfloor heating easy to install?

Installation is best left to a qualified installer who will find it simple to fit. Look for an installer with experience of water based systems.

If you need help finding an installer, please contact us.

Is underfloor heating easy to control?

Yes – and you can choose the level of control that suits you. Have a look at our Simple, Standard and Smart controls for more information.

Is underfloor heating expensive to install?

Underfloor heating systems can cost more to install but can offer savings on your energy bills compared to other heating systems. And that initial investment results in a future proofed home heating system that is compatible with low carbon technology. Meaning should you wish to change your heat source to ground or air source heat pump or other similar technology in the future, your underfloor heating system will still work perfectly. And you will be ready for any new legislation around reducing emissions.

Is underfloor heating expensive to run?

No, and it can be more economical to run than a radiator based system, as the water is kept at a lower temperature to produce the equivalent heat output. Underfloor heating puts a smaller demand for heat output on the boiler, it is ideally suited to achieving maximum economy from a condensing boiler or heat pump.

Are Polypipe Underfloor Heating systems better than electric systems?

There is a place for electric underfloor heating systems but we believe our water based systems are the best choice for your primary home heating system. This is especially true the larger the area being covered.

Can I use underfloor heating in a home which already uses other heating systems?

Yes. It is possible to install a Polypipe Underfloor Heating system in to an existing radiator (or other heating system) installation as all of the necessary components are supplied within our underfloor heating design package.

Can I install underfloor heating in just one room? Would this system need a manifold?

Our unique overlay system is laid over existing solid or timber floors and is ideal for single room retro-fit projects or extensions. They are available to purchase as room packs for exactly this purpose.

What types of floor coverings can be used with underfloor heating?

We know that underfloor heating works particularly well with tiles, concrete and engineered timber but with the right system design underfloor heating is also compatible with laminate, vinyl and carpet. If you have a particular floor covering in mind for your project, please include that information when you submit your plans for a quote or call a member of our team on 01709 772380 to discuss.

What happens if a leak develops in the system?

As there are no joints used below ground in a correctly installed underfloor heating system there is little, to no, risk of a leak developing once the system has been installed and pressure tested. If a leak were to appear due to manufacturing defect, the pipe is under warranty for 50 years.

How long will my underfloor heating system last?

The pipes in your underfloor heating system are warrantied against manufacturing defects for 50 years. As the pipes are made of polybutylene they will not be affected by corrosion or scaling.

Can I use a heat pump with my underfloor heating system?

Yes. Air source or ground source heat pumps, and other low carbon technologies, are ideal for use with underfloor heating systems.

Should I install the underfloor heating pipes under kitchen units?

This is really a matter of personal choice. Given that the underfloor heating pipe work will be in the floor for many years but during this time the kitchen layout may be changed several times, some people choose to run the pipe under the units so as to allow for ‘future proofing’ the system.

When systems are installed in this way it is common for some insulation material to be pushed under the units before the bottom kick strip is fitted. This insulation will allay any concerns that the unit interiors will overheat.

Will my floor feel hot to the touch?

Your floor will feel comfortably warm to the touch.

Why do underfloor heating systems take longer to warm up and is this a problem?

Typical radiator systems operate at much higher temperatures than underfloor heating systems and rely mainly on heat convection produced from a very small heated surface area. Underfloor heating systems work at a much lower temperature and use mainly heat radiation across the entire floor surface area.

Although this type of ‘radiant’ heat distribution provides a more even room temperature and better comfort levels, it does not lend itself to rapid heat up times.

In order to compensate for this, we recommend that you use a thermostat feature called ‘set back’ which holds the system at a lower room temperature during periods of non-use.

Can the underfloor heating be used to speed up the drying time of the screed floor?

No. Under no circumstances should the system be used to accelerate the drying out times of screed.

Need help?

If you still have questions after reading our FAQs please get in touch with us or use the form below to send your enquiry…

    Order your underfloor heating online

    Get a free underfloor heating quote

    Other resources you may find useful

    overlay

    FAQ’S

    Find the answers to our most frequenty asked questions

    overlay

    Blog

    Keep up-to-date with all the latest news and views

    overlay

    Warranty

    Register your underflooring heating system online

    Get your free quote