The whys and hows of under floor heating

Under floor heating is already very popular across Europe. Under floor heating (UFH) is increasingly becoming the most popular choice for self-employed builders all over the UK.

Due to its advertisement and glamorization on home improvement programmes under floor heating is becoming increasingly the most popular way of heating a home.

How does Under Floor Heating work?

Basically, Under Floor Heating heats the room from the floor up instead of heating the ceiling area first. The heat produced by an Under Floor Heating system is different to that which is produced by radiators. Under floor heating radiates its heat more evenly giving the room a more comfortable feel.

Why have under floor heating?

Under floor heating gives home owners more opportunity to decorate and place the furniture where they want instead of being swayed by the position of the ugly radiators. Under floor heating systems are quick and easy to install. It is also easy to integrate with the domestic hot water heating in a home. Under floor heating provides both short and long term saving costs. Due to the way the system radiates heat evenly around the room it, it costs much less than a conventional radiator. It is estimated that the same level of comfort and heat can be achieved by having the thermostat two degrees lower than a normal heating system.

How do you get under floor heating installed?

• 1.Plan ahead with underlfoor heating.
  Plan carefully when the floor is going to be installed, it should preferably be done before the final flooring is laid. Therefore, lessening the potential damage caused by people walking on it. The site must also be cleared of any other work that is happening in the same area as access to the whole floor will be necessary.
• 2. Keep close contact with your Underfloor Heating supplier.
  Make sure that at every stage of the process you are in constant contact with your supplier, this will ensure that your under floor heating system will be exactly what you want from it. To do this, ensure that the supplier you choose provides a full range of support and technical advice as part of the package. You must remember that you do get what you pay for.
• 3. Decide on the plans before you’re under floor heating system is installed.
  After you decide on your supplier and you’ve agreed that what they are doing is exactly what you want. It's also essential to decide on the exact manifold position with your supplier so that a CAD pipe-laying plan can be drawn up.
• 4. Double check everything with your Underfloor Heating.
  Always take the time to review the pipe layout; if you do not do this it could be that the layout is wrong.
• 5. Lay the pipe work for Underfloor Heating
  Most suppliers will provide you with a CAD pipe-laying plan, which means that installation will be simple if you follow the instructions. Read the plans in conjunction with the step-by-step instruction manual that you will also be given, and the installation will be comparatively uncomplicated.
• 6. Commission the Underfloor Heating system.
  All that is left to do is to fill and commission the system, which should be done after the floor constructions have been finished. This includes connecting the thermostat and zone actuator wiring to the wiring centre and then filling the system with water. Also make sure the system is bleed.
• 7. Don't rush
  Installing Under Floor Heating is a very simple step-by-step process that any person competent of DIY should be capable of.