underfloor heating specialist in Ottery St Mary (15)

Underfloor heating works by using electric elements or water pipes to heat up the ground underneath the floor.

There are three main types of underfloor heating:

• Electric

• Hydronic

• Infrared

Hydronic systems are the most popular choice. They are powered by a boiler or heat pump that heats water that is passed through a network of pipes underneath the floor.

Electric underfloor heating systems work via an ultra-thin heating wire installed under the flooring. When turned on, the wires heat up, heating the floor surface by using radiant heat.

Infrared heating systems work in a similar way to electric underfloor heating. They are more efficient, however, and also more expensive to install.

Any type of boiler can be used with an underfloor heating system. A condensing boiler is the most efficient type of boiler to use with an underfloor heating system.

Combi boilers, conventional gas and oil boilers, and air source heat pumps can also be used to power hydronic underfloor heating systems.

Plastic pipes are more tolerant of movement and more versatile than copper pipes. Therefore, they are more suited to use in underfloor heating systems.

As many underfloor heating systems are installed directly onto the insulating boards on a concrete sub-floor, a good level of flexibility and tolerance is required.

Underfloor heating is an effective alternative to traditional radiators.

Most flooring types can be used with underfloor heating. Flooring suitable for underfloor heating include:

• Ceramic and stone tiles

• Polished screed and resin

• Vinyl and linoleum

• Laminate flooring

• Carpet

Tile and stone floors are the best option for underfloor heating because of their high thermal conductivity.

Solid wood floors are not recommended for use with underfloor heating. The high temperature can dry out the wood, causing shrinkage and creating gaps in the floor.

Yes. Just like any other electrical systems in your house, solar panels can be connected and used to generate power.

Yes. Using a battery, however, is not the most efficient way to power underfloor heating elements.

Batteries have limited power generating capacity. Even when using a rechargeable battery system, you won’t be able to constantly run your underfloor heating like you would using other methods.

When tiling over underfloor heating systems it is important to use a flexible floor levelling compound to ensure that the grout and adhesive does not move when tiled.

Tiles should then be embedded into a specialist flexible concrete and allowed to set for at least five days before the heating system is used.

Yes. Concrete floors have a high thermal mass making them perfect for use with underfloor heating systems.

They heat up quickly, retain heat effectively, and can even store heat when the system is not in use.

Yes. Underfloor heating can easily be laid on top of floorboards or any other type of subfloor.

Both electric and hydronic underfloor heating systems can be installed directly onto floorboards before the new floor surface is laid on top.

Radiators are cheaper to install and to run than underfloor heating systems.

Underfloor heating systems, however, can be more efficient than radiators. Have a read of our underfloor heating cost guide for a more detailed comparison.

This depends on the age and efficiency of the heating system. Our underfloor heating cost guide provides more details about the costs involved.

One thermostat per room is recommended for effective underfloor heating controls.

In larger rooms, sometimes referred to as zones, you may require more than one thermostat.