Underfloor Heating

Underfloor heating systems work by circulating water or electricity through a network of pipes or cables embedded in the floor. The pipes or cables radiate heat into the surrounding area, creating a comfortable and ambient temperature.

Water-based Underfloor Heating 

In water-based underfloor heating systems, a boiler or heat pump heats water to a temperature of approximately 40-50°C. This warm water is then circulated through a network of pipes embedded in the floor. The pipes transfer heat to the floor surface, which in turn radiates the heat upwards into the room.

Advantages: 

• Energy efficient: Water underfloor heating systems can be more energy efficient than electric underfloor heating systems, as they operate at lower temperatures. This can lead to lower heating bills, especially if you use a heat pump as your primary heating source. 
• Even heat distribution: Water underfloor heating systems provide a more even heat distribution throughout the room than other heating systems. This can make your home more comfortable and reduce cold spots. 

Disadvantages: 

• Installation cost: Water underfloor heating systems are generally more expensive to install than electric underfloor heating systems, as they require more labour and materials. 
• Space requirements: Water underfloor heating systems require a dedicated space for the boiler and the pipes. This can be a concern in smaller homes. 

Electric Underfloor Heating

In electric underfloor heating systems, thin mats or cables are embedded in the floor. These mats or cables are connected to an electrical circuit that regulates their power output. When the power is turned on, the mats or cables generate heat and radiate it through the floor. The floor then radiates the heat upwards into the room.

Advantages:

• Quick and easy installation: Electric underfloor heating systems can be installed relatively quickly and easily, even in existing homes. This can be a major benefit if you are on a tight budget or if you want to avoid major renovations.
• No need for a boiler: Electric underfloor heating systems do not require a boiler, which can save you money on installation costs.
• Quiet operation: Electric underfloor heating systems operate quietly, which can be a major advantage if you are sensitive to noise.

Disadvantages:

• Higher running costs: Electric underfloor heating systems are typically more expensive to run than water underfloor heating systems, as they operate at higher temperatures. This can lead to higher heating bills.

Both types of underfloor heating systems can be used to heat a variety of spaces, including bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, and kitchens. In general, water underfloor heating is a better choice for larger homes with high insulation levels, while electric underfloor heating is a better choice for smaller areas.

Key differences between water-based and electric underfloor heating systems: 

How to decide which is best?

Ultimately, the best way to decide which type of underfloor heating is right for you is to consult with a qualified installer who can assess your specific needs and circumstances. They can help you determine which type of system will provide the most comfortable and energy-efficient heating for your home. Our underfloor heating team at James Hargreaves Plumbing Supplies can also provide you with help and advice. Check our our 12 Benefits of Water-based Underfloor Heating

Will my home be suitable for underfloor heating? 

Whether you reside in a newly built home, an older property, or an extension, our underfloor team can help determine if your home is suitable for an underfloor heating system (UFH). We meticulously analyse the age, construction, insulation levels, glazing, location, orientation, floor coverings, and usage patterns of your home to create a precisely tailored UFH system that maximises energy efficiency. 

Our heat-loss calculations consider factors like the size and layout of your home, the type of floor coverings, and the frequency of heating usage. This data-driven approach ensures a high-performance UFH system that delivers optimal comfort while minimising energy consumption and monthly expenses. 

New UK properties typically adhere to strict insulation standards, making them ideal for UFH installation. For older homes where retrofitting underfloor heating is required, enhancing insulation levels as much as possible is crucial for achieving efficient UFH operation. If further improvements are impractical, upgrading to double-glazing can significantly enhance performance. 

In listed buildings where extensive retrofitting underfloor heating is not feasible, UFH can still be installed, albeit with slightly higher flow temperatures and closer tube spacing to compensate for lower insulation levels. We provide detailed heat output estimates for each system and clearly indicate any areas that may experience heat insufficiency during extreme cold conditions. 

If we determine that your home is unsuitable for underfloor heating, we will be upfront and transparent about the reasons. Our commitment to providing accurate assessments ensures that you make an informed decision about whether UFH is the right choice for your property. 

Which floor coverings are best for underfloor heating? 

Underfloor heating systems work best with hard, low-pile floor coverings that effectively transfer heat throughout the room. Here are some of the best flooring options for underfloor heating: 

Ceramic Tiles: Ceramic tiles are the most popular choice for underfloor heating due to their excellent heat conductivity and low thermal resistance. They quickly absorb and distribute heat, ensuring a warm and comfortable underfoot experience. 

Stone Floors: Natural stone, such as marble, granite, and limestone, also works well with underfloor heating. These stones have high heat conductivity and can impart a luxurious ambiance to your home. 

Polished Concrete: Polished concrete floors provide a modern and sleek look. Concrete has a high thermal-mass, and it is this quality that makes it the perfect material for underfloor heating. Concrete heats up fast, and it retains the heat well. It is also an excellent distributor of heat across the expanse of your flooring. They require careful preparation and sealing to minimise moisture absorption. 

Engineered Wood Floors: Engineered wood floors, with their solid wood veneers, can be compatible with underfloor heating. Always choose engineered wood planks or boards to ensure efficient heat transfer. Always check with your flooring supplier. 

Vinyl Plank Flooring: Vinyl plank flooring is a versatile and affordable option that can work with underfloor heating. Choose vinyl planks with low-pile backing and ensure proper installation to avoid heat loss. Always check with your flooring supplier. 

Are carpets suitable for underfloor heating? 

Avoid using floor coverings that have high thermal resistance or can trap heat, such as thick carpets, shag rugs, and heavy rugs. These materials can hinder heat transfer and diminish the effectiveness of the underfloor heating system. 

Carpets can be used with both water and electric underfloor heating. However, it's important to ensure that the combined tog rating of the carpet and underlay doesn't exceed 2.5. If it does, it will act as an insulator and prevent sufficient heat from reaching the room. To ensure effective heating, the tog value (including the underlay) should ideally be less than 1.5. It's worth noting that waffle-backed foam underlay tends to be more efficient than felt and rubber underlay. 

Can I have underfloor heating upstairs or in an apartment? 

Yes, you can have underfloor heating upstairs or in an apartment, but there are some factors to consider. 

Upstairs 

Installing underfloor heating upstairs may require a higher flow temperature and closer tube spacing than in a well-insulated property due to the increased heat loss through the walls and roof. This may lead to slightly higher installation costs. 

It's important to ensure that your property's insulation levels are adequate to prevent excessive heat loss. If your property's insulation is not up to standard, you may need to consider additional insulation measures, such as upgrading to double glazing or adding insulation to the attic or walls. 

Apartments 

Installing underfloor heating in an apartment may be more difficult or require approval from the landlord or building management. This is because you may need to access the shared areas of the building to run the pipes for the underfloor heating system. 

It is important to check with your landlord or building management to ensure that you are allowed to install underfloor heating and to get their approval before proceeding with the installation. 

What do you use to control underfloor heating? 

Underfloor heating systems are typically controlled using thermostats, which regulate the temperature of the water or electricity that flows through the heating pipes. 

Water Underfloor Heating thermostat controls 

In a water underfloor heating system, the thermostat controls the boiler, which heats the water circulating through the pipes beneath the floor. There are two types of thermostats commonly used for water underfloor heating. Both can be Smart. 

• Zoned thermostats: These thermostats allow you to control the temperature of different zones in your home, such as the living room, bedroom, and bathroom. This can help you save energy by only heating the rooms that you are using. 
• Home-wide thermostats: These thermostats control the temperature of the entire house. They are typically simpler and less expensive than zoned thermostats. 

Electric Underfloor Heating thermostat controls 

In an electric underfloor heating system, the thermostat controls the electric heating element that warms the floor. There are two types of thermostats commonly used for electric underfloor heating: 

• Standard Room thermostats: These thermostats are mounted on the wall in each room and control the temperature of that room. 
• Smart thermostats: These thermostats can be connected to your smartphone or other smart device and allow you to control the temperature of your home from anywhere. 

Do I Need New Thermostats? 

If you are installing a new underfloor heating system, you will need to purchase new thermostats. The specific type of thermostat you need will depend on whether you have a water or electric underfloor heating system. You may also want to consider upgrading to zoned thermostats or smart thermostats if you want more control over your heating system. 

James Hargreaves provides a range of thermostats that can cater to everyone's needs and preferences. From simple-to-use dial thermostats to smart control and home automation-enabled wired or wireless solutions, we've got you covered. Our underfloor heating team will design your underfloor heating system to give you complete control over the temperature in every room and can even hide the thermostats away if desired. 

With a dial thermostat, you can easily set basic heating schedules and switch to holiday mode when you are away. Programmable thermostats can offer more flexible control, allowing you to adjust the temperature in different rooms or areas of your home. If you want to control your underfloor heating from anywhere, you can choose wired or wireless smart thermostats. You can even connect your underfloor heating to your smartphone with certain packages by installing an app. 

Underfloor Heating Service at James Hargreaves

James Hargreaves Plumbing Supplies supply the trade and consumers with a broad range of quality water-based Underfloor Heating solutions.

David Patrick heads up our Underfloor Heating Department. David has worked for leading Underfloor Heating brands in the industry and has a wealth of experience. Find out how James Hargreaves' Underfloor Heating Service can help you with your underfloor heating project.