Underfloor heating is installing heating wires or components beneath floor coverings in a room or during slab preparation.

These heating components are then linked to a thermostat controller, giving you total control over the heat and comfort level in any room or heating zone, as well as the ability to turn heating on and off as required.

Unlike radiators, which heat the air around them, underfloor heating generates radiant heat that makes you feel warm. Radiators warm the cold air near the radiators, which rises to the roof and heats the air.

The air will ultimately cool and fall to the bottom, where it will be heated again by the radiator, creating a cyclical circulation that delivers heat. Underfloor heating and radiant heat radiated from the floor give warmth at the floor level and more uniform heat distribution than traditional heating techniques. This implies that the entire floor functions as a massive radiant heater, heating people rather than items, eliminating the risk of overheating and energy waste.

System components

1. Thermostats (heating controls)

• Modern thermostats are classified into four types: non-programmable, programmable, Wi-Fi, and smart.

2. Underfloor heating control pack and manifold 

• The manifold connects the heat source (such as a boiler or heat pump) to the underfloor heating pipes and, via the mixing unit, controls the incoming water temperature. The heated water is then routed through all of the floor circuits via the manifold, resulting in an energy-efficient heating system.

3. Pipe circuits 

• Your in-floor heating system should have its own circuit. If this is not feasible, check that the circuit you pick has adequate capacity to safely operate the Warmup system in addition to other loads.

4. Wiring Centre

• An underfloor heating wiring center simplifies the wiring procedure, making it easier to install your underfloor heating system. The wiring center connects the actuator, boiler, and pump all from a single place. Wiring centers can be used with wet underfloor heating systems.

Does underfloor heating use a lot of electricity?

Running 1meter square of basic underfloor heating at full power for six hours costs less than ten pence. Although some people still believe that underfloor heating is costly to operate, the fact is that both the initial installation cost and the continuous operating expenditures may provide excellent value for money.

Example running costs:

Room Type	Heated Floor Area m²	Heating Hours AM	Heating Hours PM	Monthly Cost
En-suite	2.5	2	1	£2.61
Bathroom	3.5	2	2	£4.54
Kitchen	6	0	2	£6.31
Lounge	10	1	3	£15.52
Conservatory	12	0	4	£24.27

These figures are based on Heat Mat’s 160W/sqm heating mats laid directly onto 10mm Heat Mat Thermal insulation boards with porcelain tiles above in a property up to the latest Part L Building Regulations. The energy cost of 12.376p kWh is based on Scottish Power’s Fix and Save Price August 2019 online deal. Prices are correct as of December 2019. Source – www.uswitch.com

Is it cheaper to run underfloor heating all the time?

Because underfloor heating must be heated from cold every time, it will always cost a bit more if used in short bursts, so you may find it more efficient to leave your heating on for extended periods of time at a predetermined level.

Should the floor be warm from underfloor heating?

It should be warm to the touch.

For an hour, lay down a rug or carpet. It will insulate the floor, reducing heat loss to the air, so that when you place your hand under the rug, that area will be noticeably warmer. It may take many hours for a concrete floor to warm up.

If the floor is tiled (waterproof), sprinkle it with a plant sprayer. On the heated part, it should dry quickly. Because the floor dries quicker around pipes and cables, you can often see their paths.

There should be a pipe manifold or a blender valve. The incoming pipe should be warm, and the departing pipe should be colder.

The floor might have its own thermostat.

If you switch off all other radiators in the home, the boiler should continue to operate (on occasion) if it is heating the floor.

Can I use underfloor heating in a bathroom?

The bathroom was initially intended to be strictly practical, but it has evolved into a vital space for relaxation and unwinding.

When you want to pamper yourself and take the chill off the tiles on a cold morning, installing under floor bathroom heating will offer luxury. This area serves as a personal sanctuary, setting the tone for the beginning and finish of your day.

A floor heating system is also commonly regarded as a crucial selling element, increasing the value of your property.

In a bathroom, tiles are the most typically utilized floor surface. However, not all underfloor heating systems are suitable for tile installation. Tiles are especially vulnerable to microscopic fractures and gaps caused by seasonal variations in the flooring; the subfloor expands in the summer and compresses in the winter. Warmup has built underfloor heating systems with diverse floor surfaces and their individual attributes in mind, not only to efficiently heat the floor but also to protect it from conditions such as subfloor movements, based on considerable R&D.

If tiles are not your preferred floor covering for a bathroom, Warmup offers a suggested underfloor heating solution for most floor types, including stone, wood, laminate, and even carpet.