Frequently Asked Questions About Under Floor Heating

Are you in the process of building or renovating your home and researching different ways to keep your family warm during the winter? Whilst there is a wide range of systems to choose from, we understand that many homeowners are hesitant to opt for underfloor heating because they don’t know much about it. We have aimed to answer some of the most frequently asked questions here.

1. How long do the floors take to warm up?
   On an insulated timber subfloor, it will take between 20 and 40 minutes for you to feel the difference. An uninsulated concrete subfloor will take longer. On an insulated timber subfloor, it will take around 30 minutes for you to feel the difference. The amount of time taken to heat up will also depend on the floor coverings you have chosen.
2. Do I need specialist skills to install the system?
   We do not recommend that homeowners install underfloor heating themselves, as one small mistake could mean that the whole system is compromised. We recommend having either your builder or an electrician handle the installation for you, as this will ensure that everything has been undertaken correctly.

• How soon after installation can I use the system?
  This will be completely up to the discretion of your installer, as it will depend on a number of factors. Generally, once the heating has been wired and tested, it is ready to be used. If tiles have been immediately laid over the top, however, you might be asked to wait until the adhesive and grout have fully cured (anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks).
• Are the systems water resistant?
  As many homeowners like the idea of installing this heating in their bathrooms, they are concerned with its water resistance. Fortunately, these systems are 100% water resistant, which makes them suitable for use in bathrooms and even in shower stalls. They have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they comply.
• Are these systems safe?
  All of the components used in these heating systems have been tested and approved by the appropriate safety testing bodies. Each under floor unit is thoroughly tested before it leaves the factory, once again prior to its installation in your home, and a final time during commissioning. This provides you with the peace of mind that the unit is safe.
• How can programming save me money?
  Many suppliers claim that the use of programming can further the cost savings of this heating, but how is this possible? Basically, programming will mean that your home is being warmed when it isn’t required (such as during the day, when you’re at work), but that the space is perfectly warm when you arrive home or get up in the morning.

We hope that we have addressed some of your more pressing concerns in the list of questions above. If not, please do not hesitate to contact an under floor heating specialist for more information. We understand that not much is known about these systems and want to assist you in making the most appropriate decision in whatever way you require.