UFH is expensive to install (MYTH)
Few UFH suppliers would deny that UFH is almost always going to be more expensive to install than a standard radiator central heating system. However home owners will normally assess the ‘full package’. The materials themselves are designed to save time (and therefore money) during installation. Furthermore, underfloor heating is more energy efficient than most types of heating, given the right circumstances. Well insulated, properties will conserve energy and save money by using underfloor heating, even more so when a renewable energy source, such as a ground source heat pump, is the primary heat source.
Does UFH work?
Yes. It worked well for the Romans, and they didn’t have any room thermostats or temperature control. It’s been working successfully in mainland Europe since the 70s.
Will I need a special boiler?
No. Underfloor Heating works with a standard gas boiler, just as a radiator/central heating system does.
Will the floor be too warm for my feet?
No. Due to the efficiency of UFH the floor temperature is low. Energy efficiency ensures UFH systems don’t lose as much heat and therefore don’t have to work as hard to keep your home warm. In contrast, radiators can get too hot to touch, this is not the case with UFH
Can I only use UFH with a tiled or solid floor?
UFH can be installed with tiles / ceramics / natural stone / wood laminate / engineered wooden board / solid wood / vinyl and carpet. All common floor coverings are compatible, although certain provisions have to be put in place for vinyls and carpets (see next….)
It doesn't work with carpets - MYTH
This is incorrect. The general rule here is TOG ratings should be below 1.5 and heavy large rugs avoided as they all add to insulate the floor from heating below. There are thousands of home owners who are having carpeted rooms heated just fine and there is no reason why you shouldn’t too.
You cannot control individual room temperatures - MYTH
Each room can be controlled independently via room thermostats. Programmable room thermostats also enable individual room control using the setback and optimum start function.
UFH reacts too slowly - MYTH
UFH can be programmed to fit your lifestyle and the system can “learn” when to start to ensure that the room is at your desired temperature at a given time in the day. Underfloor systems used this way are very responsive and far more economical to run.
Can I use UFH in just one room?
Yes, UFH overlay systems and sold floor single room packs are ideal solutions for this type of installation.
You can't install it upstairs - MYTH
The variety of UFH systems for a number of different floor types ensures that in most cases an option is available to install UFH to the first floor. In turn this can provide vital additional wall space for all your bedroom furniture and bathroom fittings which is an important consideration.