Ultimate Guide to Underfloor Heating: Electric and Wet Systems

Why underfloor heating is worth considering

Underfloor heating delivers even, comfortable warmth and frees up wall space — two strong reasons homeowners choose it over traditional radiators. It warms rooms from the floor up and pairs well with a range of smart thermostats. Over the past few years it has become a popular choice among homeowners: as well as being an efficient way of heating your home, it can attract potential buyers and increase the value of your property when you come to sell. Here at Pipeline Plumbing Services Ltd, we have written this ultimate underfloor heating guide to cover the main points to consider before getting underfloor heating installed.

Types of underfloor heating and how they differ

Electric underfloor heating

Electric systems use heating mats or cables installed beneath the floor finish. They are compact and an excellent choice for single rooms, extensions or where floor build-up must be minimal. Over the years we have found that a lot of electric underfloor heating systems have issues only when they are not installed correctly, so make sure to hire a qualified and professional heating engineer to avoid any problems.

Wet (hydronic) underfloor heating

Wet systems circulate warm water through a network of pipes embedded beneath the floor. They integrate with your central heating and work well across larger areas or whole-house installations. A manifold connects the heating pipes and ensures precise temperature and pressure outputs. It is very easy to check the pressure and the flow rate of a wet underfloor heating system, which helps ensure it is working safely and correctly — and if you need any assistance with this, we will be happy to go through it with you.

Underfloor heating in new builds and renovations

Adding underfloor heating at the new build stage gives you more control over the installation, especially when it comes to working with the floor structure and completing all the necessary wiring and pipework. This is great because you do not need to break into any existing walls and floors. Our underfloor specialists are on hand to guide you through the entire process, from creating bespoke layouts to installation.

Compatibility with heat pumps and energy efficiency

It is slightly easier to install underfloor heating alongside an air source heat pump, which makes your home more energy-efficient and helps you reduce your carbon footprint. To make sure that your home is suitable for a heat pump, make sure that your house is well insulated so the heat pump can run properly.

There are two main factors to consider before installing an air source heat pump and underfloor heating. The first is the size of the heat pump, because the right size will help maximise its efficiency. The second is the addition of controls to ensure that the underfloor heating is correctly integrated with your new heat pump.

How long underfloor heating lasts

Underfloor heating systems are known to last a lifetime, so you do not need to worry about changing your heating system every couple of years — helping you save any future costs.

Maintenance: what to check and how often

You will be glad to know that underfloor heating systems do not need to be serviced as much as a central heating system, because they are very easy to control once they have been installed. They do need to be looked at occasionally just to make sure everything is working efficiently.

Electric underfloor heating

The key to a maintenance-free electric system is making sure it is correctly and safely installed in the first place — many issues occur simply because it was not installed properly, so we recommend hiring a fully trained and qualified heating engineer to install it for you. Unlike other central heating systems, electric underfloor heating does not require frequent servicing, especially because it can be easily controlled, but you should get it checked every now and again to ensure it is working correctly.

Wet underfloor heating

Similar to electric underfloor heating, wet systems should also be checked to ensure they are working efficiently. You can easily verify the system's working state — simply check the pressure to ensure it isn't beyond the recommended levels.

Practical features: controls, zoning and smart thermostats

Underfloor heating systems are very easy to use and are fully compatible with a range of smart thermostats, so you can have full control over the heating in your home. You can also opt in to have multiple zones, allowing you to turn off the heating in rooms you are not using and save money.

Getting started

Find out more about our underfloor heating service: underfloor heating services. If you are considering a heat pump alongside underfloor heating, see our air source heat pump services for guidance on suitability and sizing: air source heat pumps. To speak to us directly, use our contact page: get in touch.

Need advice?

Our engineers are available across Pulborough, Storrington and Billingshurst to help choose the right system. For more information about underfloor heating, get in touch with our team by calling us on 01903 740538 or 07871 725133, or send us a quick message using our contact form.