Frequently Asked Questions

We know it’s important to get all the information you need when choosing a new system which is why we have compiled a list of FAQ's.

Is underfloor heating easy to install?

 

For a qualified installer, Polypipe Underfloor Heating systems are simple to fit. To help you find a competent installer, we’ve created the Registered Installer Network populated by plumbers who are familiar with Polypipe Underfloor Heating systems and whose work has been inspected by our own Heating Managers.

 

Is underfloor heating easy to control?

 

Yes, and our range incorporates a wide variety of control products: including single zone control, allowing upstairs and downstairs to be controlled separately and individual room control, allowing you complete freedom over the temperature in each room.

 

Is underfloor heating expensive to install?

 

No, generally underfloor heating solutions are quicker and cheaper to install than most other systems. As the installation of our underfloor heating is completed in one stage, it can reduce the cost, as well as the length of time the installers are on site for.

 

Is underfloor heating expensive to run?

 

No, and it can be more economical to run than a radiator based system, as the water is kept at a lower temperature to produce the equivalent heat output. Underfloor heating puts a smaller demand for heat output on the boiler, it is ideally suited to achieving maximum economy from a condensing boiler or heat pump.

 

Are Polypipe Underfloor Heating systems better than electric systems?

 

Yes, as they are connected to your existing heating they can be more economical to run than electric systems. All our underfloor heating systems use warm water and emit heat across the entire floor surface, providing an even and comfortable heat throughout the room.

 

Can I use underfloor heating in a home which already uses other heating systems?

 

Yes. It is possible to install a Polypipe Underfloor Heating system in to an existing radiator (or other heat source) installation as all of the necessary components are supplied within our underfloor heating design package.

Underfloor heating can be used as either the main or secondary source of home heating. This will depend on whether it is a new build property or a renovation project. Our systems are all compatible with standard central heating boilers and are especially suited to condensing boilers. All Polypipe Underfloor Heating solutions can also be used as stand-alone systems.

 

Can I install underfloor heating in just one room? And would this system need a manifold?

 

Our unique overlay system is laid over existing solid or timber floors and is ideal for single room retro-fit projects or extensions.

By using our Zonal Regulation Unit (ZRU) it is possible to add an underfloor heating system (to a maximum floor area of 30m2) to your project without needing to fit a manifold. The ZRU is designed to be connected directly in to your existing heating system and be temperature controlled using a simple volt free room thermostat.

 

What types of floor coverings can be used with underfloor heating?

 

In theory, there are no restrictions on the type of floor coverings used with underfloor heating systems providing that a) the product is suitable and b) our design team has calculated that the floor covering in question will not have an adverse effect on the overall performance of the system.

In a modern highly insulated building, where the heating demand is lower, the use of high resistance floor coverings, such as carpet, will not be an issue. However, in older buildings, where higher heat losses are common, the use of more conductive floor coverings such as ceramics or stone tiles would allow more heat to transfer into the room.

At Polypipe Underfloor Heating we offer a free of charge design service, so if you have a particular floor covering in mind, please let us know when you send us your floorplans.

 

Will underfloor heating delay my building or retro-fit project?

 

No. If your project is planned correctly there is absolutely no reason why installing underfloor heating should delay progress. Our underfloor heating systems can be quicker to install than many other underfloor systems and the unique overlay system can be installed easily in existing homes and with Polypipe systems available from a wide range of nationwide stockists, securing what you need is quick and easy.

 

What happens if a leak develops in the system?

 

As there are no joints used below ground in a correctly installed underfloor heating system there is little, to no, risk of a leak developing once the system has been installed and pressure tested. If a leak were to appear due to manufacturing defect, the pipe is under warranty for 50 years.

 

How long will my underfloor heating system last?

 

The pipes in your underfloor heating system are warrantied against manufacturing defects for 50 years. As the pipes are made of polybutylene they will not be affected by corrosion or scaling and so the system’s performance will be maintained throughout its working life expectancy.

 

Will the system need maintenance?

 

No, all our underfloor heating systems are virtually maintenance free, and all our underfloor heating products are covered by our industry leading guarantee.

 

Can I use a heat pump with my underfloor heating system?

 

Yes. There is no reason why either air source or ground source heat pumps cannot be used with underfloor heating installations. However, due to the lower flow temperatures that are produced by these types of appliances it is essential that your system is correctly designed to ensure that it is capable of operating efficiently and meeting performance requirements.

 

Should I install the underfloor heating pipes under kitchen units?

 

This is really a matter of personal choice. Given that the underfloor heating pipe work will be in the floor for many years but during this time the kitchen layout may be changed several times, some people choose to run the pipe under the units so as to allow for ‘future proofing’ the system.

When systems are installed in this way it is common for some insulation material to be pushed under the units before the bottom kick strip is fitted. This insulation will allay any concerns that the unit interiors will overheat.

 

Will my floor feel hot to the touch?

 

The typical floor surface temperature of a correctly designed and installed underfloor heating system should be between 26°C and 29.9°C depending upon the type of floor covering used. As the temperature of the palm of your hand is usually around 30°C the floor surface should feel comfortably warm but not hot when touched.

 

Why do underfloor heating systems take longer to warm up and is this a problem?

 

Typical radiator systems operate at much higher temperatures than underfloor heating systems and rely mainly on heat convection produced from a very small heated surface area. Underfloor heating systems work at a much lower temperature and use mainly heat radiation across the entire floor surface area.

Although this type of ‘radiant’ heat distribution provides a more even room temperature and better comfort levels, it does not lend itself to rapid heat up times.

In order to compensate for this, we recommend that you use a thermostat feature called ‘set back’ which holds the system at a lower room temperature during periods of non-use. This ‘set back’ temperature is usually 4°C lower than your preferred occupied room temperature and enables the system to have a much faster heat up and recovery time.

 

Is there a recommended maximum floor surface temperature when using a timber or a vinyl floor covering?

 

Yes. When using either a natural or engineered timber flooring product or a vinyl floor covering with an underfloor heating system, it is essential that the floor surface temperature is not allowed to exceed 27°C. Temperatures above 27°C could potentially lead to the delamination of the timber flooring product or the discolouration of vinyl.

A correctly designed and installed underfloor heating system will be fitted with a blending valve located at the manifold which will enable the installer to set the correct operating temperature of the system to prevent the risk of overheating these floor surfaces.

 

Can the underfloor heating be used to speed up the drying time of the screed floor?

 

No. Under no circumstances should the system be used to accelerate the drying out times of screed flooring products as this could lead to curling or cracking of the floor.