Table of Contents
Can I install radiant floor heating myself?
Underfloor heating is easy to install, especially if you make it part of a build or renovation project. For example, Warmup’s StickyMat solution can be installed as a DIY project as it is simple to lay down with the electric wire being all pre-spaced and readily attached to the mesh, ready to be rolled out in place.
Do you need an electrician to install underfloor heating?
Yes, you can install your electric underfloor heating system yourself, but the final electrical connections and any circuit alterations will need to be completed and signed off by a registered electrician.
How thick should concrete be for radiant floor heating?
Radiant heat can be used in slabs as thin as 1.5″ (such as in cases where it’s placed over existing floors). However, for new construction, the slab should be typically at least 4″ thick and is dependent upon the soils conditions in your area.
Is radiant floor heating cost effective?
Because of the relatively high cost of electricity, electric radiant floors are usually only cost-effective if they include a significant thermal mass such as a thick concrete floor and your electric utility company offers time-of-use rates.
Should you turn off underfloor heating in the summer?
This is because underfloor heating can take two to three hours to warm up, so it is best to not completely turn it off. Especially when it is extremely chilly out. Keeping it on at a low temperature consistently will ensure that your home is heated faster when you need it.
What is a good temp setting for radiant heat floor?
typical operating temperature range for radiant floor heating systems at 85-140 °F (30-60C) though we agree that 140 deg. f. is a bit higher than suggested by other sources.
Can I lay underfloor heating on concrete?
Underfloor heating can be fitted in both concrete and timber suspended floors, but for other floor constructions (for example we also offer a ‘floating floor’ solution) please contact us.
How do you wire a heated floor?
What power supply do I need for underfloor heating?
All Warmup electric underfloor heating systems require a 230 VAC supply and it is recommend that your floor heating system be placed on a dedicated circuit to power your heating system.
How far apart should radiant tubing be?
PEX tubing is usually installed within a distance of 8″. Closer spacing (usually no less than 4″) can be applied to areas with higher heat loss or floors with lower heat conductivity.
What are the disadvantages of underfloor heating?
Underfloor heating cons Cost – The initial cost can be considerable and the installation of the system can cause a lot of upheaval in your home. Time – Underfloor heating takes longer to fire up than a radiator, so you have to use a timer to predict when you want heat in certain rooms.
How long do radiant floors last?
In-floor radiant heat systems are durable and reliable, capable of outlasting your home furnace. With proper care and maintenance, a floor heating system can last up to 35 years.
How long does it take for radiant floors to heat up?
Most radiant floor heat systems take about a day to come up to full temperature. The reason for this is due to how the radiant heating system stores energy. Before a radiant floor can emit energy (heat) into a space, it first has to raise the floor temperature.
What temperature should underfloor heating be set at in bathroom?
The ideal temperature underfloor heating should be run at also varies; for wood, carpets and vinyl floor finishes we recommend a maximum heat temperature of 27 degrees and for stone and tiles, a slightly higher temperature of 29 degrees.
Why is my underfloor heating so hot?
It can get very uncomfortable when the floor overheats. Hot and cold spots on the floor is caused by high temperature water entering the underfloor heating loops. This leads to air locks and slow flow rates resulting in patchy heating.
What is the maximum temperature for underfloor heating?
The maximum temperature for underfloor heating is typically 50ºC — and sometimes as low as 35º. The flow temperature is largely dependent on the floor construction, pipe spacing, water flow rate, heat output required and type of floor finish.
Should you turn radiant heat down at night?
While you’ll have to play around with your thermostat a bit to find out what exactly works in your home, the short answer is yes. Turning down (but not off!) your radiant heat at night can save energy and money when done correctly.
Can a water heater be used for radiant floor heat?
Use a Water Heater to Make Radiant Floor Heat Instead of a Boiler. Many people use a water heater instead of a boiler for radiant floor heat because it COSTS LESS. A hot water heater saves money when used in this way. A high quality water heater is more energy efficient and friendlier to the environment.
How do you keep a slab floor warm?
A layer of dense foam padding under the laminate can help warm up the floor. In slab situations, raising the subfloor off the concrete with a layer of plywood over sleeper strips before installing the surface flooring can also make it warmer on the feet.
What depth do you need for underfloor heating?
The minimum screed thickness you should use for warm water underfloor heating systems is: Minimum depth of 65mm for hand-mixed screed. Minimum depth of 50mm for liquid screed.
How do you prepare a concrete floor for underfloor heating?
How to prepare your floor for underfloor heating Clean the area of all debris and dirt. Fit the insulation boards neatly and stable ideally with all gaps and joints taped. If using liquid screed, a membrane of between 500 and 1000 gauge must be laid as crease/fold free as possible with all joints taped and no gaps.
Do you have to screed over underfloor heating?
When applied over underfloor heating, it is vitally important to let the screed cure before gradually pre-heating the floor as part of the commissioning process. Once this process is completed, the floor finish can be applied.
