5 Common Myths About Underfloor Heating Debunked

Before we bust some myths, let’s answer the basic question: how does underfloor heating work? Underfloor heating is a central heating system that warms the room using a pipe system that’s filled with warm water, powered by your boiler or heat pump. It works by heating the mass of the floor, which then radiates into the room. 

One of the main benefits of this type of heating is consistent warmth; underground heating warms the room from the floor up, reducing any cold spots for a more comfortable room temperature. The energy efficient system improves indoor air quality, while increasing floor space by 15% by eliminating the need for radiators. The best part? It has to be the warm, toasty feeling of a warm floor in your home, especially during winter. 

Myth 1: Underfloor Heating Isn’t Suited To All Homes

It’s easy to think that underfloor heating can only be installed in new build homes. In fact, it can be installed in any home, whether it’s a top-floor flat or a 40-year old house. Underfloor heating installation doesn’t usually need planning permission, but if you do live in a listed property it’s worth checking with a surveyor. The cost is dependent on multiple factors including floor coverage and the existing insulation in your home.

Myth 2: Underfloor Heating Doesn’t Work With Carpet

People often think that underfloor heating paired with carpet is ineffective, or even a fire risk. However,  it can work perfectly with carpet alongside most types of flooring choices. If you’re thinking of installing underfloor heating beneath your carpet, seek advice from an expert; for best results, you’ll need to choose a thinner carpet with a good quality underlay, to ensure the heat can still conduct efficiently.

Myth 3: Underfloor Heating Repairs Are A Hassle To Fix

A heating system that’s installed by a reputable supplier should last you a number of years. In fact, the Qual-Pex Plus+ ‘Easy-Lay’ Multilayer Pipe that we use in our heating systems comes with a 50 year guarantee. We will be on hand to support you in the unlikely event that you do encounter any problems with your heating system. Repairs are easy to pinpoint using thermal image mapping and expert machinery meaning there usually isn’t a need to lift more than a tile sized square of your floor. 

Myth 4: Underfloor Heating Takes All Day To Heat A Home

An underfloor heating system will take between 30 minutes and 4 hours to heat up your room depending on factors such as floor type, insulation, size of the space and ambient temperature. Smart controls are highly respondent to changes in temperature and allow users to schedule their ideal temperatures on a room by room basis.

Myth 5: Underfloor Heating Will Crack Wooden Floors

Across the UK, many homes have had underfloor heating successfully installed under wooden floors. The one rule? Choose a wood that has been kiln dried to approximately 8%. You need a wood that can adapt to changes in temperature without warping and cracking. Our team at Pipelife will be happy to advise you on the best options for this.