Underfloor Heating Services London

Wet versus electric underfloor heating

Wet systems circulate warm water through pipe loops in or under the floor and are the right choice for whole-house heating or a large extension — running costs are far lower and they pair well with a condensing boiler or heat pump. Electric systems are simpler and cheaper to install in a single room such as a bathroom or kitchen, where they are used for comfort warmth alongside a radiator or towel rail.

Installation and commissioning

A proper installation starts with a heat loss calculation per room, which sets the pipe spacing and flow temperature. We install insulation beneath the pipework so heat travels up rather than down, fix the loops at the calculated centres, and pressure-test before the screed goes down. Commissioning means balancing each loop at the manifold, setting the blending valve temperature, and proving each thermostat drives the right actuator.

• Room-by-room heat loss calculation
• Insulation, pipe layout and fixing to calculated centres
• Pressure test recorded before screeding
• Loop balancing, blending valve setup and control testing

Repairs and fault finding

Cold spots, a pressure drop, or a circuit that never reaches temperature all have findable causes. We use thermal imaging to map the loops and locate a leak or a blockage without lifting the whole floor, check actuators and wiring centres for failed heads, and flush circuits clogged with sludge or air. Most repairs need only a small localised opening in the screed.

Best floor coverings and running costs

Tile and stone conduct heat best and suit underfloor heating perfectly. Engineered wood works well provided the surface temperature limit is respected. Thick carpet and heavy underlay throttle output, so the system needs designing around them. Underfloor heating runs at a much lower flow temperature than radiators, which is why it is more efficient — provided controls are set to run it steadily rather than in short bursts.