No. Generally, underfloor heating solutions are quicker and cheaper to install than most other traditional systems. This does depend on the type of system you choose and your final floor finish but as systems can be completed in one stage, costs can be reduced.

Underfloor heating works well with a variety of commonly used floor coverings. Underfloor heating is more commonly installed under tile floors, such as ceramic, stone or terracotta. But while tile floors generally work best, underfloor heating can also be installed under carpet and timber, or vinyl and laminate floor coverings. When installing underfloor heating underneath timber floors, be sure to check that the wood is recommended for installation with underfloor heating. As experienced designers, Thermal Earth will be able to make brand recommendations as well as discuss the various requirements during installation to make sure your flooring will work efficiently with the system being installed. Carpets tend to insulate heat which you will need to be mindful of if choosing to pair it with your underfloor heating system. The carpet can work well though, so long as you choose the correct tog value of both the carpet and underlay. Again, the right choice can be made with our advice and help. Tiles are more commonly used on top of underfloor heating. This is thanks to their rise in popularity for modern interiors and the ability to prevent the feeling of a cold tiled floor underfoot is always desirable. Thicker tiles will inevitably take longer to heat up, but once the optimum temperature is reached there is little difference in efficiency between thicker and thinner surfaces. Vinyl and laminate floor coverings can be used as long as they again are recommended for underfloor heating use. Not all vinyls and laminates are compatible so make sure you check beforehand. We will be able to discuss your options and make brand recommendations to help you make the best choice.

Underfloor heating systems, once warm, will provide comfortable heat across the whole area it is installed, continuously. However, as it's typically installed below the floor it takes time for the underfloor heating system to heat up and cool down. For temperature changes (i.e. the end user feels warm) we recommend you adjust the thermostat in increments of no more than 1°c +/-. This will allow the system to activate and give it 24 hours to balance. When using underfloor heating systems in conjunction with a heat pump and you wish to use the set-back feature, we recommend a set-back temperature of no more than 2°c.

As the underfloor heating pipework will be installed on the floor for many years and the design layout of the kitchen may change, whether or not to fit underfloor heating under kitchen units is very much a customer decision. If it's the case that the pipework gets installed under kitchen units it is advised to install some insulation under the units to prevent the interior of the units from overheating.

No. An underfloor heating system does not require any maintenance. As with any heating system, though, occasional operating checks should be carried out on the system as a whole.

Yes. For example, underfloor heating can be installed on the ground floor and radiators installed on the first floor. This decision must be made as early as possible for the designer of the system to incorporate certain components and controls into the system to allow these 2 systems to operate effectively at 2 different temperatures.

Dependending on the heat source, underfloor heating can be the most economical method to heat a home. When coupled with a low-temperature heat pump system, underfloor heating is highly efficient as it heats your home from the ground up, following the natural convectional flow. The more efficient your heating system is, the greater the potential for reducing your energy bills.

Yes, underfloor heating is very easy to control. Here at Thermal Earth, our range of underfloor heating systems includes several different types of thermostats to allow single or multiple-zone control. We can provide options to control separate floors or individual rooms to provide flexibility and efficiency in how you heat your home.

Even for the most confident DIY-er, installing underfloor heating can prove to be a tricky and time-consuming task. Although there are aspects of the design and installation process that can be done by the homeowner, there are other components of the job which require the knowledge and understanding of a skilled and qualified professional. Given the fact that once the flooring is laid, it would be difficult to access again if errors were made during installation, it is always the best option to call upon the skills of a professional to ensure the job is done safely and correctly in the first place. Whatever level of involvement you choose to have in the installation of your underfloor heating system, electrical and gas connections must always be carried about by qualified professionals. Using qualified professionals will ensure that in the event of anything going wrong, your home insurance is still valid, whereas if you were to do the work yourself, you would be liable to pay for any damages incurred. In addition to the job being made easier, safer and more professional, a reputable installer will be able to offer advice throughout the planning phase, much of which can prove invaluable and can safeguard against any errors being made in terms of choice of system, installation methods and much more. When choosing an installer, make sure that you check their qualifications and industry accreditations. It’s also important to find out what sort of pre-service advice and post-service support, maintenance and warranties they offer.