Underfloor Heating Dos and Don’ts

Are you considering installing heating in your house but don’t have experience in this? Underfloor heating can seem complicated and technical to a newbie. But there are many who have been able to successfully, or if you have professionals do the job for you, but want to know how exactly you can monitor what goes on, this blog is a list of dos and don’ts to keep in mind.

Knowing what to be careful about and whether the installation is going right can help you enjoy the heating system for a long time. Also, you might end up saving money installing the system by yourself with very few hurdles.

Dos

1) Read Instructions

Make sure you’re reading instructions from the manufacturers before you start installing any kind of underfloor heating. This way, your installation process is likely to go smoother, and you will get it right the first time.

2) Ensure Even Distribution

Make sure all heating cables and cold tail connections are embedded within a layer of cement-based tile adhesive, so there is an even distribution of heating throughout the floor.

3) Check Warranties

Be it a water-based system fitted into the subfloor or an electric system installed beneath the floor; you should always check the warranties. Be pragmatic and don’t settle for anything less than a lifetime warranty. There are companies that can take advantage of you and negotiate terms with you.

This is why hiring a professional to help you install and negotiate terms with manufacturers instead is sometimes a more prudent route to take.

4) Check Floor Suitability

Before you invest in an underfloor heating system, make sure your floor is suited to the system you choose. Wood, laminate, carpet, vinyl, and tiles are all well-suited to a heating system. You can go the extra mile and check with your flooring manufacturer to make sure the flooring is suitable for the system.

5) Ensure Technical Support

No matter what, installing heating is not a one person job. Check the level of technical support you’ll need, and make sure it’s available. Ensure that all electrical work is carried out by a qualified electrician and any tests that need to be performed are done beforehand and as per the installation guide. You need the green light from the electrician before you start any work on the flooring.

Don’ts

1) Don’t Cut the Cables

If you cut or shorten the heating cable to adjust the length, you’re likely to burn the system out. Heating cables have a resistive element that, when shortened or cut, loses or changes the resistance, thus burning out the cable.

2) Skimp on Quality

Don’t choose a heating system that is cheaper, but has a higher risk of being a hazard or inefficient. Professionals that install heating systems underfloor know what they are doing and can recognize poor quality. Check the heating wire and pipe materials to ensure that the former is ultra-thin, dual-fluoropolymer coated, and for warm water-based systems. The pipes should be PEX-a as they are longer lasting.

Installing a heating system yourself might prove dangerous or high risk. Quick Air is a team of licensed technicians that can repair, service, and install underfloor heating systems efficiently and at affordable rates. Give us a call at 1300 730 896.