Underfloor heating is compatible with most types of floor finishes, but in order to maximize its effectiveness, it is advisable to select flooring with minimal thermal resistance. When it comes to carpets, it is recommended that the combined rating of the carpet and underlay should be below 1.5 TOG. For wood flooring, it is recommended to use engineered wood instead of solid wood whenever possible. To avoid any concerns regarding maximum floor temperatures, it is best to consult with the flooring manufacturer to ensure that there are no temperature limitations. In situations where there are temperature limits, the heating can be controlled by adjusting the flow rate or by installing a floor sensor.
The output of an underfloor heating system is influenced by various factors, including outdoor temperature and the desired indoor temperature. In the case of a screed system and according to standard guidelines, the heat output typically ranges around 70W/m², assuming flow and return temperatures of 50/40°C, a room temperature of 20°C, an external temperature of -3°C, and a floor thermal resistance not exceeding 0.1W/m²K (or a 1 TOG carpet).
If there is a need to impose limits on floor temperatures, floor sensors can be incorporated into hydronic underfloor heating systems. Alternatively, the flow rate on the manifold can often be adjusted to restrict floor temperature.
Wet underfloor heating is usually integrated into a screed, which means that the system may require a significant amount of time to heat up after the initial installation or if it has been inactive for a while. If this is not the case, it is recommended to verify that the pump and boiler are functioning correctly. If they are not, the services of an electrician or plumber may be necessary to address the issue. However, if the pump and boiler are operational and the room is still not warming up, it is advisable to check whether the thermal actuator is opening up to permit water flow into the pipework located within the room that requires heating.
Most manifold sizes are between 2 – 12 ports. If you require more than 12 loops of pipe then multiple manifolds will be required.
Underfloor heating is highly efficient when used in conjunction with low-temperature heat sources, such as Ground Source and Air Source Heat Pumps. However, almost any heat source can be utilised, provided that a mixing valve is used to lower the water temperature to the necessary range (typically 35-55°C). It is necessary to determine the heat source before designing the system, as lower flow temperatures will necessitate installing the pipework in closer proximity to one another.
Amber recommends a maximum length of 120m for a single loop of 16mm pipe due to pressure drop and temperature considerations.
Amber recommends getting an electrician to check the wiring to the wiring centre as it may not be wired correctly to switch the boiler on.
Answer…
If the system is generating excessive noise, it may indicate a build up of air within the pipework from the boiler. In such circumstances, Amber recommends enlisting the services of a plumber to diagnose and resolve the issue.