Stocking underfloor heating: your questions, answered!

As the heating industry turns towards low-carbon and sustainable options, underfloor heating is rapidly growing in popularity.

This means that more and more electrical wholesalers, distributors, plumbers’ merchants and kitchen, bathroom and tiling showrooms are stocking underfloor heating products.

You may not know where to start when it comes to underfloor heating, but it can be very simple once you have the right information.

Here at Amber, we have a friendly and knowledgeable team always on-hand to help with any underfloor heating question that our stockists or their customers may have.

If you get asked about underfloor heating and you’re not sure what to suggest, you can discover all the information you need in this guide…

What are the different types of underfloor heating?

If your customer is asking about underfloor heating but is not sure what products are available, there are two main types of underfloor heating system.

Electric underfloor heating – which includes heating mats or individual heating cables, either on their own or paired with a decoupling membrane. These elements are installed under the floor surface and powered by electricity to generate heat.

Wet underfloor heating – which consists of flexible pipes installed beneath the floor and connected to a heating source like a heat pump or boiler via a manifold. Warm water circulates through the pipes to warm the room from the floor up.

Both systems are energy efficient, cost-effective heating solutions which are ideal for a number of projects. However, the most suitable system will depend on the specifics of their project.

For more information about the individual elements of underfloor heating and the systems available, read our ultimate guide to underfloor heating components.

What type of system is most suited to my customer’s project?

The most suitable system will depend on the specifics of your customer’s project.

Electric underfloor heating is a versatile option which can be quickly and easily installed. It’s suitable for new-builds and retrofit projects.

Electric mats are typically suitable for larger rooms with fewer obstacles, whilst cables on their own (or paired with a decoupling membrane) are ideal for spaces with obstacles like toilets.

Wet underfloor heating has predominantly been used for new-build projects as installation can be more complex. However, new technologies mean low-profile wet systems can now be installed upstairs and downstairs, making them suitable for both new-builds and retrofits.

Both systems can be used as either primary or secondary heating.

Our team have extensive underfloor heating knowledge, so if you’re not sure which system is most suitable for your customer’s project, just get in touch with our team. We’re available on LiveChat and WhatsApp, so just ask away!

Which system is suitable for my customer’s subfloor?

The subfloor (the solid floor beneath the floor finish) will affect the most suitable product for your customer, so finding out the type of subfloor your customer intends to install underfloor heating on is very important. Subfloors tend to be timber, concrete or tile backer board.

In essence, lower wattage products are more suitable for timber subfloors, whilst higher wattage products are more suitable for concrete subfloors. Tile backer boards are well-suited to most product types.

However, for advice on the installation of any of our products, discover our range of detailed installation guides.

And, if you’re unsure, we have a number of resources available which may help you advise your customers. You can find out more on our Resource Hub, or get in touch to request the materials or information you need.

What floor finish is most suitable for underfloor heating?

Most customers will have an idea of the floor finish they want for their project – and the good news is, underfloor heating is suitable for almost all floor types!

Typically, the best floor coverings are those that are thermally conductive as the heat from the underfloor system is transferred quickly and efficiently. This includes ceramic and stone tiles.

However, underfloor heating can also be used with vinyl, linoleum, wood and even carpet.

Find out more about which flooring is suitable for underfloor heating here.

What warranties are available for my customers?

Your customers may be interested in the warranties available on the underfloor heating products they purchase.

Our underfloor heating products come with extensive warranties which will protect your customers in the unlikely event of a product failure.

Our electric mats and cables are covered by our new 20-Year SecureFloor Warranty, which not only covers the product, but the floor covering too.

Further details on the warranties for each product are available on our website.

What are the benefits of underfloor heating for my customer?

Understandably, your customers will be interested in the benefits of underfloor heating. These benefits include:

Even warmth

Underfloor heating is more likely to produce consistent warmth compared to radiators. Whilst radiators are known for cold spots and causing draughts, underfloor heating produces even heat, radiating from the ground up.

Greater efficiency

Underfloor heating is typically around 30% more energy efficient than traditional radiator and boiler systems. It has a lower operating temperature, meaning less energy is required to produce the same, if not greater, warmth.

Plus, it can be powered by low-carbon, renewable sources, including green electricity, solar panels or heat pumps.

Cost-effectiveness

With less energy required to power underfloor heating, it can be more cost effective for users. Plus, it can be easy to install – especially electric underfloor heating which has no moving parts and only needs to be connected to an electrical feed.

More space

As underfloor heating is hidden beneath the floor, it gives customers more living space. Without bulky radiators intruding into a room, customers can enjoy greater design freedom and more space to use as they wish.

Better control

Underfloor heating can be paired with a wide range of smart controllers which give customers greater flexibility over their heating. It can be independent in each room so the whole system doesn’t need to be turned on to heat one area.

Discover our range of thermostats here.

Greater safety

Unlike radiators which can have sharp edges that jut out, underfloor heating is fitted underneath the floor, helping reduce the risk of injury and provide a safer environment for babies and young children.

Improved air quality

Radiators circulate air, but underfloor heating does not. This means underfloor heating doesn’t circulate dust and allergens, making it the ideal choice for better air quality, especially for those with allergies or respiratory conditions.

Need further advice? Get in touch today!

Our guide should answer all of the key questions you or your customers may have, but our team are always on hand to help with any further advice you need.

Plus, we offer all customers a free design service, access to our technical team and further additional services and support. You can find out more about all the benefits of being an Amber reseller here.