FAQs
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Underfloor Heating
What are the benefits of underfloor heating over a conventional radiator system?
There are some really significant benefits to underfloor heating.
Firstly, underfloor heating is completely hidden and opens up your walls and floor as extra living space, normally taken up with unsightly radiators.
Secondly, underfloor heating allows you to choose a much wider range of floor coverings like timber, tile, stone and slate, which are warm to the touch rather than cold - great if you're bare footed.
Thirdly, underfloor heating is a more efficient way of heating, which means lower running costs and energy efficiency. It's also ideal to work with renewable energy, like solar and ground source heat pumps.
At what point is underfloor heating installed?
This depends a little on the type of construction you've chosen however as a general rule underfloor heating is installed at the same time as the first fix electrical and plumbing work.
If you are using timber framed construction the underfloor heating at ground floor can go in with the structural slab prior to the erection of the timber frame. Underfloor heating in the first floor can then go in with other first fixes.
Can I run an underfloor heating system with radiators?
It is perfectly possible to do this and this suits situations where you may be adding an extension to a property and do not want to disturb the existing radiator system. It has also been common in the past for underfloor heating to be installed on the ground floor and radiators on the 1st floor, mainly for the convenience of the building process. If this is case with your property, we would encourage you to consider underfloor heating on all floors as it is technically straightforward and you immediately reap the benefits.
Can I use any type of floor covering with Underfloor heating?
Generally we can design with most floor coverings, tiles, stone, laminate flooring, engineered wood, hardwood and carpets are the most popular. Coverings with the least form of thermal resistance are best but this should not restrict you from considering others. Carpets should be limited to a maximum combined tog of 1.5 for the carpet and underlay. If in doubt ask us!
Can I use renewable energy sources like geo-thermal or solar?
Energy produced by geo-thermal heat pumps or solar power is ideal for underfloor heating as typically it requires water at between 35C and 55C, which is the perfect range for both these systems. It is therefore possible to use renewable energy sources, in some circumstances, as the sole heat source or backed up with a traditional boiler or immersion heater, for periods of high demand.
Will any type of standard boiler work with underfloor heating?
Any boiler, which heats water, can be used with underfloor heating, any age, any fuel - oil, gas, electric, bio-mass etc. Obviously in terms of fuel efficiency, economy and the environment, the more efficient and up to date the boiler, the better.
Do I need a thermostat in a bathroom?
We always recommend that bathrooms have their own thermostat with a floor sensor. This means that you can make the bathroom and its floor warmer (for obvious reasons) than bedrooms or common areas. Some companies, to save cost, will link a bathroom with the nearest hallway or landing, but we never recommend this as a suitable option.
What is the Weather Compensation control system?
This is an automatic control, which adjusts the temperature of your entire system using external and internal sensors. These sensors tell the system all the time how cold or warm it is inside and outside your property and the Weather Compensation control calculates the optimum temperature required to provide the exact heat you require. This system can also work with a combination of underfloor heating, radiators and domestic hot water.
Where is the best position for the manifolds?
Each manifold distributes warm water usually to an entire floor of a property. Manifolds should be located as close to the centre of the floor as possible. This ensures that pipe runs are short as and that pipes feeding warm water to one room do not go through neighbouring rooms, ensuring you can control each room to your requirements.
How are manifolds manufactured?
Our manifolds are manufactured from one single piece of extruded brass. They are then completely assembled in the factory including a pressure/temperature gauge, flow meters, air eliminator and isolating valves. Each manifold is pressure tested and marked for quality assurance and traceability.
How do I control my underfloor heating? What is Standard Control and how does it work?
You control the water temperature manually at each manifold by setting a thermostatic mixing valve to the temperature, which suits the conditions. Typically in cold weather this would be set to 55C and lowered to 35C in warmer weather - each manifold then mixes water to achieve the desired temperature.
How much space does underfloor heating take up?
By its nature, nearly all of the heating system is hidden the only visible parts are the manifold, actuators and wiring centre, usually one set per floor. These are best located in a convenient cupboard and in total take up space about the size of a small suitcase.
Is underfloor heating suitable for different types of buildings?
It's straightforward to install underfloor heating in any type of building - new build, conversion, extension, timber frame - residential or commercial.
It's also suitable for ground and upper floors - no matter what type of construction you intend to use. This means you can have the benefits of underfloor heating for the type of property you're planning. We'll give you precise advice on what to do for your situation as part of your installation guide.
How does underfloor heating provide the temperature required?
Underfloor heating provides gentle heat over the entire floor area of your rooms. In comparison, a radiator system has to produce high temperatures to move heat around a room from one or two wall positions.
Radiators also use convection - they draw cold air from the floor and convect it up towards the ceiling. The room is hottest at the ceiling, above your head, which is not where you want the warmth.
Underfloor systems mainly produce radiant heat - directly heating objects and people, just like the sun on a cold day. They also concentrate the warmth where you need at, at your feet. You then have warm feet and a cool head, which is the ideal temperature profile for maximum comfort.
How reliable is the pipe work in underfloor heating?
Underfloor heating pipe is incredibly reliable and technically developed, which is why we offer a 50-year guarantee on pipe as standard. Each pipe is made from layers of high density polyethylene and aluminium bonded together, known as PEX-AL or MIXAL. This construction makes the pipe highly resistant to corrosion, scaling, oxygen diffusion and leakage. They are also fantastic at conducting heat, making them efficient heaters. Finally, they can cope with water pressures up to 10 bar and temperatures up to 95c - far above normal operating conditions.
How reliable is underfloor heating and what maintenance does it require?
Once installed, you can actually forget about your underfloor heating. The pipe work is completely reliable and is backed by a 50 year guarantee, it just does not leak. Our manufacturer makes over 2½ million metres of pipe every day and its all made to the latest European standards.
No regular maintenance is required and in the unlikely event that you damage a pipe, they are easily repaired.
Is underfloor heating more expensive to install than a radiator system?
If you only compare the cost of a system at the time of installation, then there is a price premium for underfloor heating. What's really important is to compare the other ‘hidden costs' associated with radiators that add up over time - known as the 'whole life' costs.
Remember, a radiator system costs more to run in terms of energy - more gas, more oil and no fossil fuels are likely to get cheaper. A radiator system runs on average at between 70c - 80c whereas underfloor heating runs on average at between 30c - 50cIt is very straightforward to use renewable energy sources with underfloor heating because of the lower temperature requirements - more difficult with a radiator system.
Radiator systems also require maintenance and decoration every few years. Convection spoils general décor, producing black stains and streaks on walls and ceilings and causes the build up of dust behind pictures and mirrors.
Finally, buildings are expensive to construct - with underfloor heating you release valuable floor and wall space for living rather than have them cluttered with radiators.
Heat Pumps
How do heat pumps work?
Ground source heat pumps (GSHP) extract solar energy from the ground and use it for heating and providing hot water for the home. The technology is similar to that of a fridge, but instead of cooling things down, it's used to heat them up.
The energy from water and glycol mixture that is pumped around the collector circuit causes the refrigerant to transform to gas. This hot gas passes through the compressor, causing the temperature to rise significantly and then on to the condenser where it condenses and the latent energy is released into the heating circuit.
Can I use a GSHP (ground source heat pumps) with my radiators?
Yes, you can. However, as the system runs at low temperatures you'll need oversized radiators to get the heating output you require. Alternatively, you maybe able to use your existing radiator system with a GSHP if you also install a boiler to top up the temperature to the required level.
Do I need anything else for heating and providing water in my home?
In most circumstances, a GSHP (ground source heat pump) can provide all your heating and water required for the home, without the need for a boiler. They are at their most efficient when used with an underfloor heating system because these run at lower water temperature than conventional boilers and radiator systems. A GSHP works best at heating water to a maximum temperature of 50ºC; while a radiator system would need temperatures to be 70-80ºC
How much does a Heat Pump cost?
A typical installation could cost between £8,000 - £12,000. Grants are available to offset some of this cost.
Are there grants or subsidies available?
Please note the LCBP programme is now closed. This information will remain on our site as reference for people who are already involved in the grant process
In England and Wales for GSHP an overall maximum of £1,200 or 30% of the relevant eligible costs, whichever is the lower and on ASHP an overall maximum of £900 or 30% of the relevant eligible costs, whichever is the lower as part of the Low Carbon Building Programme initiative (subject to conditions).
In Scotland The Energy Saving Scotland home renewables scheme is managed by the Energy Saving Trust in Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government and offers grants of 30%, up to £4,000, of the total cost of products and installation of renewable energy heating systems.
How to you get energy from the ground?
The three main methods of collecting energy from the ground are horizontal collectors, compact collectors and vertical boreholes. The latter is most suitable for a home with limited external space.
Solar
Can I link it in with my existing tank?
Probably not, unless it is a "multi coil/energy" tank. This will be established at the feasibility visit.
Can it work in conjunction with any other heat source?
Another heat source is essential to ensure all year round hot water.
Can this be vented or un-vented?
Either, but Encompas supply an un-vented system.
Does my water tank need to be in the loft or can it be downstairs?
It can be located anywhere but please bear in mind the loading requirement of the install. From a practical point of view pipe work will need to be run from the panels to the tank. Therefore the closer the better.
How are the panels fixed to the roof?
There are three options for fixings; fixed onto the tiled roof, incorporated in to the roof line, on a free standing ‘A' frame.
How do you make the roof watertight after taking the pipe work from the solar panel through to the cylinder?
Using good roofing practice.
How does it work with an existing Combi Boiler?
It will work with a Combi Boiler although because ideally the hot water requirement is supplied from a tank, then the Combi Boiler works, in effect, as a System Boiler. There are modifications required to the system pipe-work and controls for this to work effectively.
How long do they last?
Well looked after and well maintained, a long time.
How much a year of my total DHW will it supply?
Difficult to predict accurately as it depends on the quality' of annual sunlight. On a annualized basis however you should expect between 40% to 50% of your hot water demand to be supplied using this technology.
How much money is likely to save me, what is the pay back period?
Difficult to predict as it depends on the performance of the panel, quantity and demand for hot water. And fuel costs in your area.
How much pipe work is there and where does it need to go?
The length of pipe-work ‘joining' the panels to the tank will depend on the location of each component. The pipe- work will be installed to minimize disruption along the shortest route.
Is it suitable for my home?
We would need to carry out an Assessment Visit (charged) and advise accordingly.
What are the weight issues?
These will depend on the size and location of tank required and in the property. If in doubt a structural engineer should be consulted.
What happens when there is not enough sun light?
Less direct sunlight means less output but the technology utilized in our solar panels mean that they are efficient in diffuse sunlight. They don't work at night! If the system requires heat at this point then the additional heat source (such as a boiler) is used.
What water temperate can the panels produce?
The temperature inside the panels can reach a very high level - to 130c. The tank sensor will restrict the tank temperature to the required level.
Who installs the controls?
We can or your electrician can.
Encompas
What encompas can offer you
Overall Quality
Encompas Ltd is a member of the Underfloor Heating Manufacturers Association (UHMA) Heating and Ventilating Contractors' Association (HVCA) The Heat Pump Association (HPA) Design
All systems are designed using heat loss calculations (with an outside temperature of -50C) taking into account floor constructions and coverings Individual room control (including bathrooms) Manual or Automatic (weather compensation) control?Quality of equipment Single One Piece brass manifolds PE-X 'high grade' pipe Compression fittings Wiring Centres Guarantees
Design and room temperatures Indemnified for life Manifolds & pipe guaranteed for 10 years Pipe guaranteed for a further 40 years giving a total guarantee of 50 years Electrical components under manufacturers guarantee?Service & back-Up Installation service by Encompas Ltd engineers Installation manuals for self installs User manuals 24 Hour Technical Backup Commissioning service Value
Economy of design Time saving when installed by Encompas Ltd Complete Package Other Services / Links
Insulation Screed Pre-cast beam and block floors Geothermal Heat Pumps Solar Panels Towel Rails
Encompas Ltd is a member of the Underfloor Heating Manufacturers Association (UHMA) Heating and Ventilating Contractors' Association (HVCA) The Heat Pump Association (HPA) Design
All systems are designed using heat loss calculations (with an outside temperature of -50C) taking into account floor constructions and coverings Individual room control (including bathrooms) Manual or Automatic (weather compensation) control?Quality of equipment Single One Piece brass manifolds PE-X 'high grade' pipe Compression fittings Wiring Centres Guarantees
Design and room temperatures Indemnified for life Manifolds & pipe guaranteed for 10 years Pipe guaranteed for a further 40 years giving a total guarantee of 50 years Electrical components under manufacturers guarantee?Service & back-Up Installation service by Encompas Ltd engineers Installation manuals for self installs User manuals 24 Hour Technical Backup Commissioning service Value
Economy of design Time saving when installed by Encompas Ltd Complete Package Other Services / Links
Insulation Screed Pre-cast beam and block floors Geothermal Heat Pumps Solar Panels Towel Rails
How to Compare Quotes
As with any product in the market, there are a wide varying degree of systems available to the customer and it is always wise to obtain several quotes to obtain best value, detailed below are some general points that will help when comparing systems:
- Is the company a member of the Underfloor Heating Manufacturers Association?
- Are heat loss calculations carried out for the property?
- What minimum temperature is the system designed to?
- Are room temperatures guaranteed?
- What type of pipe is being used?
- What guarantee is available for the pipe?
- What type of manifold is being used?
- What guarantee is available for the system?
- Are all the rooms individually controlled?
- Are Bathrooms individually controlled?
- Are wiring centres included?
- Are pumps included?
- What level of back-up information is available?
- What installation services does the company offer?
- The first being able to design a system to match the property.
- The second is to incorporate underfloor heating into the building fabric itself rather than considering it as a 'bolt' on system.
On-Line Tip
Change your Schedule for Top Results
Most building schedules we see ask Encompas to come in really quite early - the floor insulation is laid on top of a structural slab, followed by the UFH pipe work and the finished screed floor. This is then followed by all the first-fix for joinery, plumbing and electrics and plastering out, which more often than not leaves the screed floor with damage prior to tiling or fitting of timber floors.
We now advise clients to consider switching the order of their building work to give much better results. This means delaying the installation of the floor insulation and screed until all the joinery, electrical and plumbing first-fix work is completed and also after the property is boarded out and skimmed - effectively ready for second-fix. The advantages to this are clear - the finished screed floor should be ready to accept your final floor finishes, which are the items you will want to look perfect. Laying the UFH pipe work and screeding the floors at the back end of all this internal works means there is less opportunity for damage, you are fixing to perfect surfaces and you are also only having to clean down the floors once prior to final finishes.
