Floor Heating Solutions

The Complete Floor Heating Guide for Importers

Are you looking for an underfloor heating guide for your new house?

Or you are looking for an underfloor heating guide for

Or are you renovating your house in readiness for the cold season but you don’t have an under- roofing guide?

Is your answer, yes?

Then this is the guide you have been looking for.

Here, is a simplified look at the underfloor heating guide. At the end of this guide, you will be an expert on the underfloor heating system.

Take a look.

Chapter 1: What is floor heating?

1.1  What is Floor Heating

Floor heating refers to a type of space warming that involves heating the surface of the room. After baking, there is radiation of the heat throughout the space creating a favorable temperature condition.

Underfloor heating has undergone a revolution. Traditionally, there was the use of the hypocaust system which entailed drawing of smoke and warm air through the raised floor.

Graphic: Floor Heating

The smoke and warm air heated the floor surface before discharging through flues.

The latest innovations include heating the floor using fluid- flowing hydronic systems or electrical resistance elements. These innovations are ideal since they cover a large area similar to the traditional methods.

Also, they are relatively small, providing flexibility and highly efficient offering the best temperature for your floor heating.

You can install an underfloor heating system in a new building or into existing spaces. You can use it to offer additional heating to specific areas like bathrooms and bedrooms.

Alternatively, you can install it as the primary heating system in a residential or commercial property. You can use it together with thermal mass renewable heat sources and night purging.

You have two options when it comes to which floor heating system to purchase. Either you buy a custom-designed floor heating system or have a modular floor heating system.

Figure 1: underfloor heating system

1.2  Advantages of Floor Heating – Why Floor Heating?

There are several advantages that you will gain by using a floor heating system. They include:

• The comfort-underfloor heating system offers comfort when you are walking around.

You can walk around your room while maintaining warmth on your feet.

• By having a floor heating system, you will be able to enjoy uniform and constant heat distribution in your rooms.
• If you compare to a radiator, a floor heating system can heat a more substantial area which in turn reduces your energy bills, thus reducing cost.
• With a strategic layout plan, you don’t have to interfere with the space of the room because you can hide the heating system.
• With an under-floor heating system, you have multiple installation options. For instance, under the carpet, behind the floor or even under the tiles.
• Underfloor heating is a value addition process which implies that you can use it as an incentive to woo clients.

1.3  Drawbacks of Floor Heating.

While using a floor heating system, you will face the following limitations.

• The installation process of a floor heating system can be a little be costly. You, therefore, have to arrange for it adequately.
• During installation, the floor heating system can hinder the flexibility of your furniture because you cannot place anything on top of the floor heating system.
• Heating of the floor can take a while. As such, you might have to use a timer to heat the floor and the room before using the floor heating system.

These limitations are, however, not sufficient to stop you from purchasing a floor heating system.

1.4  Types of underfloor heating

There are different types of underfloor heating systems for selection for your room. The choice of which model to choose depends on you.

The following are the main types of underfloor heating systems.

1. Hydration underfloor heating

Hydration underfloor heating system constitutes of chains of looped pipes which connect to a central boiler. The central boiler circulates water throughout the floor.

In cold areas, these underfloor heating systems use a mixture of an antifreeze liquid like propylene glycol and water. Since the heat transfer liquid is in an enclosed loop, there is a continuous circulation of the fluid between the floor and the boiler.

You need ample space for piping and installation of this system for it to work effectively. This includes elevation of the floor level, which can be difficult, expensive and disruptive, especially when you are retrofitting.

And by the way, this fitting though expensive to install, it is less costly to operate. Since they are low-temperature systems, using a renewable source of energy to heat the pumps comes in handy.

Such renewable systems include solar thermal panels, underground sourced heat pumps, and air source heat pumps. Finally, use this kind of a system either for heating or cooling your room.

Pros of Hydration Underfloor Heating

• Hydration Underfloor heating is cheap to run
• Works best for new buildings
• Water-based heating is useful for large areas
• It is suitable for multi-room spaces
• Water-based heating is quieter compared to conventional radiators and HVAC systems
• Hydration heating offers comfort and an even temperature distribution
• Durable and easy to maintain

Cons of Hydrated Underfloor Heating

You will experience the following limitations

• The installation of hydrated floor heating is expensive and disruptive. It is especially not suitable for old/existing buildings
• Water-based floor heating may restrict the layout of a room
• It could limit the selection of floor coverings
• It is not as effective in cooling, as cold surfaces could lead to condensation problems
• The system could take much time to heat or cold compared to conventional or electric systems
• Hard to install – You will need an expert to fix the system for you.
• Hydration systems can be hard to repair.

1. Electric Underfloor Heating

The underfloor heating system utilizes an electric system with heating elements that are non-corrosive to warm up the floor. Such components include carbons filters, pre-formed cable mats, and bronze mesh.

Their low profile allows you to have a thermal mass electric system or directly use under the door finishes. The heating cables which you lay in loops over the floor area provide the heat needed by the system.

Laying of the insulation board under the heating cable enhances the energy efficiency of the system. The availability of the thermostat helps in controlling the room temperature of the system.

Installing this system in your room implies that you don’t have to use an additional heat source. The electric underfloor heating system is ideal for renovations and building extensions.

Also, if you want to maximize your living area, then this is the perfect system since it utilizes little space compared to hydration heating systems.

Flexibility is what this system offers since you can use it in any season. Unlike water-based heaters that you switch off during summer, you can use this system in areas such as bathrooms which are cold in such seasons.

Advantages

• Reliability- the reliability aspect of the cables and mats allows you to track and replace any faulty section without having to replace the entire system. You only need to lift the individual tiles under repair.
• Construction height- these system enables you to minimize the construction height of your building. Commonly, the cables utilize a height of between 4mm -6.5mm, which is much lower than water- based underfloor heating system.
• Installation cost- the installation cost of this system is quite low due to it being near the floor surface. You don’t need sophisticated expertise to install and operate the system.

The installation cost is relatively cheaper when you compare to water-based systems. As we shall see later, the fee depends on the floor size, the output as well as your custom requirements.

Disadvantages

• The operating cost of electric underfloor heating is relatively higher when you compare with water- the based heating system
• Though electrical underfloor system allows for DIY installation, you still need an expert on complex projects to set up the system.
• You cannot use an electric underfloor heating system to cool a room during hot seasons, unlike water-based heating system.

1.5 Hydration Heating vs. Electric Underfloor Heating

An electric underfloor heating system is better of the two.

Here is why.

Installation of an electric floor heating system is more comfortable, cheaper, and works better for hard- to get spaces. You also have the advantage of DIY installation when it comes to the electric underfloor heating system.

Is Underfloor Heating Worth It?

Yes. Underfloor heating is worth it.

As we have seen, underfloor heating has several advantages that make it a perfect choice for your floor room. Averagely, many people choose underfloor hearing system than using radiators to heat their apartments.

If you are planning to heat your living area, this is the perfect choice you have.

Chapter 2 Where to use the underfloor heating

There are several areas that you can use an underfloor heating system.

Here is a look at some of these areas.

2.1 Types of Flooring

The use of the underfloor heating system is standard in regular types of floor. Here, the floor material thermal conductivity features determine the choice of the underfloor heating system.

A flooring material with good thermal conductivity heats up efficiently, offering more heat output. You, therefore, need to consider the thermal conductivity of the floor to determine the floor heating system as well as the installation process.

Laminate and carpet flooring

Laminate and carpet flooring are one type of floor that you can use the underfloor heating system. However, you need to ensure that the carpet or laminate material does not block heat.

For efficiency of the heating system, you need to ensure that that the overall weight of all the material does not exceed 2.5 togs.

1. Rubber Flooring

Rubber flooring is another kind of floor that you can install an underfloor heating system. Solid rubber flooring is highly conductive, which makes it heat up faster, offering high heat output.

However, you need to consult the manufacturer before installing the underfloor heating system on such a floor.

  2. Laminate Flooring

Plastic laminate offers a scratch and stain resistant finish on your floors. Most laminates are suitable for underfloor heating systems.

However, ensure you confirm with your manufacturer on the guidelines before installing the system on your floor.

Figure 3: laminate flooring

 3. Vinyl and Wood Flooring

The ability of vinyl and wood flooring to heat and cool rapidly makes it unique when you are using the underfloor heating system. You need to restrict it to temperatures of not more than 27°C or 80.6°F, which limits the temperature output.

It is thus not suitable for high heat loss areas like old sunrooms. Various wood materials have distinctive thermal features hence difference in the choice of underfloor heating system.

Dense and thin floorboards have a higher capability of conducting heat; hence, they are suitable for the underfloor heating system.

You need to note that heating wooden floor changes are moisture content. You, therefore, need to select wood flooring that adapts to temperature changes quickly without altering the floor appearance.

Kiln dried wood, for instance, are ideal for the underfloor heating system. However, confirm with your manufacturer’s guidelines on the material suitability.

Pay attention to the floorboard thickness to minimize chances of it acting as heat insulators.

Figure 4: Vinyl flooring

 4. Engineered timber

Engineered timber is an ideal material for the underfloor heating system since it quickly adapts to floor moisture content and temperature changes. However, you need to select a less dense and softer wood for adequate heating.

As a rule, the floor surface temperature should not exceed 80.6°F.

1. Solid Hardwood

Solid hardwood is highly susceptible to temperature and humidity changes, which can cause gapping, crowing, and cupping. You need to be careful when using the underfloor heating system on it to ensure high heat output and compatibility.

• Softwoods

When selecting softwood for the underfloor heating system, you need to consider the floorboard thickness. This ensures that there is a high output delivered. Generally, thinner conifers are ideal for the underfloor heating system.

1. Parquet Floor

You can have either engineered or solid wood parquet floor and are ideal for the underfloor heating system.

  2. Bamboo

Bamboo has an excellent thermal conductivity, which makes it an ideal flooring material for the underfloor heating system.

Floor Heating with Wood Flooring Installation Tips

Here are some of the tips that you can follow when using the underfloor heating system on your wooden floor.

• Thin wooden floor thickness is ideal for the underfloor heating system since it highly conducts heat.
• Ensure that your floor has the right moisture content and a suitable heating cycle.
• For excellent structural support, ensure that you support boards that are less than 20mm or ¾ inches thick
• When installing wooden boards over screed, utilize underlays that have low togs.

1. Tile, Stone & Polished screed

The advantage of tile and stone for the underfloor heating system is that they have a higher thermal conductivity. This implies that there is a high transfer of heat as well as they can retain the heat.

Due to the thermal properties, you can use tile and stones for underfloor heating in an area where there is high heat loss. You can heat tile and stone floors to as high as 84°F hence you don’t have to worry about the thickness.

However, the advisable thickness for tiles and stone is ¾ inches, which ensure that there is a highly responsive underfloor heating system.

Among the different types of tile, stones, and polished floors available include:

  Ceramic and Stone Tiles

Ceramic and stone tiles have a thin profile which allows for excellent heat transfer. The advantage of ceramic and stone tiles is that you can easily clean.

  Polished Concrete

Polis concrete offers faster heating properties due to its high thermal conductivity. Polished concrete works well in both water-based floor heating and electric heating.

  Slate and Flagstone

The thermal conductivity properties, as well as a hard-wearing floor, finishes, making it ideal for use in high footfall areas.

  Marble

Marble has a slower heat time than other types of flooring materials but still ideal due to its thermal conductivity.

Tile and Stone Underfloor Heating Installation Tips

1. When installing underfloor heating on a concrete floor, ensure that you use insulation to prevent underground heat loss.
2. Use high quality and flexible tile adhesive to install an underfloor heating system with tiles.

2.2 How to choose a Matched Floor Heating Way

A material with a lower thermal conductivity will have a lower heat output, which will affect your electricity bills.

To avoid high bills, you need to ensure compatibility between the underfloor heating system and the flor material.

However, how do you go about selecting an underfloor heating system that is ideal for your building?

Let’s answer this question in this section.

Keep reading.

When selecting an underfloor heating system for your room, you need to check on the system’s heat output. The system’s heat output is affected by your floor material, which depends on the floor area and the general temperature of the floor area.

You can maximize the heat output by changing the floor finish and ensuring that the heat output is higher than the room’s heat loss figure.

Naturally, a two- degree difference in temperature can make a difference in the total heat output. Thus, if a heated flooring material with 27°C or 80.6°Fis not ideal, you can replace it with one of 29°C, 84°F.

Also, you may consider using supplementary heating to ensure your heating system meats your underfloor heating specifications. There is a direct link between the temperature of the flor and the heat output.

We can help you choose a suitable system for your floor finish.

2.3 Factors affecting underfloor heating.

Factors that affect underfloor heating include:

1. Insulation

A good insulator beneath a subfloor reduces heat loss through the floor. In turn, this increases the amount of heat transferring to the room’s floor and above.

Good insulation underneath also reduces the time taken to warm up the floor and room.

   2. Floor covering

The floor covering used affects the time taken by a system to warm up the floor. Generally:

• A wooden deck with proper insulation will take about 30 to 60 minutes to warm up after switching the system on.
• A solid uninsulated concrete floor or one with a high mass screed flooring will take hours to heat up. Averagely, you need 2 to 8 hours to achieve the desired
• Insulated concrete floors will take between 2 to 5 hours to heat up. Concrete with 10mm tile backer insulation takes less than 60minutes to heat up. However, due to their heat retention ability, concrete will continue transferring heat after switching off the system.
• You can limit the time taken to warm up by using insulated tile backs, which reduces the time to between 15 and 20 minutes.

  3. Heat Loss

The effect of heat loss in underfloor heating is that it increases the heat up time. The higher the heat loss, the higher the heat up time. As a result, your underfloor heating system will have to operate longer.

  4. Resting Temperature

The time it takes to maximum temperature will depend on the floor temperature left between heating periods. Heating the floor from cold will take longer to warm up than heating the floor if there is some heat on the floor.

  5. Limiting Floor Warming Time with Set-Back Stats

The use of setbacks is for setting default temperature that you want a heating system to be between the heating periods. Mostly, set back temperatures is usually around 4˚C below the floor heated temperature.

This allows the floor to stay relatively warm, reducing the energy and time needed to re-heat up your floor. Setbacks stats minimizes energy consumption in places that you regularly use the underfloor heating system.

Chapter 3: Electric Floor Heating System

Perhaps the relevant question that you are asking yourself is how an electric floor heating system works.

You don’t have to worry

The working principle of an electric heating system is quite simple.

Here is how it works.

The heat from the underfloor heating system comes from electricity through cables that are in the loops in the floor area. A thin layer is spread over the underfloor cables to give a smooth surface after which you lay the floor on top.

An insulation board laid under the heating cable ensures an energy efficient system. The availability of a thermostat on the wall allows you to control the temperature in the room.

With an electric floor heating system, there is no need for an additional heat source in your room since it is a complete system.

Figure 5: electric floor heating system overview

What does Electric Underfloor Heating Include?

An electric underfloor heating system includes the following.

1. Floor heating cables

Figure 6: Floor heating cable

Underground heating cables are particularly hardwearing, and they are common in the application set in concrete slabs and other floors. The purpose is to maintain a suitable temperature condition and protect against freezing.

Floor heating cables offer to heat both on the floor and the entire room. You should set the cables by local regulations.

Materials significantly affect floor heating cables resistance and are least affected by changes in temperature. Therefore, a heating cable heats itself anytime the power is on.

A control device usually a thermostat enhances the life of a cable heating element.

Floor heating cables have a relatively low installation cost, and their maintenance expenses are reasonable. A suitable choice for a floor heating cable is the constant wattage heating cables.

These cables can convert 100% electrical energy into heat without energy loss. There are two types of floor heating cables, that is single and twin conductor floor heating cables.

Both floor heating cables are meant for European markets and have a rated voltage of 230V. Both wires are waterproof meaning you can use in either dry or wet floors.

Another similarity is that they need a thermostat to work. However, there are two regular types of a twin cable and three regular types of a single cable.

A single conductor structure has two distinctive power source connection. It consists of the inner conductor of tinned copper, shield, conductor insulation, and the outer jacket.

The shield can screen all electromagnetic radiation generated in the inside. The jacket’s material is 100% waterproof PVC to make it suitable for use in wet areas.

On the other hand, a twin conductor structure allows for the connection of power from one connection point. It consists of an inner conductor, insulation, an outer jacket, and a shield.

A twin conductor cable features a fluoropolymer like FEP or ETFE.

The solution for long Underfloor Heating Cable.

You cannot cut Heating cables. However, they are usually preassembled meaning you can seek an expert’s help. The expert will determine the right size of the floor heating cable and resistance based on your floor area and heating requirements.

Once you determine the resistance of the wire, you can calculate the liner watts and the total power. Hence, unless under particular circumstances under an expert, you need to avoid cutting the underfloor heating cables.

Why?

Cutting a wire flor heating cable reduces the resistance meaning that at the same voltage, there will be a higher power generation. This can lead to overheats and burns or safety problems.

Also, you will not be in a position to connect the circuit without professional connection kits.

Instructions for Floor Heating Cable Installation Under Hardwood Flooring

Follow the following steps when installing a heating cable under hardwood flooring.

• Determine the heated area and sketch Send it to Jiahong for price quotation. Determine the suitable thermostat location and include that in your design.
• Locate a thermostat about 5 Feet off your floor and ensure it is on an inside wall. You should not place the thermostat in places with excessive heat or direct contact with sunshine.
• Install wood sleepers. Sleepers should be ¼ to ¾ inches thick and about 2 inches wide. You need to install strips at 12 to 16-inch intervals and a 2-inch gap left at other strips ends to allow heating wires to cross from a section to another.
• Use nails, screws, or hot glue to secure strips to the floor. Maintain at least 3- inch distance from permanent fixtures and walls.
• Install your heating system. This should start from the closest floor point to the thermostat. Run the heating cable parallel to wood sleepers back and forth to get all sections filled in.
• Install a temperature sensor probe. This should be at least 12 inches from the wall. The sensor probe should not cross the heating cable.
• Embed your heating system with a leveling
• Install your hardwood flooring.
• Program your thermostat to a maximum of 26.5°C or 81°F. The reason for this is to avoid causing warping or drying the wood out.

Testing the Underfloor Heating Cable

You need to verify your floor heating cable at least thrice, that is, before installation, after laying the cable and after putting the floor finish. Doing so ensures early detection and repair of damages to the wire.

Compare the readings of cable resistance for conductors and resistance of insulation against the resistance recorded. You can check this across the particular cable in our insulation manual or on the cord tail label.

You can use a Multimeter as a resistance tester since it is easier to use. It will also alert you of any breaks and malfunctions in the cables or the sensor wires.

If there is a problem with our cable products, we are ready to help. We will offer a replacement at no cost. In case you damage your cable accidentally, you don’t have to panic.

Reach out to us, and we will help you get a compatible replacement.

Underfloor Heating Cable Operating Tips

Here are tips when you are operating underfloor heating cables

1. Before installation, check the building floor heights with experts to guarantee appropriate underfloor cable heating and installation.
2. Add thermal insulation to fasten heating and reduce energy consumption.
3. Install each sensor in a separate conduit without the power cables.
4. Capture photos of the completed installation which you can use for future references.
5. Test the cables and record the results.
6. When installing thermostats, you need to retest the cable continuity insulation resistance and ohms. This will help in identifying potential problems.
7. Never cross heating cables
8. Avoid tapping the cold tail connection or end joint
9. Never cut the wires
10. Avoid spot dabbing tile adhesive for quick installation. This could create air pockets underneath the tiles.
11. Don’t leave the cables exposed over the covering of your floor.

Troubleshooting

One drawback of using insulated heat cables in concrete floors is the difficulty in fault location. However, if you have a well-designed system, chances of heating failure are minimal, and you can quickly identify a fault.

There are three common underfloor cable heating faults.

1. Open circuit “clean break”- it implies there are no earth leakages but a continuous circuit.
2. Earth fault- it implies broken insulation; however, the cable is functional and shows correct reading in resistance.
3. Earth fault and heating cable damage- here, some heating cable strands have been damaged, and cable insulation is broke.

Here is how you can use a multimeter to identify an underfloor heating cable fault.

1. Disconnect the heating element from the mains power.
2. Select Ohms (resistance) on your multimeter to test for resistance continuity of your heating cable.
3. Connect the multimeter’s RED lead to the heating cable’s live wire (Red or Brown). Connect the multimeter’s black lead to the heating cable’s black or blue cord.

Conclusions

• A multimeter screen indicating ‘O.L’ implies a clean break in your heating cable
• Unstable screen readings indicate broke or damaged wire.
• Unstable screen readings which not indicated on the cable chart implies an entire cable but with a possibility of lengthened or shortened cables.
• Stable screen readings indicated on the manual implies your heating cable is intact.

2. Floor heating mat

Floor heating mats are ideal for regular shaped rooms, and you can use them as a primary heat source. They are suitable for permanent floor finishes, including ceramics.

Jiahong offers a range of floor heating mats ideal for different floor settings.

• Can Electric Floor Heating Mats Be Cut?

The big question is, can you cut a floor heating mat?

Yes. You can cut a mat to fit perfectly on the floor space but take care not to cut the heating cable. However, an electrician should do the cutting for you to minimize hazards.

Alternatively, you can order the right size for your space to avoid cutting.

Jiahong mats come in 120V, 230V or 240V depending on the order country. They all have thin wiretapped and spaced in a mesh to facilitate installation.

Our floor mats are thin, thereby reducing the effect of raising the floor height. Jiahong designs and sells customized floor heating mats. You can get a mat personalized for your space by filling in a few features of your house here.

• Tips for Buying a Floor Heating Mat

Consider the following factors when buying an electric floor heating mat:

1. The space that you intend to heat using your floor mat. You need to draw a sketch of your floor and give an expert for recommendations.
2. Check on the voltage as each country has its The US requires 240V for commercial use and 120V for residential purpose.
3. Check on the waterproof properties of the Check out Jiahong’s waterproof floor heating mats.
4. Heating requirements and heat loss

• Heating mat controller

These mats come with a sensor that you can use in regulating the temperature.

• Heating mats installation

Our heating mats are pre-spaced and pre-adhered to allow you to focus on laying your mat swiftly and accurately. The adhesive qualities enable the mat to reposition when you make a mistake when putting it.

You need to deduct fixtures like cupboard when measuring the floor plan to get the right size of your floor area’s heating mat. To reduce heat loss, insulate your mat by laying an insulation board first using a flexible tile adhesive.

Be careful to avoid tearing the heating mat. Also, when installing, ensure it does not touch your feet to ensure safety. You can either use a self-adhesive tape or a self-adhesive backing straight into the insulation board.

Embed the heating system into the slab before tiling or tiled directly over.

Types of heating mats

The following are the typical floor mats available in the market.

1. Warm-M Electric Floor Heating Mat

Having a 120vac and 240Vac rating, this heating mat is designed for Northern America importers. Its installation is flexible in different shapes and locations and works well in many floorings.

2. Mat-D Radiant Heat Mat

This mat is popular in Europe markets, and its regular types are 150W/m and 2100W/m2. It is commonly used for engineered wood floors, brick floors, stone, tile, and laminate, among others.

It’s 6.6mm thick, and its regular width is either 48 or 50cm. It also features a 2.5m standard cold lead.

3. Mat-S Floor Heating Mat

Meant for European importers only due to its 230v rating, this carpet is as thin as 2.6mm. Its popular types are 150W/m2 and 100W/m2. This heating mat can be used on all kinds of floorings.

4. Mat-AF Floor Heating Pad

Figure 8: Foil heating mat

Mat-AF Floor Heating Pad, also called foil heating mat, is made with an aluminum cover to shield all electromagnetic radiations, this heating mat is suitable for under-carpet and laminate floor heating It can also be used on engineered wood among other kinds of floors.

It is specifically meant for Europe (UK) market and its size options is 150W/m2, 80W/m2, and 140W/m2.

• Floor Heating Cable Mat

Both electric floor heating cables and mats are ideal for different uses.

Mats are cheaper and easy to install. On the other hand, cables are relatively harder to install and are costly.

Mats are suitable for rectangular areas with little obstacles while cables are right for areas with angles and obstacles.

3. Thermostat

The thermostat is a device that you use to control the temperature of a room. Electric underfloor heating thermostat control floor temperature separating it from the room temperature.

Jiahong floor heating thermostats will help you in controlling the heated area of your floor. There is a wide variety of Jiahong floor heating thermostat that you can select.

Figure 8: Thermostat

• How thermostat work.

You set a preferred temperature on your thermostat. To warm up the room, switch on the thermostat.

Once the temperature reaches the desired level, the thermostat switches itself off to prevent overheating. You need to locate a thermostat in an area with fresh air flow to accurately sense the temperature change.

Click HERE for a short video on how a thermostat works.

A right thermostat will react to low temperature and automatically switch the heating system. Thermostats can either be mechanical or digital. However, the main types of thermostats are:

• Typical setpoint thermostat
• PID thermostat
• Programmable thermostats
• Non-programmable thermostat
• Tekmar thermostat

The difference between European and American Thermostat is they have different Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) standards.

This is because these regions have different voltage requirements for heating systems as we have seen earlier. GFCI is a safety device that interrupts power to the radiant floor heating system.

This is where there is a ground fault in electric current which can cause a fire. You need GFCI for electrical outlets.

At Jiahong, we customize each thermostat to fit your region’s requirements.

The common thermostat problems and solutions include

• Thermostat overheating. To prevent, make sure that the electrical panel has the capacity for underfloor heating. Also, check the thermostat requirements to avoid overloading it.
• The system is shutting off suddenly. Here, the problem has dirty internal components as a result of sooth building upon the elements. You need to clean up the thermostat and tighten loose connections.,
• Mismatch of room and set temperature. Again, this is caused by having dirty internal components. to prevent this, ensure you clean the thermostat and install it away from sunshine.
• Erratic thermostat display. If the thermostat’s screen is blank or doesn’t show anything, it can be old batteries so consider a replacement. The other problem can be a tripped circuit breaker.
• A dysfunction thermostat. If the thermostat is not working, check on the fuse and batteries. Replace the igniter if it is broke.

Thermostat Replacement Tips

Here are a few tips that you can use to replace the thermostat of your underfloor heating system.

1. Turn off the mains power source
2. Remove the old thermostat’s face
3. Take a photo of the wires – while this step is not necessary, photos might act as future references.
4. Disconnect heating system wires from the old thermostat.
5. Remove the old mount.
6. Fix your new thermostat, mount it, and connect it to heating system’s wires.
7. Screw the faceplate mount well on the wall
8. Attach the face of your new thermostat
9. Power the heating system
10. Configure the temperature setting of your new thermostat

Chapter 4: Installing an electric Floor Heating System

Before installing your electric floor heating system, consider the following.

• Is Underfloor Heating the Best Option for my house?

The first consideration is to check if the underflow heating system is ideal for your house. There are several other options that you can have, such as radiators.

You need to analyze the benefits and shortfalls of each to come up with the best option. However, the underfloor heating system has several advantages than other options.

• Can you Replace Radiators with Underfloor Heating?

If perhaps you want to replace your radiator with an underfloor heating system, you need to consider if it is possible. To assist you in this, check on the heat output as well as the heat loss amount.

The purpose of this is to help you in determining the underfloor heating system will meet the floor heating requirements.

• Is Floor Heating Suitable for an Old Home?

This question is crucial if you want to renovate your old house. The answer is yes; you can fit an underfloor heating system in your old home as well as a new home.

• Can I combine warm water underfloor heating and radiators?

If your radiator is not offering you enough heat, you can supplement it with a warm water underfloor heating system. The advantage here is that you can zone your house in that boilers heat some parts and others by the underfloor heating system.

• Can I Control my Underfloor Heating?

Yes, you can by using a thermostat. All you have to do is configure your thermostat settings depending on your heating requirements.

A thermostat will enable floor heating when the floor room temperature is lower than the preset amount it will stop warming once the room achieves the intended heat level.

• How do I choose the right heat output?

Underfloor heating system come in different heat output levels. What you need to know is the heat requirement of your house.

Maximum heat output of a screed floor is 100W/m2 while that of floating and timber floors are 70W/m2.

Click HERE for a short tutorial on how to install an electric heating system in your room.

Factors Affecting Underfloor Heating Heat Output

1. Floor size

The larger the floor area, the higher the maximum heat output of a floor heating system. This is because of the heat loss experienced in a large room.

If the heated floor area is smaller than the room, it can be hard for a floor heating system to offer enough heat unless you insulate the space.

2. Floor type and floor temperature

The higher the floor temperature, the higher the heat output. However, it is essential to note that while increasing floor temperature increases heat output, the results depend on the floor finish.

3. Thermostat choice and air temperature

Thermostat control floor temperature depending on either the current floor or air temperature. Therefore, you need to select a quality thermostat that will detect a change in these two parameters.

Faulty thermostats will lead to the room over or under heating, which can cause damage to the floor surface.

4. Floor insulation

Right floor insulation increases heat output. Therefore, increasing insulation boards under your floor heating system reduce heating bills.

A cavity wall and roof insulation keep heat inside the room, which in turn lowers heat output requirements.

You can consider the following factors if you want to overcome space limitation when installing an underfloor heating system

Consider thermal blocking

Thermal blocking affects the underfloor heating system. Therefore, ensure that nothing is blocking the emitted heat.

For instance, furniture and rugs can hinder heat emission.

Can underfloor heat leak

Insulate the floor area well before placing the heating system to prevent heat loss. Proper insulation prevents leaking.

System damages occur during installation when there is damage to the heating mat or cable. You can quickly identify any injury arising at this stage and repair them.

• Two Regular Installation Ways of Electric Floor Heating System

1. Strapping installation

A strapping installation is a form of underfloor heating cable installation that only requires screws, hot glue, and staples.  This method is fast and straightforward to interlock as you need straps.

Good strapping reduces the use of self-reveling cement and offers electromagnetic free field. This method is compatible with different floor surfaces.

2. Membrane installation

This method involves the use of membranes which you install directly over the subfloor acting as waterproof and crack isolator. You can use this method even in substrates that are problematic like cracked screeds and wood.

After that, you then install the floor heating system and fit the floor cover. A suitable membrane offers a cost-effective option of adding warmth to your home.

Conclusion

In summary, the underground floor heating system offers more than comfort to your room. It is vital that you engage a professional when installing one in your room.

At Jiahong, we guarantee you of quality underground floor heating systems that will offer quality services to your room.

Get in touch with us and experience a whole new world of underground floor heating services.