Debunking the 4 most common myths about underfloor heating

Underfloor heating plan

More and more people are turning to UFH (Underfloor Heating) to heat their homes in an efficient, cheaper and easier way. Although it is a growing market, it is rife with misconceptions about its installation, life span and effect on the home. Plumbing and heating engineers must clarify any doubts they have in regards to UFH to understand the heating solution and get more business. In this blog we will debunk the 4 most common myths about Underfloor Heating.

Watch Installing the JG Underfloor Staple System on YouTube.

Myth 1 – It is difficult to install

Some installers are reluctant to recommend UFH to homeowners because they wrongly believe that it is difficult to install.

However, UFH is not as difficult to install as some professionals may think. Any UFH installation uses flexible pipes (circuits), like JG Layflat®, which are laid on the floor and connected to the manifold. This contrasts with radiator fit-outs, where installers have to hide pipes in joists and distribute down to each radiator. This is time-consuming and not as simple as UFH.

UFH can be installed, tested and commissioned in one single phase. It can take an average room to be fully set up with UFH in about 20 minutes, meaning an average size house can be installed in less than a day.

Myth 2 – It is more expensive to run for the homeowner

Radiator companies often state that owning UFH leads to higher running costs. With fuel prices consistently rising, it can be easy to see why people are reluctant to have it in the homes. Fortunately, this is not true!

Many studies have shown that screeded UFH solutions are more cost-effective than conventional radiators. This is because UFH runs at a lower temperature of 45 – 55 degrees, whereas radiators run at a much higher temperature of 75 – 85 degrees. Which means UFH puts lesser load on the boiler as compared to radiators.

UFH can also be installed with smart heating controls such as JG Underfloor Heating Controls that enable time and temperature control in individual rooms. This means temperature can be controlled on a room-by-room basis rather than a using single thermostat for the entire house, ensuring that energy is only used in the rooms in use.

A JG Lowfit manifold.

Myth 3 – Manifolds must be located near boilers

We’ve come across a lot of installations where the distribution manifold is next to the boiler. This isn’t always a good practice, as it can reduce the efficiency through longer pipe runs!

In order to maximise the performance of a UFH system, the manifold should be placed close to the centre of the house, so that none of the rooms are too far away from it. This also means the boiler can be located anywhere in the property.

Myth 4 – The pipes can leak

Pipes are most susceptible to leaks where there is a joint, but any UFH installation would use a single pipe run to create individual circuits. This means there are no joints inside the floor.

At Speedfit we always advise installers to follow best practice installation to ensure there are no issues later on. We also have a dedicated Speedfit Support team that can offer onsite consultation to installers on a project-by-project basis. By following best practice installers can be sure there are no chances of leaks in the pipework when UFH has been commissioned.

UFH will soon become the standard for heating homes because of the multiple benefits it offers to the homeowners. Thus it becomes ever more important for installers to clarify any myths they have in regards to Underfloor Heating.

Need advice?

To learn more about UFH installations send us your enquiries.

Andy Lea Headshot

Andy Lea

Technical Sales Engineer

About the author

My journey in the construction industry began when I trained as a plumber.

Fuelled by ambition, I took the leap and became self-employed, running a successful business for eight years. Seeking to expand my knowledge and enhance my skills, I pursued a Higher National Diploma, which provided me with a broader perspective on the industry.

Today, I proudly celebrate 22 years with RWC, a company I've called home. As a spokesperson, I have the privilege of sharing my extensive expertise and insights, connecting with audiences and conveying RWC's vision and innovative solutions.