If you’re considering a radiant floor heating system for an upcoming refurbishment project or have already installed a system in your home, we understand that you may have queries about its ongoing operational needs. So, in this guide we’ll share some of our top tips for maintaining a UFH system. You’ll find out:
- Why installing an electric floor heater correctly is so important for its performance
- How Warmup’s guarantees offer expert protection during the floor heating installation process
- The wealth of technical assistance available through Warmup’s online resources
- How Smartcare by Warmup can provide rapid fixes for most heating issues you may encounter
Do floor heating systems require maintenance?
Unlike other, more traditional heating options, underfloor heating requires no day-to-day maintenance: once installed correctly, a Warmup system can offer a lifetime of warmth with only the occasional check-up. However, if your electric heating mat or electric heating cable-based system is turned off for periods of time then it’s a good idea to test the system to make sure everything’s working optimally before you need to use it again.
How to ensure an electric floor heater works perfectly every time
The key to a perfectly performing electric floor heating system is a perfect installation. Making sure the system is fitted in-line with the steps laid out within its accompanying installation manual is the simplest way to ensure energy-saving warmth for years to come. Here are some things to be mindful of when installing a new system:
1. Correctly sized systems
If the heating system is not properly sized for a room, it will struggle to heat up the space effectively. This is a common issue if the system was installed without considering the room’s dimensions, its heat loss and insulation levels with regards to its desired temperature. If it’s a larger room or your property is located within an area prone to colder weather, give it more time to warm up to the desired temperature.
You can find out more about heat loss in our in-depth guide.
2. Insulation levels of the space
All floor heating systems should be installed alongside insulation. Fitting a system without a layer of insulation can cause the heat produced by the system to escape into the subfloor – restricting the amount of heat that can reach the space above.
3. Appropriate flooring types
Certain types of flooring (such as very thick carpets) can interfere with the heat output of a radiant heating system. So, ensuring that your selected flooring material is appropriate for use with underfloor heating is of paramount importance. Tiles, stone, or concrete flooring are more naturally conductive materials but we offer heating systems suitable for almost all floor finishes. It’s also worth making sure that there are no heavy items placed directly over the heating system in your project, as this could cause uneven heating: electric floor heaters can be easily repositioned to fit around heavy furniture or fixed objects (such as kitchen cabinets or bathtubs, for instance) during the installation process.
4. Damaged heating mat or heating cable
It might go without saying but if you notice a fault in the wiring or if the heating mat is visibly damaged during its installation, it can cause problems with the long-term performance of the system. So, it’s also a smart idea to inspect all parts of the heater before laying it down to make sure there are no obvious signs of damage.
5. Thermostat settings
A common problem with underperforming heating systems is that the thermostat may be accidentally set to a lower temperature than intended. You should always make sure that your thermostat is set to the correct temperature and following the correct heating schedule for your home’s needs. You should also ensure that the thermostat is positioned in the most appropriate location within a property; an area that properly reflects the room’s typical temperature and not in a drafty spot or hotter zone.
What if something goes wrong during my floor heating installation?
All Warmup systems feature our globally renowned SafetyNet Installation Guarantee. This means that if your new floor heater is accidentally damaged during its installation, Warmup will replace the damaged part for free. Alongside this, many of our systems come with limited lifetime warranties so that you can rest assured that your heating will perform perfectly for life. Want to get in touch with Warmup about your home’s heating system? Contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
You can find out more about our market-leading warranties in our expert blog post.
Warmupedia: The ultimate resource for floor heating technical assistance
Got a specific question about your Warmup underfloor heating system? You can find out almost everything you need to know about maintaining your home’s heating in our innovative online resource platform Warmupedia. Here, you’ll find a wealth of frequently asked questions to assist you in ensuring your Warmup product continues to operate at its best.
How Smartcare by Warmup provides expert heating support
Smartcare by Warmup is a Smart heating support service personalized for your Warmup system. Using innovative remote diagnostic capabilities, Smartcare’s team of heating experts can resolve almost any problem you may experience with your system in a matter of minutes, over the phone. So, whether your heating system feels like it’s taking too long to reach its target temperature or if you’re having trouble with your heating schedule, with Smartcare by Warmup you’ll be able to get an immediate solution through one-on-one advice, specific to your heating system. A Smartcare-supported radiant floor heating system guarantees a better heating experience for your home.
Considering radiant heating for your home? Get a free, instant quote today to find the best Warmup system for your requirements. For more maintenance and installation tips, feel free to check out our YouTube channel.
