We make every effort to answer your questions. Below is a list of questions we are frequently asked. Please check these before contacting us.
- Is underfloor heating more expensive than radiators?
- How does the Rayomax underfloor heating work?
- Do I need special Floor Coverings?
- Can I use underfloor heating under a wooden floor?
- How is the Rayomax Tube system controlled?
- What if there is a leak?
- Can I connect underfloor heating to my radiators?
- What type of boilers can I use with underfloor heating?
- Can I link underfloor heating to other heat sources other than a boiler?
- Can underfloor heating co-exist with traditional radiator systems?
Is underfloor heating more expensive than radiators
The cost of buying and installing underfloor heating when compared with conventional radiators are usually very similar -in some cases it can even come out cheaper!
Underfloor heating is a more efficient and effective method of heating your home against radiators. Radiators use convectional heat, a method that wastes energy by heating your ceilings as well as spreading dust. The heat produced by underfloor heating however is radiant heat, resulting in an increase in comfort value and at a 2C lower temperature saving up to 30% on fuel costs!
How does the Rayomax underfloor heating work?
Once the thermostat has detected a lower temperature than the desired temperature, a signal is sent to start the operation of the boiler, manifold pump and electronic heads. Hot water is drawn from the boiler. To achieve the lower temperatures of 50-55C used by underfloor heating, the water from the return of the underfloor heating pipe is mixed with the flow via a mixing valve. Depending which zone requires the additional heat, the appropriate electronic head will open and the hot water will pass through the Rayomax PEX-Al-PEX pipe.
B) Circulating Pump
C) Temperature Gauge
D) Boiler Return Valve (BLUE) c/w Temperature Gauge
E) Boiler Flow Valve (RED) c/w Temperature Gauge
F) Drain Valve
G) Fill Point and Air Eliminator
H) Flow Meters
I) Electric Head (not required for single zone systems)
J) High Limit Thermostat
Do I need special Floor Coverings?
Almost any kind of flooring can be used with underfloor heating including tiles, carpet, timber, ceramics etc. Some consideration should be given to the thickness and ability of the material to conduct heat e.g. carpets and carpet underlay shouldnt have a high tog ratting and wooden floors should be no thicker than 22mm.
Can I use underfloor heating under a wooden floor?
People worry about the effect underfloor heating has on wooden flooring. As long as you install the flooring as per the instructions there will be no problem. We recommend that your chosen wooden flooring should be no thicker than 22mm and should also have a low moisture content of approximately 7%. Hard woods such as Oak are advisable.
How is the Rayomax system controlled?
With a standard radiator central heating system you have one thermostat that controls the whole house. With underfloor heating, almost every room will have its own thermostat (with timer) giving you a greater level of control and comfort. The thermostats are fully programmable and allow 7 day settings.
What if there is a leak?
With underfloor heating, there are no joints under the ground all pipes are continuous lengths of pipes. The system is also pressure tested at 3 bar pressure before the floor is laid ensuring that there are no leaks.
Can I connect underfloor heating to my radiators?
Yes, you can connect a single zone with an area of up to 18m2 to your existing central heating system by using our Floor Rad system. Please refer to the Floor Rad link for further information.
What type of boilers can I use with underfloor heating?
You can virtually use any type of boiler with underfloor heating.
Can I link underfloor heating to other heat sources other than a boiler
Yes, you can use wood burning stoves, agars or renewable heat sources such as solar or geothermal energy to source the heat for your underfloor heating system. Please refer to our solar and geothermal link for further information on Rayotecs systems.
Can underfloor heating co-exist with traditional radiator systems?
Underfloor heating and radiators can work in conjunction with one another. To achieve this you will "T" off from your boiler primaries, so one set of flow and return will go towards your radiators and the other to your underfloor heating system.