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?
- Is Triple Tube more expensive than the Rayomax PEX-Al-PEX pipe system?
- How does the Triple Tube underfloor heating work?
- Do I need special Floor Coverings?
- Can I use underfloor heating under a wooden floor?
- How is the Triple Tube system controlled?
- What if there is a leak?
- 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!
Is Triple Tube more expensive than the single PEX-Al-PEX pipe system?
The difference in price between the 2 systems is not great. The triple tube system is much quicker to install and therefore saves installation time and labour costs. An additional saving is made for customers who have large areas consisting of a suspended floor, retrofit, floating floor constructions. Due to the innovative design and large surface area, there is no need for aluminium diffusion plates. This system can save you hundreds of pounds on the price and reduce installation time.
How does the triple tube 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 zone valves. Hot water is drawn from the boiler and passes through the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger heats the water in the closed circuit of the underfloor heating system. 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 zone valve will open and the hot water will pass through the triple tube.
B) Pressure gauge
C) 1.5 bar pressure relief valve
D) Ball-o-fix fill valve
E) De-aireator
F) Lever action valve
G) Pump
H) Drain valve
I) Zone lever valve
J) Zone valve cap
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 triple tube 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 it s 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?
The Triple tubing and its components are manufactured to the highest of quality standards and are tested by the BBA. 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.
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.