5 Wet Underfloor Heating FAQ’s Answered

Water underfloor heating systems, also known as hydro or wet systems, are an increasingly popular way to bring energy-efficient warmth to contemporary homes and we offer a range of systems suitable for all rooms, floor types and projects. In this guide we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this innovative technology, you’ll learn the answers to:

• Are water systems only suitable for new-build homes?
• What’s the best heating source to use with hydronic UFH?
• Is a build-up of limescale is something to be aware of?
• Do wet systems ever leak?
• How much money will floor heating save you on your bills?

Question: Are hydro floor heating systems only recommended for new-builds?

Answer: While water UFH is typically recommended for new-build projects, we also offer solutions for smaller-scale home refurbishments.

Most hydronic systems are best suited to new builds because they may require a deep installation into your home’s structural subfloor, so it’s best to consider these types of systems in projects where the floor heights have not yet been established and design around them as part of your architectural blueprint. The Clypso System is a great choice for such new-build projects. It has been developed for use with floating screeded floors and can be installed with almost any floor finish, in particular where the flooring may be replaced from time to time.

Warmup’s low-profile systems make it easy to install wet underfloor heating in renovation projects. The VLo Ultra-12 Low Build System is only 18mm deep and requires no screed to install, making it ideal to retrofit in any existing room. With in-built high-quality insulation, Ultra-12 offers true ease-of-use and is suitable for installation with almost all floor finishes in spaces of any size and shape.

Also, if you’re working on a new-build or renovation project with joisted subfloors, some of our systems have been specifically designed for use in these circumstances and will not raise floor levels significantly. You can find out which system is best for your home by getting a free instant quote today where you’ll also discover exactly how much it will cost to purchase.

Question: What heat source can you use with wet systems?

Answer: Hydronic underfloor heating can be used with a variety of heating sources but are most commonly used with traditional boilers or more modern air or ground-source heat pumps. Floor heating systems are designed to run at lower temperatures than standard radiators whilst emitting the same level of comfort. As such, the water running in the UFH pipes should be maintained at a temperature of between 40°C to 65°C. These lower temperatures make underfloor heating particularly suitable for use with heat pumps as these heating sources are also designed to run at lower temperatures than gas or oil-fed boilers. With any heat source, the appropriate controls need to be in place to regulate the temperature flow and using an accompanying Warmup Manifold can assist in this regulation.

Discover more about the many benefits and cost savings of using underfloor heating with a heat pump in our informative article.

Question: Is lime build-up an issue to be aware of with water-based floor heating?

Answer: The low temperatures of the water in the heating system, usually between 40°C to 65°C, means that lime is not precipitated out even if your water is hard.

Question: Can floor heating pipes leak?

Answer: A leak in your underfloor heating system is highly unlikely. Potential damage to a system normally occurs during installation, where the pipe gets cut accidentally or becomes otherwise damaged. This is why we use the toughest pipe and test our systems before, during and after the installation and only commission fully pressure-tested systems. However, should someone accidentally damage the pipe by drilling through the floor, for example, the pipe can be repaired or replaced. All Warmup systems feature our market-leading warranties and installation guarantees, and we provide comprehensive online technical support should you require any help with your system.

Question: How much money can I save with a hydronic UFH system?

Answer: Water systems offer a low carbon heating solution for your home with low long-term running costs compared to more traditional heating methods. Replacing your home’s central heating system with a new heat pump and a Warmup hydro system could cut your carbon output by nearly 1900 kgCO2/year whilst bringing annual savings of nearly £700 on your energy bills. Find out more about the cost-savings of floor heating in our expert article.