Underfloor Heating Maintenance Tips 

Whether you’re considering an electric or water floor heating system for an upcoming refurbishment project or have already installed a system in your home, we understand 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 to test water underfloor heating systems 

• What to do if your heating system needs professional servicing  

• How Warmup’s guarantees offer protection for the UFH installation process 

• How Smartcare by Warmup can provide rapid fixes for most heating issues

Do floor heating systems require maintenance?

Underfloor heating requires much less ongoing maintenance compared to more traditional heating options: once installed correctly, a Warmup system can offer a lifetime of warmth with only the occasional check-up. However, if your 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. Looking for specific technical support for your Warmup system? View our online resources at Warmup Support. Here, you’ll find a wealth of installation tips, video guides and FAQs. 

How to ensure an electric floor heater works perfectly 

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 expert 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 UFH 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 maneuvered 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. 

Looking for in-depth maintenance advice for electric UFH? Read our expert article to discover everything you need to know. 

When to get professional servicing for water underfloor heating 

Water UFH systems will sometimes require basic servicing just to make sure everything’s working optimally. However, you can keep an eye on its functionality through your own occasional checks. Water systems are typically in operational mode all the time to keep your house at a consistent, comfortable temperature (especially during the cooler months of the year) so if its been powered off for some time, you should test the system to ensure it will perform as expected when you need to use it again. You can also test your thermostats and review the system’s manifold to make sure these components are functioning properly too. 

If your water system doesn’t feel like it’s working correctly – by taking too long to heat up a room for instance, or if you’ve noticed cold spots on the floor’s surface – it might be time to have a professional heating specialist come out to check the system’s overall health and shine a light on any potential deeper problems. A professional heating engineer will complete a thorough review of the inner-workings of your system, from simple pressure checks to flushing the whole system. They may check for the presence of air within your system’s pipework (also known as circuits) by bleeding the system whilst the flushing of the system will remove any possible build-up of dirt or debris, ensuring the heated water flows freely.  

For more information on the maintenance needs of water underfloor heating, read our informative guide.  

What if something goes wrong during my floor heating installation? 

All Warmup floor heating systems feature our globally renowned SafetyNet Installation Guarantee. This means that if your electric or water floor heating system 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 learn more about our market-leading warranties? Read our expert blog post to find out more. 

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. Smartcare can also provide you with exclusive access to the UK’s only dedicated underfloor heating engineer network. This means that you can enjoy rapid call-out and repair assistance in the event of any failures experienced by your Warmup thermostat or heating system. A Smartcare-supported Warmup UFH system guarantees a better heating experience for your home.