If you’re an UFH installer working with electric floor heating, we’ve collated some tricks of the trade to ensure a smooth installation every time. In this guide you’ll discover expert tips for before, during and after installation, including:
- Why following the instructions matters
- How making sure the heater is correctly sized is critical
- Some clever advice for protecting the heater during installation
- The best way to connect heating controls
- Tips if using a screeded UFH system
Before Installation
Follow the installation instructions
Electric floor heating systems are perfect to use as primary or secondary heat sources in both large and small-scale projects and while it may sound obvious, failing to read the installation manual thoroughly may result in problems later on. Each Warmup system features its own unique installation techniques so it’s best not to make assumptions about your chosen system and make sure to read through the manual before commencing any work.
Make sure you have a correctly sized system
If the heating system is too small for the floor area or the wattage is incorrect for your project, it will not be able to produce a high enough heat output for the space. Also, if you’re fitting a loose heating cable-based system such as the DCM-PRO Heated Decoupling System you must ensure you’re installing the cables at the correct spacing to produce enough radiant warmth. On the other hand, if the wattage is too high for your needs or the spacing of the cables too close, this could risk overheating the space. Good quality insulation is also always recommended for installation with UFH as it helps improves heat-up times and the responsiveness of the system.
Rehearse the installation and test the power
A good way to make sure all goes well with installation is to practice. This will tell you if you’re missing any tools or have any further questions before you get started on the final installation. Additionally, you should test that the heater is working before, during and after installation. This will prevent problems later when the final flooring has been laid down. Should the heater not work properly for example, then being able to identify a problem before installation makes fixing the issue far simpler. Our Warmup products feature our renowned SafetyNet™ installation guarantee for your peace of mind; should your system become accidently damaged during installation, we will replace it for free.
During Installation
Make sure the system is protected from accidental damage
It’s advisable to never leave the heating element exposed during installation as the wiring must never be cut. Sharp objects can damage the cables during the installation process, so we recommend protecting the heater with cardboard or other lightweight materials to buffer against footfall if there is going to be a time delay between the system going down and the finished floor being fitted. Once you’re ready to continue the installation, make sure to test the heating system again.
A qualified electrician should always connect the thermostat
British regulations require that wiring of the underfloor heating thermostat must be conducted by a qualified electrician. Not complying with this could invalidate any warranties that come with the product.
Allow the screed or self-levelling compound to fully dry
Some electric systems like the Foil Heater offer a ‘dry’ installation method with no requirement for screeding or levelling compounds. However, if you’re working with a floor heating system that requires a layer these materials then be sure to allow enough drying time before using the system. Switching the heater on prematurely can result in an unstable sub floor as well as causing damage to the system.
After Installation
Following the installation guide for your specified UFH system and using some of these top tips should mean fitting your electric floor heater will be hassle-free experience. Should something come up or if any part of the installation process goes wrong, all Warmup systems come with market-leading guarantees and our signature 24/7/365 technical support is available to you too. Please do get in touch if you have additional questions.
If you’re interested in optimising your underfloor heating skillset, consider joining Warmup Pro. Warmup Pro is a network for expert UFH installers offering Warmup-led training sessions, discounts, enhanced warranties and access to other exclusive benefits. Thinking about specifying floor heating for a future project? Get an instant online quote today to find the perfect electric system for your requirements.