When installing electric underfloor heating, taking into account a few things will make a successful installation. Learning from the underfloor heating installation experts, we’ve put together some of the tricks of the trade for you.
START BY READING THE INSTRUCTIONS
It may sound obvious, but failing to read the installation manual before the actual installation may result in problems later on. The installation steps depend on the make and type of heater and the brand so don’t assume and make sure to read through the manual before commencing the work.
THEN CHECK THE HEATER SIZE
If the heater is too small for the area, it will not be able to give enough heat output if spaced too far apart so you must check the correct size before installation. On the other hand, if the heater is too big the spacing will be affected risking overheating if placed too closely. The wire must never be cut so if the heater is of an incorrect size, and unsuitable for the project you should consult your place of purchase and not proceed with the installation.
REHEARSE & TEST THE HEATER
A good way to ensure all goes well with installation is to rehearse. It will tell you if you’re missing any tools or have any further question before you get started on the real thing. Additionally, you should test that the heater is working before, during and after installation. This will prevent problems later on when the final flooring has been laid down. Should the heater not work properly, being able to identify a problem at the point of malfunction or damage makes fixing the issue a far more efficient affair.
DO NOT LEAVE HEATERS EXPOSED
Sharp objects can damage the heating wire during the installation process so it’s advisable to protect the heaters with lightweight cardboard or alike to buffer against footfall if there is going to be a time delay between the element going down and the finished floor being fitted. Once you’re ready to continue the installation, make sure to test the heaters again. We offer SafetyNet™ installation guarantee for extra peace of mind; should a heater or pipe become damaged during installation, we will replace it for free.
THERMOSTAT MUST BE CONNECTED BY AN ELECTRICIAN
Current British regulations require that wiring of the thermostat must be conducted by a qualified electrician. Not complying could invalidate any warranties that came with the heaters, including the Lifetime Warranty that Warmup offers on some of their products.
SCREED NEEDS TO DRY BEFORE TURNING THE HEATER ON
Be sure to allow enough drying time if screeding over the heater (usually between 1-3 weeks depending on the flexible tile adhesive used and manufacturers’ advice). Switching the underfloor heater on prematurely can result in an unstable sub floor as well as causing damage to the heater.
With these expert tips, your installation should go smoothly. Should something come up or if you have additional questions, all our systems come with our signature 24/7/365 technical support on 0845 345 2288. So should something go wrong with the installation, we will always be at hand to help you and your customers. We will be able to answer any questions during and after installation.
Try our Underfloor Heating Product Selector for finding the correct products for your next installation or get a quote to get a cost for the system.
