Troubleshooting Underfloor Heating

Written by: EZ Floor Heat

Warm tiles thermostat systems can help cut the costs of heating your space. It’s a valuable investment that uses ambient heat to warm the residence, and it can be fairly inexpensive to both install and run. Like all mechanical parts in a home, it is subject to breaking down. Quality can be a concern, but typically, problems arise during the installation phase. Here are some steps to help troubleshoot potential problems and find their solutions.

Setup

There are specific requirements that must be met before a floor is considered suitable for electric radiant heating. You can use carpet in a system like this, but it has to have a specific TOG rating (thermal resistance). Carpets, for instance, usually don’t exceed a TOG rating of 2.5. Oak boards are a popular choice, but thickness is a concern. You should ideally have a system with boards that are 20-21 mm thick.

Don’t use rugs on floors that have infloor heat installed. It presents a fire hazard for the home. Also, an open air fireplace can let cool air into the room and negate the effects of heating the home.

Air

Air in the tubes of an underfloor heating system is a fairly common issue. This usually occurs at installation, typically because the system is filled up from the boiler loop. To fix the problem, flush each system in the floor individually and confirm that there is no air remaining in the line. Double check the installation instructions that came with your system if you are unsure of how to proceed.

Debris

When the system is connected for the first time, the technician typically flushes all lines. This is done to clear out both air bubbles and sediment from the pipes. As you use the system, sediment builds up over time. Sediment can also damage the pump and mixing valve. The best way to avoid this issue is to have a qualified technician install your system and flush the pipes.

Final Thoughts

Underfloor heating can be a huge savings tool in your home. You’ll save money on heating the home, but it has to be properly maintained. Often, it comes down to flushing your lines, but there are more troublesome issues that can crop up. If your floor stops functioning, or runs inefficiently, try these fixes and then have a technician look at the system.