Your underfloor heating system, also known as underfloor heating, can last for many years with proper care. If you want to avoid the hassle of installing a new heating system every few years, it is in your best interest to ensure proper maintenance of the heating system.
Here are 6 ways to properly care for your underfloor heating system:
- Make sure your underfloor heating system is installed correctly.
- Have your underfloor heating system checked every year.
- Fix leaks immediately.
- Pay attention to noisy pumps.
- Replace your thermostat if it’s not working.
- Repair broken or damaged cables as soon as possible.
An underfloor heating system is typically installed beneath the floor of the house, keeping your home warm from below. This article will examine in detail all of the above strategies for maintaining your underfloor heating system. Read on to learn everything you need to do to ensure your underfloor heating system lasts for decades.
Contents
1. Ensure proper installation of your underfloor heating system
Some people attempt a DIY approach to installing an underfloor heating system. While you may save some money up front by doing it yourself, you will end up spending much more on maintenance and repairs in the long run.
It is always a good idea to have a qualified professional install your underfloor heating. This will save you from issues that can arise from a poor installation.
When working with a company that specializes in underfloor heating, they will design and install the system for you. However, if you are working with a contractor, make sure to hire someone who knows their work well and has prior experience.
Make sure the person you have hired to do the work uses an appropriate manifold system. This will prevent complications in the future. Keep in mind that pump failure is a common occurrence with underfloor heating systems, so take your time in selecting the circulation pump that meets your requirements, and make sure your contractor follows the manufacturer’s recommended specifications and installation procedures.
2. Have your underfloor heating system checked every year
Modern underfloor heating systems can last for many decades if properly installed and maintained. However, like any other HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system, it requires timely inspections and proper maintenance to function smoothly.
To ensure the longevity of the system, you should have it checked by a qualified HVAC professional once a year. If that is not possible, do it at least every three years. Hire the professional and have them check the condition of all safety and relief valves. Also have them clean the boiler and heat source and check if water pressure and fuel are in good operating condition.
Some people flush the heating system themselves, which is not recommended. Instead, have the HVAC professional check if the pressure is sufficient. If the pressure is below the recommended range of 10 to 20 psi, they will flush the system for you.
3. Fix any leaks immediately
Even with proper installation and annual checks, it is possible for your underfloor heating system to not work. It is rare, but it happens. Over the years, your heating system will undergo some wear and tear. Sometimes, this can lead to leaks.
An underfloor heating system is a closed system, but a leak can allow oxygen to enter the water. If not promptly addressed, it can eventually corrode the entire pipe.
If the pipe has a leak, it is best to repair it as soon as possible. Don’t worry; repairing copper pipes is quite straightforward. However, if the pipes are steel, repair is not possible. In this case, you will need to replace the corroded pipes with new ones.
These days, polyethylene (PEX) pipes are becoming increasingly popular, lasting up to 50 years. If you need to replace your old pipes, consider using PEX pipes. It will save you future trouble with leaks.
4. Pay attention to noisy pumps
If you have a recently installed underfloor heating system, you may have noticed that it doesn’t make much noise. That’s because modern heating is designed for quiet operation. However, older heating systems tend to produce noises, but that doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong.
Nevertheless, it is wise to pay attention to the noises. If the noise becomes excessive at any point, you should have it checked. Excessive noise is usually a sign that a component is not functioning as expected and needs to be replaced.
5. Replace your thermostat if it’s faulty
A thermostat ensures that your electric radiant heating system operates at the desired temperature. It doesn’t run all the time but kicks into action when needed.
However, if the thermostat fails, your electric radiant heating may continue running even when you don’t need it, increasing your utility bills. Another possibility with a faulty thermostat is that your heating system may not work at all, leaving your apartment cold.
The good news is that repairing a faulty thermostat is not complicated. You simply need to order a new thermostat specific to your heating system and replace the old one. Anyone with a little knowledge of electrical work can do this. However, if you prefer not to do it yourself, you can hire someone to do it for you.
6. Repair broken or damaged cables as soon as possible
If you have recently drilled into or otherwise altered your floor and your electric radiant heating system is malfunctioning, it means your underfloor heating cables are damaged or broken. This is quite dangerous as it can pose a fire hazard.
In such a case, you need to seek the assistance of an HVAC technician and have the cables repaired immediately. Also, consider using a thermal imaging camera in the future to locate cables under your floor before drilling a hole or making any changes to it.