The main advice for anybody building or renovating a property is to make certain that the project stays on budget.

With certain products the initial decision is critical. Underfloor heating is a good example of this, if the wrong choice is made based on inaccurate information it can be very expensive to make a system change later on. It’s important to make valid comparisons between products and look at the total cost of a system – not just the initial outlay – but all the associated costs as well.

System & Hidden Costs

The system cost is the supply cost for all the components required to complete an underfloor heating system. However, there are some important things to consider:

• Are you comparing quotes accurately?
  
  Whenever Nu-Heat quotes for an underfloor heating system everything required is included in the bottom line price; including edge insulation, thermostats and even a pen to mark the specified zones on the heating pipe. Always check that comparison quotes offer a similar complete package – multiple trips to the merchant for extra parts can be expensive and time-consuming.
  
  
  
  


• Is the system design appropriate?
  
  Every property is different, from floor constructions through to the actual geographic location. A bespoke design is an essential requirement to maximize the performance and efficiency of the underfloor heating system. There is a huge difference in performance between an off-the-shelf and a bespoke solution.
  
  

Nu-Heat always comprehensively designs each system and guarantees that our underfloor heating system will perform efficiently and effectively.

Running costs

The running costs of a system can only be assessed when it’s actually working, so how can running costs from one system supplier to another be directly compared? Saying that a system is economical is the easiest thing in the world, proving it is a different matter.

To address this, Nu-Heat continually assesses the performance of every system supplied through a regular programme of independent market research that asks customers for their feedback. This information provides a selection of honest responses that we use as indicators to improve overall performance. We currently have an average rating of 9/10 for overall system effectiveness.

In support of this Nu-Heat also has a comprehensive product testing and development programme. Performance analysis is routinely undertaken to guarantee the quality and efficiency of our systems both in our own test facility and independently by organizations such as BSRIA.

Installation costs

The cost of installing an underfloor heating system is a major consideration when selecting a suitable supplier. One of the key factors in the design of a Nu-Heat system is the speed and simplicity with which it can be installed.

Nu-Heat provides award winning manuals, DVDs and training to ensure that the installation process is always fully understood. Together with innovative products such as the Fastrack™ and ClippaPlate™ fixing systems, the overall installation cost of Nu-Heat underfloor heating can be much lower than other suppliers’ systems and roughly comparable to a traditional radiator system.

Service and quality costs

Customer service is not usually an item that is included on an invoice but it’s something that is, quite rightly, always expected. Dedicated Account Managers will see each project through from initial contact to delivery and after-care and Nu-Heat offers free technical support to all installers and homeowners.