How does underfloor heating work?

Underfloor heating (UFH) is a highly effective and energy efficient method of heating for all kinds of properties. UFH is suitable for a wide range of projects, whether a new build, renovation or single area.

Underfloor heating explained

Rachel, a Nu-Heat Technical Account Manager, talks through all you need to know.

In this video you’ll discover:

• How underfloor heating is installed
• How wet underfloor heating compares to radiators
• The benefits underfloor heating offers
• Which projects underfloor heating is best suited to
• A run through of the most popular underfloor heating systems, showing you what they look like and explaining how they are installed
• How Nu-Heat designs a bespoke heating solution
• The best way to control an UFH system

Why wet underfloor heating?

Wet underfloor heating, also known as ‘warm water UFH’, is unlike any other heating system.

Underfloor heating efficiency

Warm water underfloor heating uses far lower flow temperatures than a radiator system. Because it covers a much larger surface area it is still able to heat the room effectively. For this reason, warm water underfloor heating is around 25% more efficient than radiators.

Hidden heating solution

Underfloor heating is an ‘invisible’ heating system as the tube is hidden beneath the floor. This frees up wall space, ideal for open plan living and rooms such as kitchens where space is at a premium.

Eliminating the need for radiators in your home means less surface space to keep clean. Installing underfloor heating means there are no radiators that collect dust and dirt.

Wet underfloor heating is safe

Warm water underfloor heating has no exposed hot or sharp edges – a safe option for young children and the elderly. It’s great for allergy sufferers as it provides warmth free from draughts and dust movements that can aggravate conditions.

Warm feet, luxuriously comfy

With underfloor heating, the heat gently emits upwards from the floor. This gives the luxurious feel of warm feet and a cool head without any cold spots common with radiators. UFH also warms any usually cold floor coverings, such as tiles or engineered wood.

Choosing the right type of underfloor heating

UFH is suitable for virtually all properties, is a popular choice with heat pumps, and can be paired with a wide range of floor coverings and thermostats.

We’ve listed a few of our most popular solutions by project type:

Underfloor heating for new builds

UFH is cost-effective and simple to install as part of a new build project, fitting neatly into the build schedule.

Screed UFH, like Nu-Heat’s ClipTrack^®, is the most common system choice in this scenario. The heating tube is clipped through a polythene slip layer into standard insulation before the screed is poured.

Screed UFH for new build projects

Underfloor heating for renovations

It’s simple to install warm water UFH in a renovation project with LoPro^®

All systems in the range are simply laid on top of an existing floor, are low profile with as little as 15mm height build-up, and offer the highest heat outputs on the market.

LoPro^® UFH for renovations

For joisted floors

Nu‑Heat offers a range of UFH solutions for projects where there are joisted floors.

Simply feed the heating tube through pre-notched or drilled joists and then push into the patented ClippaPlate^® fixing system to hold it securely in place and flush with the floor for effective heat transfer.

Joisted Underfloor Heating

For kitchens, bathrooms & single areas

If you are looking to install underfloor heating in a single area, such as a kitchen or a bathroom, then choose one of Nu‑Heat’s OneZone^® kits.

The complete kits are available on our online webstore and include everything you need to install a high quality warm water UFH system in a single space.

Find out more about OneZone^® UFH

Discover our new electric underfloor heating kits for single areas

Why choose Nu‑Heat?

• Nu‑Heat has been designing and supplying wet underfloor heating for more than 25 years.

• Our systems are designed in‑house to meet specific needs and every project, regardless of size, is overseen by our experts, that’s what makes us different

• We’re also the only heating company to be awarded a Distinction from the Institute of Customer Service.

• We are committed to offering every customer:

• Genuine, helpful advice and a high level of support

  Our experts are here to help you from the initial stages of choosing the right solution, right through to technical support. You’ll have a Technical Account Manager who will oversee your project. Take a look at some of our customer feedback.

  There are lots of ways you can talk to us. Call us, visit the office, or we can send one of our experienced team out to meet you on site.

• High quality heating solutions

  Nu‑Heat uses the highest quality tried and tested components. Our in-house Product Development Team work to ensure that we offer the very best heating solutions available.

• A bespoke approach

  Every underfloor heating system is designed to heat to the desired temperature, maximising comfort yet minimising energy. We achieve this high level of performance by creating a bespoke system design for every project.