Underfloor Heating Maintenance & Servicing Requirements

Bleeding a wet underfloor heating system

A wet underfloor heating system is similar to your radiators. Hot water is pumped around radiators, which in turn heats the room space. Occasionally, air can become trapped in radiators, causing them to be cool at the top and hot below. The same can happen with a water-based underfloor heating system. A heating system that has trapped air will have cold spots and not work efficiently until the air has been removed or bled out.

Once the air has been removed the system will need to be checked to ensure it has the correct pressure. The steps required to bleed a underfloor heating system correctly are documented in the system user manual. However, if you feel this task might be beyond your capabilities, contact a professional heating engineer or plumber. 

Flushing a wet underfloor heating system

Flushing a wet underfloor heating system will help keep it operating at maximum efficiency. It is not a task that needs to be carried out regularly with every 3-5 years being the recommended intervals. This type of underfloor heating servicing involves draining the water and then connecting an external pump to pump fresh water into the system.

Adding an inhibitor, from the Sentinel range, for example, will help prevent bacteria build-up and sludge growth as well as protect against limescale and corrosion. Although this task is not beyond the capabilities of an experienced DIY enthusiast, a professional heating engineer will ensure the work is carried out effectively and to a high standard.

Does underfloor heating need servicing?

Generally, electric underfloor heating systems do not need regular servicing but wet underfloor heating systems do. That said, underfloor heating is relatively maintenance-free compared to a traditional boiler and radiator system. However, if your underfloor heating depends on a gas boiler then an annual boiler service is essential. For peace of mind, you might want to have a professional check over your underfloor heating system before the cold weather sets in.

You can carry out some basic underfloor heating maintenance yourself by checking for damp patches on the floor. Also, check the thermostat settings and bleed air from the system if necessary but only if you’re able to do so. Check your system’s pressure and listen for any strange noises coming from the pipes, which might indicate an airlock. 

Checking your thermostat’s performance

Whether you have an electric underfloor heating system or a wet system, it is very likely to include heat sensors and a thermostat. Modern thermostats will use the floor temperature and air temperature readings to regulate the correct temperature for your room. Providing your property is well insulated, a setting of between 22°C and 24°C should suffice.

Thermostats are essential for the effectiveness of your underfloor heating system. They can be wired into the underfloor heating system or they can be wireless. Wireless smart thermostats are the best option as they are highly sensitive and operate at maximum efficiency. If there appears to be a problem with the thermostat, first check and replace the battery if necessary.

FAQs

Do I need to change the water in my underfloor heating?

Changing the water in your underfloor heating means flushing out the old water and refilling it with fresh, clean water. Flushing out a wet underfloor heating system periodically will help remove sludge and rust which can accumulate in the pipes. Flushing will also make your underfloor heating more efficient, saving you money in the long term.

How often should an underfloor heating system be flushed?

It is recommended that a underfloor heating system is flushed at least every 3-5 years. If this is a job you are unable to do yourself then call in a professional. A heating engineer will carry out a power flush and then add an inhibitor to the fresh water, which will help reduce the build-up of limescale, sludge and rust.

What is the life expectancy of underfloor heating?

Typically, the life expectancy of a wet underfloor heating system is 50 years. This is based on the industry standard DIN 4726. With regular maintenance, it is possible to double this figure. Electric underfloor heating systems will typically need replacing much sooner at around 25 years.

Check out our range of installation and maintenance tools, specially designed to help your underfloor heating system last longer and maintain maximum performance.