Get your Underfloor Heating ready for winter

As winter approaches, do you cringe at the thought of turning the thermostat up? especially with the rise of gas and electric prices? You’re not alone, and the UFH system maybe needs a little more TLC to ensure 1. it is running correctly and 2. all mechanical and electrical components are working in a tip-top condition.

Now hopefully, you have your heat source regularly serviced by a registered plumber. If not, get it done, as this can affect not only the efficiency of your unit but also its safe running. But did you know it is just as important that your heat emitter is checked before the heating season starts? This will ensure that not only your system works, but the efficiency is optimum. Some items you can carry out yourself, but others will require a qualified plumber who can do the work as part of the boiler service.

1. Depending on the thermostats you have installed, you might have wireless thermostats. If so, then it is worth checking the batteries. Batteries in these thermostats tend to last two years, but where the thermostat is near the end of the range of the box, it will have a much shorter lifespan and could not work when your system starts up. What’s more, if, on the border of range, a low battery symbol might not appear. We recommend changing your batteries every year to be sure.
2. Make sure all actuators work. These are found on your manifold, typically on the bottom bar. When you turn your thermostats up, after around 5 minutes, they should be letting heat into your system. You are looking for an indicator on the actuator to show that they have raised. Please bear in mind that it differs with each manufacturer. But a sure sign they have opened is when they become warm during operation, and the pipe at the top should get warm.
3. Your plumber/service engineer should check the operation of both the zone valve and pump on the UFH system (if fitted) one of the biggest issues we get with no heat in a system is a weak/faulty pump or a zone valve that does not open.
4. Check for leaks. If your system is not holding pressure, the most common cause is manifold leaks. Check around the manifold for discolouration and build-up. This normally happens around the valve pin where the actuator sits. (Be careful the actuators are not water damaged). Your plumber should fix any leaks you have. All spares for Multipipe manifolds are available.
5. If you are using a boiler, make sure your plumber checks the mixing valve on the manifold. This helps reduce the temperature going into your floor, making it safe. If this fails, this can cause damage to your floors or even cause health problems. So always make sure it is calibrated with the original manufacturer’s guidelines.

If you’ve any more questions about getting your UFH ready for winter, our technical team is always here to help you out.

DON’T FORGET TO FOLLOW US FOR THE LATEST NEWS AND BLOGS!