Underfloor heating has become one of the many wonders of the world. Not only does it remove the downside of radiators not heating up an entire room, but it is also much more economical and sustainable. However, if you’ve invested in one of these systems and find that it isn’t heating up, this can become a bit disheartening.
Issues with heat output can significantly affect the performance of your underfloor heating system. Air trapped in pipes can lead to cold patches on the floor, and improper resistance values of heating cables can also impact the intended heat output.
But don’t worry; it might not be a big issue at all. In fact, there might be an easy fix. Before you look at getting help from a professional, there are a few common causes and fixes you can consider yourself.
Continue reading to find out why your underfloor heating takes ages to heat up or isn’t warming up at all and what you can do to fix it.
Key takeaways
- Troubleshoot common underfloor heating issues by checking thermostat settings, bleeding the system, examining water flow, testing electrical components, and inspecting insulation.
- Seek professional help if troubleshooting steps don’t resolve the problem or if you’re unsure about handling electrical components.
- Ensure proper maintenance and repairs to enjoy the benefits of an efficient underfloor heating system and the comfort it provides.
Understanding Underfloor Heating Systems
Underfloor heating systems are designed to provide warmth and comfort to homes and buildings by circulating warm water or electricity through pipes or heating mats installed under the floor. These systems can be powered by various energy sources, including boilers, heat pumps, or electricity. Understanding how underfloor heating systems work is essential to identifying and resolving potential issues.
Underfloor heating systems come in two main types: water-based (hydronic) and electric. Water-based systems use a network of pipes to circulate warm water, while electric systems use heating cables or mats. Both types are installed beneath the floor surface and work by radiating heat upwards, creating a comfortable and evenly distributed warmth throughout the room.
Knowing the basics of how your underfloor heating system operates can help you pinpoint problems more effectively. For instance, if you understand that a water-based system relies on a continuous flow of water, you can better identify issues related to water flow or air pockets. Similarly, understanding the electrical components of an electric system can help you troubleshoot electrical faults more efficiently.
Types of underfloor heating systems
Before we get started on determining the issue of your underfloor heating system, we need to determine what type it is. There are two main types of underfloor heating systems:
| Water underfloor heating | Electric underfloor heating |
|---|---|
| Water underfloor heating works in almost the same way as electric, however instead of cables or heating mats, it uses a series of pipes and tubes. When turned on, warm water will flow through these pipes, eventually heating up the area above. A flow valve is crucial in ensuring proper water circulation by isolating zones and flushing out trapped air. These systems are much more economical in the long run and are, therefore, better for heating up an entire property. | Electric underfloor heating is exactly what it says in the name. It is a central heating system that warms up a room from below through a series of cables or heating mats. These are installed underneath the floors, and when turned on, electricity flows through the system, and heat radiates upwards. These systems are best for individual rooms rather than an entire property. |
Signs your underfloor heating system isn’t working
Properties face various common underfloor heating problems, and they can lead to undesirable results. Here are some signs you might be facing that, apart from your underfloor heating not getting hot entirely, that indicate it isn’t working:
Uneven heating
If you’re walking across the floor of your property and you’re finding that some areas are warmer than others, you might be suffering from uneven heating. This can be uncomfortable, especially if some areas are so hot that they burn the soles of your feet or you can’t get as warm as you wish. A common cause of uneven heating is a blending valve pin stuck. To resolve this, check the pin by removing the thermostatic valve head and use silicone spray or long-nose pliers to free it before reassembling the valve.
Cold spots on the floor
If there are places on your underfloor heating that are not warming up at all, these are known as cold spots. They are specific spots on the floor that remain cold at all times, even though the system is turned on. This makes it hard for the system to run at its full capacity and provide you with the comfort you want.
The system is not reaching the desired temperature
Suppose you’re finding your underfloor heating taking ages to warm up and never reaching the temperature you’ve set on the thermostat. In that case, this is another indication that there’s a problem with the system. It causes frustration and makes it hard to relax and feel warm enough during the colder months.
Unusual sounds or malfunctions
If you’re sitting and trying to relax but hearing strange sounds coming from your underfloor heating system, this can be a sign of a problem. You might hear anything like clanking, banging, or hissing. If it is too loud and makes it hard to concentrate in your daily life, you must fix it.
Easy-to-fix issues troubleshooting
Before diving into detailed troubleshooting, it’s essential to perform some initial checks to ensure that your underfloor heating system is functioning correctly. These preliminary steps can often reveal simple issues that are easy to fix.
Initial Checks
First, verify that the system is turned on. This might seem obvious, but it’s a common oversight. Check the thermostat settings to ensure they are set to your desired temperature. Sometimes, the thermostat might be set too low, preventing the system from heating up properly.
Next, ensure that the power supply to the underfloor heating system is stable. A fluctuating or interrupted power supply can cause the system to malfunction. Make sure that all connections are secure and that there are no loose wires.
Power and Switches
One of the most common causes of underfloor heating problems is a lack of power or a faulty switch. Start by checking that the fused spur is switched on. This is a switch that controls the power supply to your underfloor heating system. If it’s off, your system won’t receive any power.
Additionally, check the mini circuit breaker (MCB) in your consumer unit. If the MCB has tripped or been switched off, it will cut off the power to your underfloor heating system. Reset the MCB if necessary and ensure it stays on. If it trips again, there might be an underlying electrical issue that needs to be addressed.
System Inspection
Performing a visual inspection of your underfloor heating system can help identify any obvious issues. Look for signs of leaks, which can indicate a problem with the pipes in a water-based system. Check for any visible damage to the pipes or heating mats, as this can affect the system’s performance.
Ensure that all connections are secure and that there are no loose or damaged wires. Verify that the floor temperature sensor is not covered, damaged, or pushed into the thermostat. A faulty or misplaced floor sensor can lead to inaccurate temperature readings and affect the system’s ability to heat up properly.
Common causes of underfloor heating issues
So, what might be causing your underfloor heating to not heat up? Here are some of the common causes to consider:
Air pockets in the system
Air pockets are spots of trapped air in your underfloor heating system and can be found anywhere throughout the series of pipes in a water floor heating system. The reason this common problem is bad is that they can disrupt the proper flow of water going through the pipes, which in turn disrupts efficient heat circulation for the space above. Air pockets can also negatively impact the heat output, leading to cold patches on the floor.
If there are any air pockets in your hydronic/water system, you probably won’t experience no heat at all, but at least uneven warmth. You might also experience reduced system efficiency, which means you could see higher electric bills even when the system isn’t reaching the desired temperature.
Water flow problems in hydronic systems
Another problem that’s specific to water/hydronic underfloor heating systems is a problem with the water flow. While air pockets like those mentioned above might cause this, there can be a number of reasons why the water isn’t flowing properly. For example, the pipes might have built up debris, which stops the water from circulating properly.
If there is a blockage in the underfloor heating system, it will cause the same issues as air pockets. You might experience uneven heating or cold spots that lead to discomfort. If left for too long, it can also potentially damage the entire pump, meaning the whole system will need to be replaced. Additionally, a pressure relief valve can help manage system pressure and prevent water flow issues by relieving excess pressure, which is crucial for maintaining overall system functionality.
Electrical issues in electric systems
If you have an electric underfloor heating system, the last two causes won’t apply to you. However, if you are still experiencing minimal or no heat, it could be due to an electrical issue. If there is an issue with any of the electrical components in the system, this can lead to a complete failure of the underfloor heating and potential safety hazards on your property. One common issue is a faulty pump relay, which is crucial for the proper functioning of the electrical system. A stuck or malfunctioning pump relay can cause heating issues and should be addressed by a professional electrician.
If you’re not experiencing any heat at all, it might be because the electrical issues have led to a complete system failure. If there is uneven heating, it might be that only certain components have been targeted. Either way, if you have an electric system and are not experiencing much heat, you should get it fixed immediately to avoid any safety hazards.
Thermostat malfunctions
When your underfloor heating system isn’t warming up, it might not even be due to the system below the surface at all. In fact, it could actually all be down to the thermostat not working. When there’s a malfunction in your thermostat, it can make it harder to control the temperature of your system, and therefore, it won’t be able to reach your desired heat.
Thermostat malfunctions can result in inaccurate temperature settings. For example, it might say that it’s 23 degrees on the system, but it might feel as though it’s only 15 degrees because that is what your thermostat has told the system. Additionally, underfloor heating actuator problems can cause thermostat malfunctions and lead to uneven heating.
Insufficient insulation
If your heating engineer promised you that your system would provide you with a certain amount of warmth and you’re not feeling it, it could actually be due to not enough insulation. Either it wasn’t installed adequately at first, or the insulation has managed to deteriorate or experience damage over time.
When your insulation isn’t working correctly, it will reduce the overall energy efficiency of the underfloor heating system. This can lead to heat loss and cause uneven warmth throughout the property. You might also find that the heating times are much longer with insufficient insulation, meaning you can’t get comfortable quickly.
Zone-Specific Issues
If you have a zoned underfloor heating system, it’s important to check each zone individually. Start by checking the thermostat settings for each zone to ensure that the desired temperature is set correctly. Sometimes, a simple adjustment to the thermostat can resolve the issue.
Next, verify that the underfloor heating actuator for each zone is working correctly. The actuator controls the flow of water or electricity to each zone, and a malfunctioning actuator can prevent the zone from heating up. Check for any blockages in the pipes that might be affecting the flow of water in a hydronic system.
By performing these initial checks and understanding how underfloor heating systems work, you can quickly identify and resolve common issues, ensuring that your system operates efficiently and effectively.
Troubleshooting underfloor heating problems
If you are experiencing any of the above problems, how can you fix them? Depending on the type of UFH system you have, you can try various troubleshooting methods to bring your heating back to its optimal standard.
Check thermostat settings
If you believe that there is a problem with your thermostat and not the actual underfloor heating system, there are a few things you can do to try and fix it. First, start off by checking that the thermostat is actually set to the temperature you want. This might seem like an obvious step, but it is worth checking, just in case.
If the temperature is at your desired heat, then you want to ensure the thermostat is properly calibrated. If it isn’t, this could be what’s preventing the system from reaching the right warmth. If the settings are inconsistent, it might be worth trying to recalibrate the thermostat or replace it entirely.
Bleed the system to remove air pockets
For water systems, if there’s a chance there are air pockets in the pipes which are preventing circulation, you should bleed your system. Start by turning off the system, as it can be dangerous to do this while it is on. You then need to find the bleed valve in each heating circuit of your system and open it to let the air out.
Pressure testing can help identify issues such as air pockets and blockages in the system, ensuring that any restrictions in pipework are diagnosed and addressed. Allow an adequate amount of time for the air to escape. If possible, see if you can spot the water starting to flow consistently again. If you’re feeling confident that you have dealt with the problem, close all of the valves and restart the system to see if it is operating efficiently again.
Examine water flow
If you have bled your water underfloor heating system and still aren’t experiencing the desired heat, you should examine the water flow. You can do this by actually inspecting the individual pipes and seeing if any blockages are preventing the water from coming through. You should also check to see if the pump is operating correctly, allowing the water actually to go through the pipes in the first place.
The best thing to do in this case is to balance the whole water underfloor heating system to ensure water is being distributed evenly.
Test electrical components
For electric underfloor heating systems, there are different methods you need to try to troubleshoot any problems. The best thing to start with is turning off the system completely to ensure there is no electricity going through. You should then check the system for any damage or faulty heating cables or mats.
It’s also a good idea to look and ensure that there are proper electrical connections and a secure voltage supply for the system. Once you’ve done all this, turn the system back on and test the thermostats and sensors for accuracy, double-checking whether it is a system or thermostat issue.
Inspect insulation
If you’ve gone through every possible check for your underfloor heating system and it still isn’t working, then you need to check the insulation. Examine the insulation beneath the floor for any potential gaps or damage. If there is any, it’s best to add or improve the right insulation material as needed immediately.
Go through any weak points your insulation might have to prevent as little heat loss as possible. This means no warmth will escape when the underfloor heating is on, so you can experience the system in full force.
When to seek professional help
For any of the troubleshooting solutions above, getting help from a professional is always recommended. This ensures that the job is completed at a high quality, and you won’t have the risk of the issue resurfacing again. It also helps prevent any potential hazards from occurring when doing the repairs yourself, such as when handling electrical wires and mats.
We only believe you should try to fix heating issues in your underfloor systems by yourself if you are confident you have the complete know-how and expertise. However, if you have completed all the recommendations above and your system still isn’t heating up or working, you should still contact a professional and consult them anyway.
Final thoughts
Underfloor heating systems are becoming increasingly popular each year, especially with the benefits they offer, from energy efficiency to better heating across larger areas. However, it can be a bit disheartening if the system isn’t heating up properly and you can’t experience the comfort you deserve.
Often, many easy fixes can help you relax and enjoy the warmth again, and Next Level are always here to help. We have an expert team of engineers who are always ready to assist, maintain, and repair when needed. All you need to do is contact us, and we’ll attend to your underfloor heating system in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and surrounding areas as soon as possible.
