FAQs

What size spur (electrical connection point) is needed?

A 13amp spur is, in most cases, sufficient. But to calculate the exact loading in amps, there is a simple calculation. Take the total area in m² of the heating mat and multiply it by the power rating of the mat, this gives the heating output in watts. To work out the loading, simply divide this amount by the volts. For example, for an 8m² UFHD 160 watts/m² mat. 8(m²) x 160 watts = 1280(watts) divide by 230(volts) = 5.57 amps.

Running Costs

Basically, a kilowatt of electricity (1000 watts) costs about 7p per hour at peak rate (consult your electricity board for exact prices). D.K. Heating Systems' mats are rated between 120 watts and 200 watts per square metre. Detailed below are calculations based on installation on an uninsulated concrete subfloor (with insulation or tile backer boards running costs can be cut by as much as 50%).

1m² of 120 watt costs approx. 0.84 of a penny per hour.
1m² of 160 watt costs approx. 1.12 pence per hour.
1m² of 200 watt costs approx. 1.4 pence per hour.

A kitchen using a 5m² UFHD 160 watt on a floor without insulation would cost approximately £5.75 per month to run.

Will it help to have insulation below the heating mat?

If the system is to be used as the sole source of heating it is essential that there is insulation beneath the heating. Insulation will make the property more thermally efficient and the heating more effective. There are tile backer insulation boards on the market, available in thicknesses of as little as 10mm, which are ideal for floor insulation in renovation. Likewise the underfloor heating will be more efficient as a sole source of heating if the windows are double-glazed and there is insulation in the walls/ceiling (as with any other form of heating).

How long will it take before the floor is up to temperature?

Depending on the thickness of the tiles, the warm up time is usually between 40 to 60 minutes.

Where do the R.C.D./Timer/Thermostat go on the circuit?

The mat is laid and the cold leads are fed into a junction box. It doesn't matter where you physically fix these items, though you may want them to be hidden in a cupboard. If you have a thermostat that reads air temperature, this will need to be in the appropriate room. However, if it is fitted with a floor sensor then this isn't necessary.

What happens if the system goes wrong?

Once the heating is installed and the floor is laid on top, the heating mat cannot malfunction and is covered by our 10 year guarantee. If the fault is diagnosed once the floor is down, it can be traced down to beneath 1 or 2 tiles. We have never had to take up a complete floor.

Adhesives

We strongly advise that installers use a good quality adhesive with a flexible additive. If installing on a concrete subfloor a latex compound is ideal. If installing on a wooden subfloor then we would suggest a flexible tile adhesive as more suitable. Both types of subfloor would benefit from being primed (particularly important on wooden subfloors). It is also very important to ensure that the adhesives are allowed to cure naturally before the heating mats are turned on; this normally takes around two weeks.

Installation

The Floor Warming Company offer a comprehensive installation service. However installation of our underfloor heating is not specialised and can be undertaken by others. However, we recommend an electrician makes the final electrical connections. An installation manual and technical guide is available from your Local Supplier.

If you would like to make an enquiry or place an order, please contact us or find a local supplier.