Yes, you can absolutely use underfloor heating with wooden floors, but you need to choose the right type of wood and installation method. Engineered wood flooring is the best option, as it's specifically designed to handle temperature changes with minimal expansion and contraction. Solid wood can also be used, but requires more careful selection and preparation

Ideally you use narrow planks (under 150mm wide) in stable species like oak, ash, or walnut, and avoid wider planks or moisture-sensitive woods like beech or maple.

The moisture content should be between 7-9% at installation. Always ensure your underfloor heating system includes temperature controls to limit floor surface temperatures to 27°C maximum – this prevents damage to the wood.

Use a gradual commissioning process when first turning on the system, increasing temperature slowly over several days.
Your wood supplier should confirm the flooring is suitable for underfloor heating, and installation should include proper acclimatization of the wood to your home's conditions.

With proper selection and installation, wooden floors and underfloor heating create a luxurious, warm, and comfortable living space. ...more

Retrofitting underfloor heating is definitely possible and increasingly popular in renovation projects. There are several systems specifically designed for existing properties. Low-profile systems add minimal height (as little as 15mm) to your existing floor, making them ideal when you can't raise floor levels significantly due to doors, stairs, or room heights.

They're perfect for single rooms like bathrooms or kitchens. Water-based (hydronic) retrofit systems are available using slim-profile pipe layouts or systems that fit between joists in suspended floors without raising the floor level.
The key considerations for retrofitting include: assessing your existing floor construction and load-bearing capacity, checking ceiling heights and door clearances, ensuring adequate insulation beneath the heating system for efficiency, and evaluating your existing heating system's compatibility.

Some retrofit projects involve removing the existing floor covering, installing the heating system, and then re-laying new flooring.

While more disruptive than new-build installation, modern retrofit systems minimize inconvenience and can typically be installed room-by-room, allowing you to continue living in your home during installation.

Contact Us to discuss your options ...more

Hydronics refers to heating and cooling systems that use water as the heat-transfer medium. In a hydronic underfloor heating system, warm water circulates through a network of pipes installed beneath your floor, radiating heat upward into your living space. This is different from electric systems that use electrical resistance cables or mats.

The hydronic system consists of several key components: a heat source (boiler, heat pump, or solar thermal system) that heats the water, a manifold that distributes water to different zones or rooms, pipes (typically PEX or multilayer composite) laid in a continuous loop across the floor, and circulation pumps that move water through the system.

Temperature is controlled by mixing hot water from the heat source with cooler return water to achieve the optimal floor temperature of 35-45°C. Hydronic systems are particularly efficient when paired with modern condensing boilers or ground source heat pumps, which operate efficiently at these lower temperatures. They're ideal for whole-house heating and can also provide cooling in summer by circulating chilled water.

While hydronic systems have higher installation costs than electric systems, they're significantly cheaper to run, especially in larger areas or whole-house applications, making them the preferred choice for most new builds and major renovations. ...more

Underfloor heating is completely safe for children, pets, and adults. The system operates at much lower temperatures than traditional radiators, making it impossible to cause burns. Floor surface temperatures typically range between 23-28°C (73-82°F) – warm and comfortable, but nowhere near hot enough to cause injury. For comparison, radiators can reach 60-70°C, which can cause burns on contact.

Modern underfloor heating systems include multiple safety features: thermostats with maximum temperature limits prevent overheating, floor temperature sensors continuously monitor and regulate heat output, and systems are designed to shut down automatically if any fault is detected.

The gentle, even heat distribution means there are no hot spots where children might accidentally touch something dangerous. In fact, underfloor heating is safer than radiators with sharp corners and hot surfaces. The system is entirely enclosed beneath the floor covering, so there's nothing exposed that children can access or tamper with.

Parents often find underfloor heating provides peace of mind – children can play safely on warm floors without the risks associated with portable heaters or hot radiators.

The consistent warmth also means children are less likely to feel cold and more comfortable playing on the floor. Many nurseries, schools, and childcare facilities choose underfloor heating specifically because of its safety profile and comfortable environment for young children. ...more

Modern underfloor heating systems are extremely reliable and leaks are very rare when properly installed. Hydronic (water-based) systems use high-quality pipes made from PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) or multilayer composite materials that are highly resistant to corrosion, pressure, and temperature fluctuations. These pipes are designed to last the lifetime of the building – typically 50+ years.

During installation, systems undergo rigorous pressure testing before the floor is laid, ensuring there are no weak points or defects. The pipes are laid in continuous loops without joints beneath the floor, eliminating the most common leak points found in traditional plumbing.

If a leak were to occur (usually only from accidental damage during future construction work), modern detection methods using thermal imaging or acoustic equipment can pinpoint the exact location quickly, minimizing disruption and repair costs.

Most installers offer long warranties (10-25 years) on the pipework, demonstrating their confidence in the system's reliability.

To protect your investment, always use certified installers who follow manufacturer guidelines, avoid drilling or nailing into floors with underfloor heating without checking pipe locations, and maintain system pressure at recommended levels. With professional installation and basic care, underfloor heating systems provide decades of trouble-free, leak-free operation. ...more

Underfloor heating systems are built to last and typically outlive most other heating systems. Hydronic (water-based) systems using quality PEX or multilayer pipes have a lifespan of 50+ years, often lasting the entire life of the building. The pipes are embedded in the floor screed or subfloor, protected from damage and deterioration. Unlike radiators that can corrode or develop leaks over 15-20 years, underfloor heating pipes are made from materials resistant to corrosion and scale buildup.

Electric underfloor heating systems also have impressive longevity, with quality systems lasting 25-45 years or more when properly installed. The heating elements are sealed and protected, with no moving parts to wear out.

Other system components have different lifespans: manifolds and mixing valves can last 20-30 years, circulation pumps typically need replacement after 15-20 years, and thermostats and controls may need updating every 10-15 years as technology advances.

Regular maintenance is minimal but extends system life – annual boiler servicing, checking system pressure, and ensuring thermostats function correctly.

The long lifespan makes underfloor heating an excellent investment despite higher initial costs. Many homeowners install it once and never think about it again.

With proper installation by certified professionals and basic maintenance, your underfloor heating will provide comfortable, efficient warmth for decades, potentially outlasting several generations of traditional radiators or forced-air systems. ...more

Heat pumps require professional servicing once a year to maintain optimal performance and efficiency. Annual maintenance typically includes:

• checking refrigerant levels
• inspecting electrical connections
• cleaning filters and coils
• testing thermostats and controls
• verifying proper airflow.

Between professional visits, you should clean or replace filters every 1-3 months depending on usage, as dirty filters reduce efficiency by up to 15%.

Keep outdoor units clear of debris, leaves, and vegetation, ensuring at least 60cm clearance around the unit.

Check that indoor vents aren't blocked by furniture or curtains.

Regular maintenance extends your heat pump's lifespan and maintains peak efficiency.

Many manufacturers require annual servicing to keep warranties valid.

Schedule maintenance before heating season begins (autumn) or cooling season (spring).

Professional technicians can identify minor issues before they become expensive repairs, saving you money long-term. ...more

Wall-mounted heat pumps, also called high-wall or mini-split units, are installed high on the wall and blow air downward and across the room. They're the most common type, ideal for rooms with limited floor space, and typically more affordable to install. They provide excellent coverage for open-plan areas and distribute air effectively throughout the room.

Floor-mounted (or floor-console) heat pumps sit at floor level, similar to a traditional radiator. They're perfect for rooms with limited wall space, installations where ceiling height is restricted, or when you prefer the aesthetics of a low-profile unit.

Floor units provide more even heat distribution from the ground up, which some users find more comfortable, especially in colder climates. They're also easier to maintain as filters and components are more accessible.

Both types offer the same heating and cooling efficiency, the choice depends on your room layout, aesthetic preferences, and installation constraints.

Floor units work particularly well in bedrooms, conservatories, and rooms with lots of windows or wall-mounted fixtures. ...more

Yes, it's generally more efficient to leave your heat pump running at a consistent temperature all day rather than turning it on and off. Heat pumps work most efficiently when maintaining a steady temperature rather than heating a cold space from scratch.

Unlike traditional heating systems, heat pumps use significantly more energy during startup and when recovering from large temperature drops. Setting your heat pump to a comfortable temperature (around 20-21°C) and leaving it running uses less energy than repeatedly heating from cold.

If you're away for extended periods, you can lower the temperature by 2-3 degrees rather than turning it off completely. Modern heat pumps with inverter technology continuously adjust their output to maintain temperature efficiently, drawing minimal power when the desired temperature is reached.

During milder weather, the heat pump will cycle less frequently while still maintaining comfort.

For optimal efficiency, use programmable thermostats to reduce temperatures slightly during sleeping hours or when you're typically away, but avoid dramatic temperature swings. This approach maximizes efficiency, reduces wear on components, and ensures consistent comfort throughout your home while keeping running costs low. ...more

No, using a higher fan setting doesn't actually heat your room faster. The heat output of your heat pump is determined by the compressor and refrigerant system, not the fan speed. A stronger fan setting simply circulates the air more quickly, which might make you feel warmer sooner by moving warm air around the room, but it doesn't increase the actual heat being generated. In fact, using high fan settings continuously can be less efficient and noisier.

Modern heat pumps with inverter technology automatically adjust both compressor output and fan speed to heat your room efficiently. The best approach is to use the "auto" fan setting, which allows the heat pump to optimize fan speed based on the temperature difference between your room and your target temperature.

High fan settings are useful when you first enter a cold room to distribute existing warm air quickly, but once heating begins, auto or medium settings provide the best balance of comfort, efficiency, and noise levels.

Running fans at maximum speed also increases electricity consumption and wear on the motor without producing additional heat. ...more

A ground source heat pump (GSHP), also called a geothermal heat pump, extracts heat from the ground rather than the air. The ground maintains a consistent temperature of 10-15°C year-round, even when air temperatures fluctuate dramatically.

The system uses buried pipes (ground loops) filled with a water and antifreeze mixture that circulates underground, absorbing the earth's stable temperature. This heat is then compressed and upgraded to heat your home and provide hot water.

Ground source heat pumps are extremely efficient, achieving efficiency ratings of 300-400% compared to 200-300% for air source heat pumps. They work exceptionally well with underfloor heating and provide consistent performance even in very cold weather when air source heat pumps struggle.

Installation requires either horizontal trenches (needing significant garden space) or vertical boreholes (more compact but more expensive).

While initial costs are higher than air source systems, running costs are lower, and they're virtually maintenance-free with lifespans of 20-25 years for the heat pump and 50+ years for ground loops.

They're ideal for rural properties with adequate land and pair perfectly with solar panels for exceptional energy independence. ...more

Yes, heat pumps can definitely heat multiple rooms through several different approaches. Multi-split systems connect one outdoor unit to multiple indoor units (typically 2-8 units) installed in different rooms. Each indoor unit can be controlled independently, allowing different temperatures in each room based on individual preferences and usage patterns.

This is ideal for whole-house heating while maintaining zone control. Alternatively, ducted heat pump systems use a central indoor unit connected to ductwork that distributes heated or cooled air throughout your home via ceiling or floor vents.

Ducted systems are nearly invisible as only vent grilles are visible in each room, and they can heat entire homes efficiently. For hydronic heating, heat pumps can also supply heated water to underfloor heating systems or radiators throughout your property, providing excellent multi-room heating.

Single-room units can heat adjacent spaces if doors are left open, though this is less efficient and doesn't provide independent temperature control.

Multi-split and ducted systems require higher initial investment but offer superior comfort, efficiency, and control compared to multiple single units.

Professional design ensures proper sizing and zone configuration for optimal performance across all heated spaces. ...more