Key Takeaways:
- Not doing proper research on the floor system is a mistake people make when installing heated floors.
- Using the wrong flooring material is another mistake that can be made.
- Overlooking underlayment is something homeowners often do, which can lead to an unsuccessful installation.
- Make sure the heating system is sized correctly- too small, and there won’t be enough heat; too big, and it will be a waste of energy.
- The temperature settings must be correct, or else it could cause damage to the system itself.
- Not making sure of the suitability of the electric circuit ahead of time could also lead to problems down the road.
- Heating cables should not be installed too close to walls- 5-8cm away is ideal.
Installing heated flooring may be an excellent way to add comfort and elegance to any house. It’s an appealing feature that will improve the look of your home while also saving you money on energy costs in the long term. However, people make some common mistakes when installing heated floors, and it’s important to avoid them if you want your installation to be successful.
This blog post by Daigle Plumbing, Heating & Cooling will discuss seven mistakes you should avoid when installing heated floors in your new construction.
Mistake 01: Not Doing Proper Research on The Floor System
The first mistake people make when installing heated floors in their homes is not researching the floor system they plan on using. Many people don’t realize that several heated floor systems are available today. From underfloor radiant heating systems, electric radiant heating systems, hydronic heating systems, and even infrared heating panels – there’s a wide variety of options for you to choose from, and each has its setup process. Researching and understanding each type is essential before any installation begins.
Mistake 02: Using the Wrong Flooring Material
The second mistake people often make when installing heated floors is using the wrong flooring material. Not all flooring materials are suitable for a heated floor system – some materials are too thick or dense for efficient heat transfer. For example, electric underfloor heating is common with tiled floors, but heated wood floors and even heated carpet floors are becoming popular. Be sure to research ahead of time to know which type of material will work best with your chosen system and provide aesthetic appeal and optimal warmth throughout your space!
Mistake 03: Overlooking Underlayment
Another mistake homeowners make when installing heated floors is overlooking underlayment. Underlayment is important because it helps protect your floor from moisture damage. It allows the heat from the floor heating system to transfer more efficiently into your flooring material. Without an appropriately sized layer of underlayment, your heated floor won’t work as well as it should. So be sure to include this critical step in your installation process!
Mistake 05: Inadequate Heating System Sizing
Heated floors should be sized correctly to ensure that they provide the right amount of heat for your space. If it is too small, it may not provide enough warmth and could lead to inefficient energy use. On the other hand, if it is too large, you may waste energy and money. Make sure to measure the size of your space accurately before making any decisions.
Mistake 04: Cutting The Heating Cable
Electric underfloor heating cable becomes heated because it resists the passage of power, unlike conventional electric cables. This resistance causes heat. Most manufacturers build electric underfloor heating cables to have precise resistance to create the appropriate quantity of heat over the whole length. So, if you cut the cable, the resistance decreases, and the heater stops working!
Additionally, cutting the heating cable voids your lifetime guarantee, so avoiding this costly mistake is best.
Mistake 05: Incorrect Temperature Settings
Once your new heated floors are installed, it’s important to set the temperature correctly, so they don’t get too hot. This can be done using an adjustable thermostat or an infrared thermometer on the floor. Setting the temperature above the limit can lead to discomfort and potential damage to the heating system itself, so it’s important to get this right.
Mistake 05: Not Making Sure Of The Suitability Of The Electric Circuit
If you plan to install an electric underfloor heating system, ensure your current circuit can handle the load. Since an electric underfloor heating system consumes a significant amount of current, ensure that the entire load of the electric heated floors does not exceed the total load capacity of the electrical circuit.
For example, a 10A electric heated floor system must be linked to the mains through a 16A thermostat and a 13A fused spur. In addition, the electrical supply should be secured by a 30mA RCD, and capacity for the increased load demand of the electric underfloor heating should be available at the MCB in the consumer unit.
Mistake 06: Heating Cable Too Close to Walls
The electric underfloor heating coils should be installed at least 5-8cm away from the walls to avoid heat loss. Heating cables closer to the walls will usually overheat and lead to inefficiency of floor heating. Installers need to measure the distance accurately and ensure that it does not interfere with other construction works.
Mistake 07: Not Testing the System After Installation
Once all the components have been installed and connected correctly, you must test the system and ensure everything is working properly before using it regularly. This includes testing all connections between components and the actual temperature output of the system to ensure that everything is working as expected and at optimal performance levels.
Ending Note:
Knowing which mistakes to avoid when installing heated floors can help ensure that your project is successful from start to finish without any unexpected problems or costs along the way.
Choose The Professionals!
Heated floor installation is not a DIY job, so it’s important to hire reliable professionals experienced in this type of project. Heating systems can be complicated, and the possibility of poor wiring or equipment failure is too high. You should also ask your contractor for references from other projects they have completed.
Daigle Plumbing Heating & Cooling is your one-stop shop in Pelham for all your heating, cooling, and plumbing requirements. We discover the most cost-effective solutions to heat and cool your facility while keeping your budget in mind.
