Underfloor heating systems are a popular and efficient way to heat a home or commercial space. However, like any mechanical system, they can occasionally suffer from faults and issues. Learn about some potential faults that can arise in underfloor heating systems, as well as how to perform some basic fault-finding tasks.

What are potential faults that could arise in an Underfloor Heating System?

One of the most common faults that can arise in underfloor heating systems is a loss of heat or uneven heating. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including clogged or blocked pipes, damaged heating elements, or faulty thermostats. 

How to Perform an Air Check on UFH System 

To diagnose this problem, you can perform an air check on the system. To do this, turn off the power to the system and open the air vent or bleed valve on the manifold. Listen for air escaping from the pipes, and if you hear a hissing noise, there may be air trapped in the system. You can then use a bleed key to release the air and restore the system’s efficiency.

How to Perform a Pump Speed Check on an Underfloor Heating System 

Another common fault that can arise in underfloor heating systems is a failure of the circulation pump. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty pump, clogged pipes, or low water pressure. To diagnose this problem, you can perform a pump speed check. To do this, turn off the power to the system and locate the pump. Use a multimeter to measure the voltage and current at the pump, and compare these readings to the manufacturer’s specifications. If the readings are outside of the specified range, the pump may be faulty and should be replaced.

How to Check Your UFH Mixing Valve Settings

In addition to these problems, underfloor heating systems can also suffer from issues with the mixing valve and room thermostat. The mixing valve controls the water temperature in the system, and if it is set incorrectly or is faulty, it can cause the system to overheat or underheat. To diagnose this problem, you can check the mixing valve settings and fitting. Make sure that the valve is properly seated and that the temperature setting is within the manufacturer’s recommended range. If the valve is faulty, it may need to be replaced.

How Does My Underfloor Heating System Thermostat Work?

An underfloor heating system typically uses a room thermostat to control the temperature of the heated floor. The thermostat is typically mounted on a wall and allows the user to set a desired room temperature. The thermostat then sends a signal to the underfloor heating system to turn on or off as needed to maintain the desired temperature.

The flow temperature of the underfloor heating system is the temperature of the heated water as it flows through the pipes that make up the underfloor heating system. This temperature is typically set by the thermostat and is based on the desired room temperature. The flow temperature can be adjusted to provide more or less heat, depending on the needs of the space.

How To Check Your Underfloor Heating System Thermostat And Flow Temperature

If there is a fault with the underfloor heating system’s room thermostat or flow temperature, it can cause a variety of problems. For example, if the thermostat is not functioning properly, it may not accurately measure the room temperature and may not be able to turn the underfloor heating system on or off as needed to maintain the desired temperature. This can result in the space being too hot or too cold.

If there is a problem with the flow temperature, it can also affect the performance of the underfloor heating system. For example, if the flow temperature is too low, the underfloor heating system may not be able to provide enough heat to adequately warm the space. Similarly, if the flow temperature is too high, it can cause the system to overheat and may even damage the pipes or other components of the underfloor heating system.

WarmFloors are here to help

If you suspect that there is a fault with your underfloor heating system, it is recommended that you contact a qualified heating technician to diagnose and repair the problem. It is important to address any issues with your underfloor heating system as soon as possible to ensure that it is working properly and efficiently. Contact our team to discuss annual maintenance contracts or on-demand UFH diagnostics and repairs.