Underfloor Heating in South West London

There are two main types of underfloor heating systems:

• Water-fed (hydronic) UFH: Pipes beneath your floor carry heated water from your boiler or heat pump, providing efficient, even heat throughout your home. This system is ideal for larger areas or whole-house heating and works seamlessly with modern central heating setups.

• Electric UFH: Heating mats or cables are installed directly beneath the floor surface and are generally used for smaller areas or individual rooms. While effective, they are typically less energy-efficient for whole-home heating compared to water-fed systems.

At Russell Haskins, we specialise exclusively in water-fed (hydronic) UFH systems. We are trained to install, maintain, and repair these systems safely and efficiently.

Some of the key benefits of underfloor heating include:

• Even, comfortable heat: Warms the entire floor area for consistent warmth

• Energy efficient: Runs at lower water temperatures, reducing energy bills

• Space-saving: No wall-mounted radiators, giving more flexibility for furniture and décor

• Silent operation: Virtually noiseless compared to radiators or pumps

• Better air quality: Less convection reduces dust and allergens

• Compatible with modern systems: Works well with condensing boilers and heat pumps

And some of the drawbacks include:

• Higher installation costs: Especially for retrofits or larger areas.

• Slower to heat up: Takes longer to reach the desired temperature than radiators.

• Floor height changes: May require adjustments to doors, skirting boards, or thresholds.

• Retrofit challenges: Existing homes may need floor lifting or pipework modifications.

• Repair access: Pipes under floors can be harder to access, so planning and professional installation are essential.

Yes. Underfloor heating (UFH) can be retrofitted into existing properties, but there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. Installing UFH in a finished home can be more challenging than during renovations because it often requires lifting floors or adjusting existing pipework. We will carefully assess your floor type, insulation, and layout to recommend the most suitable solution. 

A few considerations to keep in mind include:

• Floor height changes: Installing UFH can slightly raise your floor, which may affect doors, skirting boards, or thresholds.

• Existing flooring compatibility: Certain floor types, like thick carpets or solid stone, may reduce heating efficiency if not addressed.

• System efficiency: Retrofitted systems may need additional insulation to ensure heat is distributed evenly and energy bills remain low.

• Access for repairs: Retrofit systems can be harder to access if pipes or manifolds need maintenance later, so proper planning is essential.

With 15+ years experience installing and repairing UFH across London homes, you can trust that we take all these variables into account so your water-fed underfloor heating system is installed safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to your home.

Installation time varies based on property size and system type. Water-fed systems take longer due to pipework and manifold setup. We provide clear timelines upfront so you know exactly what to expect.

Installing a water-fed (hydronic) UFH system involves several key steps to ensure safe, efficient, and long-lasting performance:

• Assessment & Planning: When we visit your home, we assess your floor type, insulation, and heating needs. Based on the room measurements and setup, we design a layout for the pipes, manifolds, and controls to deliver even heat across each room.
  
  

• Preparation: Floors are prepared by insulating the subfloor to prevent heat loss. Any adjustments to door heights or skirting boards are planned at this stage. The customer is responsible to ensure this is in place before we commence work.

• Pipe Installation: Water pipes are carefully laid according to the planned layout, usually in loops for even heat distribution. Manifolds are installed in a convenient location away from sight to control flow to different zones.

• Connection to Heating System: The UFH pipes are connected to your boiler or heat pump. Controls and thermostats are integrated to allow precise temperature regulation.

• System Testing: The system is tested for leaks, correct flow rates, and pressure.

• Handover & Instructions: We provide guidance on using thermostats and controls, and schedule any follow-up servicing to maintain performance.

Regular maintenance of your underfloor heating is key to its efficiency and longevity. For water-fed UFH, this includes:

• Annual servicing by a Gas Safe engineer like Russell Haskins

• Flushing the system to remove sludge and debris

• Checking thermostats and controls

• Inspecting manifolds and pumps

Proper maintenance prevents breakdowns, reduces energy costs, and keeps your system running smoothly. Call us now to book your underfloor heating check.

Yes. We can diagnose and repair faults in water-fed UFH systems, including leaks, pump issues, or uneven heating. If your system stops working, it’s important to call us immediately so our experienced plumbers and heating engineers can restore safe, reliable heating.

Yes. Most modern boilers can support water-fed UFH systems. Our engineers assess your current heating setup to ensure your boiler, controls, and underfloor system work together efficiently, providing reliable, cost-effective heating.