common questions
thinking of in-slab underfloor heating?
If you want your underfloor heating installed in the concrete slab of your new build or extension, this needs to be designed in at the drawing stage.
The thickness of the slab needs to be increased to accommodate the piping.
Sometimes the builders think they know the requirements but actually don't and the Client ends up without the underfloor they wanted.
We have been called in a number of times when the slab has already been poured. There is then not sufficient depth to make it an in-screed (rather than in-slab) installation and the underfloor cannot be installed.
Please call for more information if you are thinking of in-slab underfloor heating.
how does hydronic heating work?
A hydronic heating system consists of five components:
The boiler heats water to a thermostatically controlled temperature. Boilers can use natural gas, LPG, off-peak electricity, or can be wood fired.
The piping, usually made of copper/plastic or multilayer and carries the heated water from the boiler to the radiators/ convectors, and back again for reheating.
A pump circulates the water through the piping.
Radiators or convectors transfer the heat into the room (several types of radiators and convectors are available).
Programmable wall thermostats ideally control the heat levels (or room temperature) to optimise comfort throughout the house.
how do you ensure that you get the best heating results?
Getting quotes for a hydronic heating system can be confusing with large ranges in estimates. To ensure you are getting a system that will give you years of hassle-free warmth, ensure that you consider:
The manufacturer and size of the boiler
The make of the pipe and fittings (good quality heating pipe such as Rehau should be used)
The number and size of the radiators
The positioning of the radiators
Many installers do not perform heat calculations to ensure radiators are sized for the volume and use of the room.
Do you have to use a licensed plumber and gas-fitter in NSW?
Surprisingly the answer is "No", apart from the gas and water connections to the main supply. Those can only be done by a licensed practitioner.
However, it is highly recommended that you do use a licensed installer as too often we have been called to rectify jobs where the installers have not had a thorough knowledge of hydronics and heat calculations