FAQ

What is 'hydronic' central heating?

Hydronic' central heating is using hot water as a means to warm your home. Water is heated using a specific heat source e.g. an Air-to-Water Heat Pump. The hot water then flows through a series of pipes and heats the home via radiators or underfloor heating (pipework embedded in the concrete slab).

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What are the benefits of central heating?

• Control
  With central heating, you can set specific temperatures, at specific times to ensure your heating is exactly how you want it. The heating can be controlled remotely and zones controlled independently which reduces running costs.

• Ambient heat
  Hydronic heating works by radiating heat from a concrete slab or radiator panel. This means the fabric of the building is actually being heated rather than just the air. This heat is stored in the thermal mass of the building making the heating much more efficient and the house more comfortable.

• Quiet & healthy
  With a conventional heat pump, air is circulated around the home with potential for dust, pollen etc. to also be transferred. With hydronic heating the heating is all contained within pipework, no fans required. It is a great option for people with allergies and also makes it much quieter.

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Can central heating be retro-fitted?

Radiators can be retrofitted within an existing home, but as the pipework is installed behind the walls, some interior lining (gib etc.) will need to be removed and remedial building work required post-installation. The pipework for hydronic underfloor heating is normally installed within the concrete slab but there are systems that can be installed on top of an existing slab so it is possible to retrofit. It does raise the floor height though. 

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Does underfloor heating work with any flooring type?

​Most floor finishes are suitable for use with Underfloor Heating. Different floor finishes have different levels of thermal conductivity. This means that some finishes will allow the heat to pass through better than others.

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What does central heating cost to run?

All central heating systems vary significantly in cost to run depending on the way they are used and other heat loss factors e.g. insulation, glazing, positioning. Once we understand all components of your build and heating design then we can give you a better idea of the running cost.

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How do I know which system is right for my home?

It comes down to a few factors - how you want your heating to 'feel' e.g. radiant or intense, how often you want the heating to run, heat loss factors within your home, how you want to control your system and your budget. Once we've had a chat, we can let you know what system we think will meet your expectations the best. 

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Does central heating need ongoing maintenance?

The heat source (air-to-water heat pump) requires a yearly service to ensure it is running at optimum efficiency and to uphold the product warranty. We provide each of our clients with a heating manual which details your systems maintenance requirements and basic troubleshooting. 12 Months after completion we offer a FREE service so we can fine tune any settings and make sure the system is setup to run in the most efficient way for your needs.

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Does underfloor heating cause rooms to overheat on sunny days?

​Underfloor can have a tendency to cause overheating in the spring and autumn. Even once the heating has switched off, the slab will continue to radiate heat. This combined with the solar gain from large windows can cause over heating. This effect can be minimised by setting a lower temperature in the morning which switches the heating off sooner and reduces the overheating in the afternoon.

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Is central heating environmentally friendly?

Being environmentally friendly is a key awareness for us. An Air-To-Water heat pump is considered an environmentally friendly heat source, using minimal electricity to generate hot water without burning any fuel.

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Can a home be future proofed for central heating?

Yes, it is possible to future proof for underfloor central heating. Underfloor pipework can be laid in the slab but not connected to a heat source. We can also allow to future proof for additional thermostats by running electrical cable within the walls.

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Can heating systems also cool in the summer?

Some of the systems we install can also provide cooling through through the slab. It is not as effective as air conditioning and will not reduce the air temperature in the room by much. It does however provide a mellow background cooling which makes the space more comfortable. Some fan assisted radiators can also provide light cooling.

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