Underfloor heating advice

[Dan Vittori]

Hi there

We have moved recently and will be undertaking a major refurbishment project involving small extensions on sides but complete renovation internally. Currently awaiting planning approval and finalising the scope.

One thing we would like to do is put wet underfloor heating and unvented water storage tank with a new boiler. Downstairs will be roughly 115 sqm with all porcelain floor tiles and would need 8-9 loops to keep to 100m maximum pipe lengths. First floor would need 4 loops to cover 3 bedrooms and family bathroom (total 48 sqm) with laminated flooring except bathroom. The boiler and manifold will be located in the understair cupboard but water tank will be in utility area few metres away.

Have got many queries but starting with the basics
1. Any special consideration for WUH on first floor. Thinking of overboard type (gypsum boards)
2. Will a single 12 port manifold be sufficient for both floors or can I split and put a secondary manifold upstairs in airing cubboard.
3. Builder has casually suggested to install a second boiler upstairs just to cover first floor heating. Is it a good idea?
4. Read somewhere that someone has installed the heating system with on-off switches only and have not bothered to install thermostats for various zones. Is it a good idea as this system is slow to warm up and retains heat for longer.
5. Any advice regarding selection of WUH system or products
6. Any recommendations regarding boiler make and size

Thanks in advance
Dan

 

[muggles]

1 - only that you can't take the floors up in the future. If you need access into there for whatever reason, it's a case of pulling ceilings down.

2 - best practice is one manifold per floor

3 - don't consult builders about heating systems, they know the square root of feck all. You need a heating engineer.

4 - sounds like the kind of thing a builder would do. See Point 3

5 - NuHeat are great, a bit more expensive but unrivalled backup on the phone. Comes with all the installation diagrams you could possibly need, and crucially all the kit as well - some apparently cheaper systems have essential components as "optional extras".

6 - Intergas, sized correctly for the required heat load in your house and fitted using the on-board hot water priority functionality. PS, Joule Cyclone are excellent unvented cylinders