Common Questions

How do I know which of your underfloor heating systems is best for my property?

The choice of underfloor heating system and exact configuration takes into account many different factors, such as:

  • Size of room
  • Ceiling height
  • Number of windows and door size
  • Room layout
  • Sub-floor construction
  • Desired floor covering
  • Your budget
  • Heat source (e.g. gas boiler, heat pump etc.)

As part of a site survey, our experts will make detailed heat loss calculations for each room in your property, as each room is likely to present different challenges and have a different use.  We have a wide range of underfloor heating solutions available to suit every scenario.  Our experts will recommend the best solution for your needs and will design an installation plan which provides the desired level of heat output.

What happens during a site survey?

As part of a site survey, our experts will require access to all the areas you would like underfloor heated, plus your heat source and electrical circuit boards.

They will make detailed heat loss calculations for each room in your property, as each room is likely to present different challenges and have a different use. They will then take account many different factors affecting the choice of underfloor heating system, such as:

  • Size of room
  • Use of room
  • Ceiling height
  • Number of windows and door size
  • Room layout
  • Sub-floor construction
  • Desired floor covering
  • Your budget
  • Heat source (e.g. gas boiler, heat pump etc.)

We have a wide range of underfloor heating solutions available to suit every scenario.  Our experts use the information gathered during a site survey to recommend the best solution for your needs and design an installation plan which provides the desired level of heat output.

Is my boiler suitable for underfloor heating?

Our underfloor heating systems are compatible with gas, oil and LPG boilers.  They also work well with heat pumps.

For many customers, your existing boiler can be used to run underfloor heating. Our experts will assess the suitability of your boiler when they perform your free site survey.  In the event that your boiler needs upgrading before UFH can be installed, we will be happy to advise on the specification required and offer you a competitive quotation.

What floor finish is best with underfloor heating?

Cheshire Underfloor Heating systems work well with a wide range of floor coverings including: tiles, engineered wood, Karndean®, Amtico®, vinyl and even carpet.

Most popular floor coverings are suitable for underfloor heating, although some provide better heat transfer than others.

The most effective floor coverings for underfloor heating are hard surfaces such as stone or ceramic tiles. Tiles are the most thermally conductive floor finish, transferring heat from the underfloor heating to the surface of the floor quickly and with little resistance.

Although tile is the best choice, there are still many other options that work well and are regularly laid over an underfloor heating system including carpet, engineered wood, laminate and vinyl.

A range of quality floor finishes regularly used with underfloor heating systems are available via our partnership with Smithfields Flooring Studio. These include:

  • Ted Todd hardwood floors
  • Finest European Porcelain tiles sourced from Italy, Germany and Spain.

Our expert team will find the best match of underfloor heating system for your desired floor finish.

How long does underfloor heating take to warm up?

Retrofitted underfloor heating that sits on top of the room floor warms up quickly, similar to a traditional radiator central heating system. Underfloor heating set within a screed can take longer to heat initially but retains heat longer, and is easily programmed to provide the right amount of heat exactly when needed.

How is my underfloor heating controlled?

Our underfloor heating systems put your environment fully under your control with digital timers and programmable thermostats.  We can offer wireless controllers and even an app to let you operate your heating remotely.

As your property can be split into separate underfloor heating zones, you will be able to operate each zone independently via a central controller.

Full user guides are provided and our installers will configure your system to meet your requirements.

WarmUp Thermostat
What do I need to do to prepare my property before the installers arrive?

When we survey your property, we will advise on the preparations you need to make. You are responsible for clearing belongings and furniture out of the room in question, although sometimes large items can remain.

If you are unable to move large and heavy items yourself, we will move the items on your behalf at extra cost.

Are you able to recommend other contractors to help me complete my project if needed?

Yes. Over the years we have built strong relationships with many local contractors, builders, developers and architects, and will be happy to recommend someone suitable who works to the same high standards as we do.  For floor coverings we work in partnership with Smithfields, based in Stockton Heath, Warrington.  If you don’t already have a provider for your floor covering, they will be happy to provide you with a quote.

Underfloor heating in room setting

What guarantees do you offer?

All our installation work is guaranteed for a period of 6 months.

Our underfloor heating is maintenance-free and will continue to work at maximum efficiency with minimal intervention.  In the unlikely event that you experience any problems, we are a small local business who value our customers, and are always happy to help with any system we have fitted!  Unfortunately we're unable to service or maintain underfloor heating that hasn't been fitted by us.

All our products are sourced from reliable manufacturers offering solid guarantees:

Warmup Guarantee Information

Warmup provide a dedicated customer helpline for after-sales support, plus the following guarantees:

Warmup® Loose Wire, StickyMat, DCM-PRO, Inscreed Cable & PEX-A Systems carry a Lifetime Warranty for greater peace of mind.

A Lifetime Warranty upgrade is available on the 4iE Smart WiFi Thermostat, 3iE Energy-Monitor Thermostat and Tempo Digital Programmable Thermostat.


Rest assured, you are installing the very best. Warmup is the only underfloor heating company whose products are European compliant, CE marked and accredited by all these independent institutions. In addition, we are members of BEAMA, CIBSE, RIBA, and TTA.

18th Edition Approved. All Warmup products comply with 18th Edition of the IET Electrical Requirements BS7671.

How do I calculate the floor space to be heated?
  1. Measure the floor in the room If you have a room that is 5m x 3m, you simply multiply these numbers to give you the square meter area of the room. e.g. 5m x 3m = 15m2 

  2. Work out area space that will be covered by furniture Measure any furniture that will be sitting on your floor – i.e. kitchen units, refrigerators and work out their size in square meters (a fridge might be W59.5cm x D66.8cm = 1.07m2).
    e.g. Fridge = 1.07m2, kitchen units = 4m2 

  3. Calculate the final floor area to be heated Take your total floor area from step 1 and remove the area from step 2 that you have calculated and you should be left with the final floor space available for heating.
    e.g. 15m2 – (1.07m2 + 4m2) = 9.93m2 

  4. Calculate floor space for your tubing, cable or mat Now that you have the total floor space available, you need to work out the 80-90% area to allow for the gap between the walls and the floor.
    e.g. 80% of 9.93m2 = 7.94m2
Are you able to recommend other contractors to help me complete my project if needed?

Yes. Over the years we have built strong relationships with many local contractors, builders, developers and architects, and will be happy to recommend someone suitable who works to the same high standards as we do.  For floor coverings we work in partnership with Smithfields, based in Stockton Heath, Warrington.  If you don’t already have a provider for your floor covering, they will be happy to provide you with a quote.

Underfloor heating under a wood floor finish

How soon after installing underfloor heating can floor covering be laid?

For most retrofitted, floating and first floor underfloor heating systems, you can fit floor coverings immediately after installation or the very next day. This is because there are no wet screeds or compounds that need time to dry.

For screed flooring systems, typically used for new builds, it is important to wait until the screed is completely dry before laying any floor coverings over the top. Screed tends to dry at a rate of 1mm per day, meaning a delay of between 40-60 days depending on thickness.

What if my property requires a non-standard solution?

We feel confident that our wide range of underfloor heating systems will suit the vast majority of installation requirements.  Our priority is always finding the best solution for you and your property.

What if my underfloor heating stops working?

Underfloor heating is largely maintenance free, but if you do have problems and if your system is still under warranty, we will visit your property and fix things free of charge.  For systems not under warranty, we are still happy to help at additional cost.

We regret we're unable to maintain or fix underfloor heating systems that have not been fitted by us.

What if I need to change my boiler after installation?

The performance of your underfloor heating is dependent on your boiler.  If the performance or specification of your boiler is sub-standard, this will have a detrimental effect on your heating.

As underfloor heating installers, we are not responsible for the performance of your boiler, but if you need to, or are considering a change of boiler, our customer service team will be happy to advise on a suitable replacement and offer you a competitive quotation.

What if after installation my underfloor heating gets damaged? How do I get it repaired?

If your underfloor heating is damaged, whether it’s a wet or dry heating system, it should be possible to repair it.  Contact us to book a site visit from one of our experts who will provide a quotation for the repair.

How do I pay for my new underfloor heating system?

You can either pay in advance or in stage payments, with the final payment becoming due when our work has been completed and signed off by you.