Had a job last winter where the underfloor heating just wouldn’t get warm, and the homeowner was convinced it was a major leak. Turned out, the air in the system was the real culprit—nobody had bled it since installation. Once we sorted that, it worked fine, but I kept thinking about how much hassle it’d be if there actually was a leak under all that tile. Honestly, for new builds it’s probably worth it, but retrofitting? I’d think twice unless you’re ready for some serious disruption.
Been there, done that—air in the lines is way more common than folks think. You handled it right. Honestly, underfloor heating is fantastic when it works, but you’re spot on about leaks… tracking one down under finished tile is a nightmare. For new builds, yeah, it makes sense. Retrofitting? Only if you’re ready to rip things up and deal with surprises. I’ve seen too many jobs where a small issue turns into a big mess. Worth it for some, but not for everyone.
Retrofitting? Only if you’re ready to rip things up and deal with surprises.
That’s exactly my worry. The cost of tearing up floors just to maybe find a leak or fix a line seems wild. Has anyone actually saved money on heating bills after all that? I keep hearing about “efficiency,” but does it really offset the upfront mess and expense? I’d rather stick with radiators unless there’s some huge benefit I’m missing.
Honestly, I get where you’re coming from. I’ve seen folks go through the hassle of ripping up floors, only to find old pipes that need replacing or insulation that’s just not up to snuff. Sometimes the efficiency gains are real, especially in open-plan spaces, but if your radiators are working fine and your bills aren’t sky-high, the payback can take years. Have you checked if your current system could be tweaked for better efficiency? Sometimes balancing radiators or adding smart controls does more than people expect...
I’m totally with you on this—ripping up perfectly good floors just to chase a bit of extra efficiency feels risky, especially if you’re not sure what’s lurking underneath. I’ve heard horror stories about folks finding ancient wiring or even asbestos. Honestly, I’d rather stick with radiators and invest in a few smart valves or a decent thermostat. Less mess, less stress, and way less chance of accidentally turning my living room into a construction site. If it ain’t broke...
