Surprisingly, the answer is "No", apart from the gas and water connections to the main supply, which can only be done by a licensed practitioner. However, it is highly recommended to use a licensed installer. We have often been called to rectify jobs where the installers lacked thorough knowledge of hydronics and heat calculations.

If you want your underfloor heating installed in the concrete slab of your new build or extension, it needs to be designed at the drawing stage. The slab's thickness must be increased to accommodate the piping. Sometimes builders think they know the requirements but actually don't, resulting in the client not getting the underfloor heating they wanted. We have been called in several times after the slab has been poured, only to find insufficient depth for an in-screed (rather than in-slab) installation, making underfloor heating installation impossible. Please call for more information if you are considering in-slab underfloor heating.

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 be wood-fired. The piping, usually made of copper/plastic or multilayer, 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 optimize comfort throughout the house.

Getting quotes for a hydronic heating system can be confusing due to the wide range of estimates. To ensure you get a system that provides years of hassle-free warmth, consider the following: 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, and 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.