PHAM NEWS | JULY/AUGUST 2026 HeatingControls 27


Selecting controls for underfl oor heating


Controls play a major role in whether an underfl oor heating system feels comfortable, runs effi ciently and is easy to use. Here, Greg Cooper from Ambiente explains why installers should treat controls as an essential part of the design rather than an add-on.


U


nderfl oor heating is now a familiar choice for low-temperature heating, particularly where projects are


designed around condensing boilers, heat pumps or future heat pump compatibility. With the Future Homes Standard moving new build towards low- carbon heating as the default, this low-temperature capability is increasingly central to how systems are specifi ed. Its ability to deliver even radiant heat at lower fl ow temperatures makes it well-suited to energy- conscious homes, while low- profi le systems have opened up more retrofi t opportunities. However, everyday performance depends on getting the controls right from the outset. Eff ective controls allow


each room or area to be heated according to occupancy, fl oor construction and user preference. For installers, this is worth explaining clearly at handover, as UFH should not be used like a radiator system with repeated full ‘on’ and ‘off ’ cycles. Instead, well-programmed setback periods and properly positioned thermostats help maintain comfort levels while avoiding unnecessary energy use. The key is homeowner


education. Radiators can warm in minutes, whereas UFH within a screed fl oor can take hours to warm up. Clear explanations at commissioning can prevent callbacks caused by unrealistic


expectations or poorly adjusted schedules. As a rule of thumb, installers


can advise homeowners to set ‘off ’ periods around 4°C lower than ‘on’ periods. This keeps the fl oor close to operating temperature, reducing warm-up time and helping the system respond smoothly when heat is required.


Greg Cooper Product development director at Ambiente


Early planning The thermostat is the main component for controlling UFH, normally positioned in each heating zone. It monitors the air temperature and signals when heat is required. For best performance, the


thermostat should be located within the zone it controls, away from draughts, direct sunlight and other heat sources, unless a remote air or fl oor sensor is used. A fl oor sensor also does more


Well-programmed setback periods and properly positioned


thermostats help maintain comfort levels while avoiding unnecessary energy use


than control temperature. Setting a maximum fl oor temperature protects heat- sensitive fi nishes such as engineered wood and LVT, which manufacturers often limit to around 27°C at the surface, and keeps fl oors within comfortable limits (commonly cited as up to 29°C in occupied areas). This helps avoid both callbacks and fi nish damage. In bathrooms and wet areas,


mains-voltage controls must not be installed in restricted zones, so the thermostat is typically mounted outside the room while a remote sensor probe monitors


fl oor or air temperature within the space. Planning this early avoids compromises once fi rst- fi x wiring is complete.


Smart without complexity Homeowners increasingly expect connected control, but they also want systems that are straightforward to use. Digital thermostats with programmable schedules, setback functions, fl oor sensor options and clear displays can make UFH easier to live with, while reducing post- installation support calls. A practical alternative to


a full BMS control solution, our LunaStat V2 can be used where the necessary wiring is in place. Where cabling is more challenging, wireless and app-enabled options such as LunaTouch Wi-Fi off er fl exibility. Compatible with 230V


systems, LunaTouch Wi-Fi provides programmable, non-programmable, timer and setback modes, with internal air sensing and optional fl oor sensor capability. It can also be controlled via the Smart Life app and supports voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.


Beyond the thermostat While thermostats are the customer-facing part of UFH, the wiring centre is the installer’s control hub. It brings thermostats, actuators, pump, valve and heat source enable signal together, so selecting the right wiring centre is important for neat installation, reliable operation and straightforward fault-fi nding. Ambiente’s UB10Spin is a


10-zone, 230V wiring centre for water UFH systems, designed to connect thermostats, actuators and system components in one organised unit. Its pump exercising feature allows the installer to select how often the pump runs during periods of inactivity, helping reduce the


risk of seized pumps when the heating season begins. Zone 10 can also be used for non-UFH zones, such as radiators or towel rails. Flow balancing is also worth


considering, particularly on multi-loop systems. Poor balancing can cause uneven heat distribution, longer commissioning times and customer complaints. Intelligent self-balancing technology can help, particularly on retrofi t projects where original design information may be limited. A solution such as AmbiEgo


uses intelligent self-balancing actuator heads to help deliver the right fl ow to each room at the right time. By assessing demand across the system and responding automatically, it can reduce manual balancing and help maintain consistent room temperatures after commissioning. When the thermostats,


wiring centre and handover are all thought through properly, intelligent balancing gives installers a better chance of leaving behind a UFH system that works as intended and is easy for homeowners to live with. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/726/62


CUT TO THE CHASE


 Plan controls alongside the UFH layout, heat source and floor construction


 Use zoning to match heat output to the room in use, occupancy and homeowner expectations


 Choose controls that are smart enough for remote access, but simple enough for everyday use


 Make handover part of the job, explaining setback temperatures, warm-up times and schedules


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