UNDERFLOOR HEATING Auckland

Underfloor Central Heating – Pros & Cons

✅ Advantages

Even Heat Distribution
Delivers a consistent temperature across the entire floor area—no hot or cold spots.
Energy Efficient Once Heated
Lower running costs once the system reaches operating temperature.
Quiet & Comfortable
No fans, no ducts, and no air movement—providing a peaceful, draft-free environment.
Space-Saving
Heating system is hidden beneath the floor—no bulky radiators or vents taking up wall or floor space.
Healthier Indoor Air Quality
No circulation of airborne dust or allergens—ideal for allergy sufferers and families.
Flexible Integration
Can be paired with other systems like radiators, convectors, or domestic hot water setups.
Zoned Temperature Control
Perfect for homes with multiple rooms—easily controlled manually or electronically.

⚠️ Considerations

Slow Response Time
Takes longer to heat up or cool down compared to radiators or ducted systems.
Flooring Limitations
Certain floor types (like thick carpets or timber) may reduce heat transfer efficiency.
Permanent Installation
Once installed, layout changes are limited—future floor penetrations (e.g., for plumbing) must be carefully planned.
Requires Full Slab Insulation
Proper insulation beneath the slab is essential for optimal performance.
Temperature-Specific Operation
Operates at low water temperatures—additional controls may be needed when combined with radiators or hot water systems.
Unregulated Industry in NZ
Not a licensed trade in New Zealand, making it important to choose experienced, qualified installers to avoid poor workmanship.

Radiator Central Heating Solutions

Water In-Floor Heating Systems

Water in-floor heating systems use durable plastic pipes (cross-linked polyethylene) arranged in circuits beneath your floor—either embedded within a slab or laid in a floor screed. Warm water circulates through these pipes at a lower temperature than traditional heating systems, providing even heat distribution across the entire heated area.

This method creates a gentle, radiant warmth that heats the room from the floor up, warming your feet first and then your whole body. Unlike forced air systems, heated floors act like a large radiator, delivering consistent, comfortable heat to all objects and people in the space.

Heat Sources for Underfloor Heating Systems

Euro Plumbing recommends several efficient heat sources to power your underfloor heating system, including:

Gas Boilers: LPG and natural gas system boilers with condensing technology are highly recommended for their efficiency and reliability.
Diesel Boilers: Ideal for rural or off-grid locations, offering robust and efficient heating.
Hydronic Heat Pumps: Energy-saving solutions that can supply both heating and hot water needs.
Solar or Solar-Assisted Systems: Solar collectors combined with one of the above heat sources for sustainable heating options.
Oil-Fired Burners: Including vaporising and forced draught types, suitable for specific applications.

For tailored advice on the best underfloor or radiator heating system for your home, contact Euro Plumbing’s experts today.

Pipe Repair Service – $399 (GST Included)*

Accidentally damaged an underfloor heating pipe? Don’t worry—Euro Plumbing has the specialised skills and experience to locate, expose, and repair underfloor heating pipes efficiently and with minimal disruption.

What’s Included:

Precise concrete cutting and careful exposure of the damaged pipe section
Draining the heating system and protecting it from ingress during repair
Repair using specialised joiners designed for hydronic systems
Electrolysis protection to prevent future corrosion
Re-pressurisation and commissioning to ensure your system runs perfectly

*System servicing is not included but can be added at a discounted rate of $149.

Which Hydronic System is Right for You?

When building a new home with a solid concrete floor, you can choose between underfloor heating, radiators, or a combination of both. For retrofits, underfloor heating is often not feasible, so radiators are usually the preferred option.

Both systems provide excellent comfort and have similar installation costs. Underfloor heating offers the unique benefit of warm floors, while radiators heat up quickly and respond faster to temperature changes.

Underfloor Heating:
More energy-efficient when run continuously throughout the heating season, with temperature reductions during night or absence. It takes longer to heat up but costs less per hour of operation.
Radiator Heating:
Heats rooms quickly and can be turned on and off as needed, making it ideal for intermittent use.

Good design is crucial, especially with New Zealand’s typical concrete floor slabs, to ensure effective control and efficiency. Radiators can be challenging to position in open-plan spaces with large windows, while split systems combining underfloor and radiator heating often work best in two-storey or open-plan homes.

Euro Plumbing offers expert advice and detailed design assistance to help you choose and install the most effective system for your lifestyle and home layout.

For more information or to book a repair, contact us at 0800 TEAM EURO or email quotes@europlumbing.co.nz.